Evaluation Techniques for the Sandy Point Discovery Center, Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Abstract

This work was done to provide staff and docents of the Sandy Point Discovery Center with methods for evaluating exhibits and interpretive programming. A review of the literature revealed that educators and curators benefit from program and exhibit evaluation. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation measures were designed to assess the program's objective of estuary education. Pretest-posttest questionnaires and interviews are instruments that can be used to measure subjects' knowledge of and to some extent their attitudes toward the Great Bay Estuary before and after a site visit. The evaluation methods presented here are targeted for the site's primary audiences, adult weekend visitors and elementary school groups.

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Bernadette M. Heffernan

Bernadette M. Heffernan is a graduate of the Natural Resources Graduate Program, Environmental Conservation, at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.