Science + You Summative Evaluation Report of Findings, November 2011

Science + You, an 11-component, immersive traveling exhibit developed by Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago (KCM) in conjunction with scientists at Abbott, a global health care company, with support from the Abbott Fund, opened to the public on July 19, 2011. Aimed at children ages 3 through 8 and the adults who accompany them, Science + You offers visitors opportunities to investigate, experiment, and understand how science and scientists approach and solve problems related to human health and nutrition. Blue Scarf Consulting, LLC, has conducted two phases of evaluation: a post-installation, remedial evaluation (August 2011) and a summative evaluation (September-November 2011). Key findings from the remedial evaluation suggested that visitors were satisfied with their Science + You experience and understood all of the overarching concepts on which the exhibit is based. Visitors’ perceptions of the various concepts presented were fairly on target and the majority found the information and activities engaging, interactive, and enjoyable. The summative evaluation focused on answer the following questions: • How and to what degree do families use the exhibit? • How do families’ experiences in Science + You influence their post-visit intentions and actions? • How and to what degree does Science + You immediately resonate with children? The appendix of this report includes an observation instrument, training protocol, online survey, and collage scoring rubric.