Who are We Missing, and Now What? A Demographic Study of Planetarium Visitors and Next Steps for the Field – Reimagining Equity and Values in Informal Science Education

September 22nd, 2022 | EVALUATION

This study collected data from seven planetarium email lists (one per planetarium regional organization in the United States), as well as online survey panel data from residents in each area, to describe and compare those who do and do not visit planetariums. The results confirmed broad patterns found in studies of other informal learning institutions in that planetarium visitors were likely to be affluent, highly educated, and white. Interest in science was moderate to high for visitors and non-visitors alike. Intersectional groups were created to narrow understanding of non-visitors, in particular, focusing on combinations on gender, race/ethnicity, and interest in science. Recommendations are made for how to expand these results through both additional study and by creating community partnerships to foster welcoming environments for a wide range of community members.

Document

Peterman-et-al.-Who-Are-We-Missing.pdf

https://z.umn.edu/peterman

Team Members

Karen Peterman, Author, Catalyst Consulting Group
Keshia Martin, Author, Catalyst Consulting Group
Jane Robertson Evia, Author, Virginia Tech
Sally Brummel, Co-Principal Investigator, Bell Museum, University of Minnesota
Holly L. Menninger, Principal Investigator, Bell Museum, University of Minnesota

Citation

Publication: The Planetarian
Volume: 51
Number: 3
Page(s): 10-12, 14-19, 43

Funders

Funding Source: NASA
Funding Program: Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II)
Award Number: 80NSSC20M0028
Funding Amount: 863,331

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