MobiLLab is a mobile science education program designed to awaken young people’s interest in science and technology (S&T). Perceived novelty, or unfamiliarity, has been shown to affect pupils’ educational outcomes at similar out-of-school learning places (OSLePs) such as museums and science centers. A study involved 215 mobiLLab pupils who responded to three surveys: a pre-preparation, at-visit, and post-visit survey. Results provide evidence for four dimensions of pupils’ at-visit novelty: curiosity, exploratory behavior, oriented feeling, and cognitive load. Findings also show that classroom
In 2016, more than 120 National Park Service (NPS) units conducted BioBlitzes, supported by a collaboration between The National Geographic Society and the National Park Service. The Lawrence Hall of Science conducted an evaluation of participant and park outcomes at the cornerstone BioBlitz throughout the National Capital region, at the large (regional) Showcase BioBlitzes, and at additional events at National Parks across the US. The report includes a description of the evaluation project, case studies from 3 BioBlitzes, findings, recommendations, and the instruments used to measure