The Development of a Standardized Assessment Framework for Animal Exhibits

Abstract

Science centers, zoos, and aquariums share the common goal of engaging visitors in learning about the physical and natural world. Exhibits in zoos and aquariums, however, focus primarily on living organisms. Interactive exhibits are less common in these institutions and this differentiates the way visitors engage with exhibits from that of a typical science center visit. Based on the usefulness of the Visitor-Based Learning Framework (Barriault & Pearson, 2010) as an exhibit assessment tool in science centers, the purpose of this research was to develop a similar tool that assesses the potential learning impact of live animal exhibits in zoos and aquariums. A comprehensive framework of learning-related behaviors was developed and field-tested with a total of 900 visitors. The resulting Visitor-Based Assessment Framework for Animal Exhibits provides zoo and aquarium researchers and practitioners with a valuable tool to assess exhibits through observable behavioral indicators.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chantal L. Barriault

Chantal L. Barriault is a Lecturer and Director of the Science Communication Graduate Program in the School of the Environment at Laurentian University and a Research Advisor at Science North in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Address correspondence to: Chantal L. Barriault, School of the Environment, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6, Canada. E-mail: [email protected].

Léonie Rennie

Léonie Rennie is Emeritus Professor in Science and Technology Education at Curtin University in Western Australia. Her research interests include learning science and technology particularly in out-of-school settings.