Objective
The researchers from RK&A were tasked to find if the programs funded by the NOAA at the Science Museum of Virginia had been successful in achieving the goals set by the museum for each program. the programs included a video, event, program, and lecture series.
Methods
RK&A observed each of the programs and interviewed 52 participants and 5 staff members.
Conclusions
RK&a found that the programs did have the intended effect of the participants. The video was very good at outlining complex topics and the event did a stellar job at raising awareness. The lecture series was successful in delivering data forward presentations, but some of the lectures were more academic than general guests could understand.
RK&A noted that the series could work to lessen the feeling of hopelessness often associated with climate change discussion.
I would love to see a follow-up evaluation done in addition to the summative one here. Did this event series create lasting awareness, i.e. did guests retain the knowledge that they showed to have gained right after the series? Did the series effect behavioral change from participants? Either in terms of consumption, activism, voting priorities, personal behavior, etc. I know that long-term retention and behavioral change are the pitfalls of all program evaluations, but I feel like climate change subject matter is so encompassing that it could be more easily tracked.
ReplyDelete-Sam S