During the summer of 2007, the Science Museum of Minnesota carried out a summative evaluation of the Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center's Park Crew program. The purpose of the evaluation was to understand how the youth staff implemented activities in the museum's Big Back Yard and what they learned about earth-surface processes, teaching others, and STEM careers. A mixed-methods design was used to gather evaluative data. Data collection methods included observations of youth presenting activities to visitors and pre- and post-interviews with the youth. A total of 11 youth (sophomore through
The Garfield Park Conservatory will develop, install and evaluate "Sugar from the Sun," a living plant exhibition that explores the fundamental biological process of photosynthesis. The exhibit addresses common misunderstandings and misconceptions about photosynthesis by engaging children and adults in activities that explore the primary concepts that plants require air, water and light to produce sugar, and that the sun is the energy source. The exhibit will be constructed in the Conservatory's Sweet House, where tropical plants such as mangos and bananas will provide the stimulus to engage visitors in learning how plants manufacture sugar from the sun. Exhibits convey the science of photosynthesis and inspire appreciation for the critical role plants play in sustaining life on earth. Supplementary educational materials (self-guides, exploration backpacks and an interactive website) will be layered into the visitor experience, enabling visitors to develop a deeper understanding of photosynthesis. The project also will develop a non-exhibit based model dissemination package for teaching photosynthesis in other conservatories, promoting active science learning about photosynthesis nationwide.