Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Summative

Summative Evaluation: Q?rius

January 1, 2014 | Exhibitions
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) contracted Randi Korn & Associates, Inc. (RK&A) to conduct a multi-method summative evaluation of Q?rius, an interactive and experimental learning space that brings the unique assets of NMNH—the science, researchers, and collections—out from behind the scenes. Q?rius is designed as a flexible space for walk-in visitors visiting exhibitions at the Museum as well as a program space. Given the breadth of experiences available in the space, the scope of the evaluation specifically targeted walk-in youth and adult visitors to Q?rius. At the beginning of the project, RK&A facilitated a workshop with NMNH staff to identify the outcomes (intended results of Q?rius on walk-in visitors) as well as the indicators (specific evidence to indicate achievement of an outcome). Outcomes and indicators became the foundation for the evaluation and data collection instruments for each of the four methodologies were developed around them. The four methodologies employed are complementary and include: timing and tracking observations, ethnographies, interviews, and questionnaires.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Headshot Amanda
    Evaluator
    Randi Korn & Associates
  • Citation

    Discipline: Life science | Nature of science
    Audience: Families | Middle School Children (11-13) | Youth/Teen (up to 17) | Adults | General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.