Wings of the World: Formative Evaluation Report

With funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) Museums for America program, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Zoo) undertook a process of improving the interpretive experience of its Wings of the World exhibit. This effort seeks to enhance families’ connections to nature and inspire them to become better bird neighbors, which is in direct alignment with the Zoo’s strategic planning.

In collaboration with the Zoo, the Lifelong Learning Group (LLG) conducted a formative evaluation. Formative evaluation was framed by an overarching question: does Wings of the World facilitate learning and connecting with nature through family interactions? The purpose of this formative study was to look for ways to increase the effectiveness of the exhibit components in achieving interpretive outcomes, to identify possible messages and activities that resonate among visitors, and to inform ongoing internal efforts of enhancing intergenerational learning.