PROJECTS
Sample Projects
Sample projects on this page show a range of evaluation types, methods, and respondents involved in evaluation studies conducted by Tisdal Consulting. Additional project descriptions, articles, and reports can be found on Carey Tisdal's Resource Page on the InformalScience.org website.
Clients
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The Society for Science and the Public, Washington, D.C. (in collaboration with Insight for Learning Practices)
Summative Evaluation of Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination
This summative evaluation explored project goals and visitor outcomes at the first two sites at which this traveling exhibition was scheduled. The mixed-method study included staff interviews, visitor interviews, tracking and timing, and analysis of project records. At both sites we observed and interviewed people with a range of disabilities to assess the effectiveness of Universal Design strategies and techniques. Funded by the National Science Foundation. Client: Museum of Science, Boston.
Remedial Evaluation of Exhibit Files
This remedial evaluation study of an online community for exhibit and exhibition developers was conducted shortly after the website opened to identify changes that would improve the site. The mixed method study included telephone interviews, an online survey, and analysis of web analytics. Funded by the National Science Foundation. Client: Association of Science-Technology Centers.
Portal to the Public Summative Evaluation: Comparative Case Studies of Implementation at Five Sites
The purpose of this summative evaluation was to evaluate the Portal to the Public dissemination strategy, guiding framework, materials, and approaches to effective implementation at five user museums. The overall design was a comparative case study. Data were collected across five implementing sites. Funded by the National Science Foundation. Client: Pacific Science Center.
Bridging Earth and Mars: Program Front-end Evaluation
This study was conducted by Tisdal Consulting as part of a exhibition and program development project focusing on robotics and Mars exploration. This front-end evaluation explored the knowledge and attitudes of underserved elementary and middle school students, the target audience of project programs. Respondents were students at two sites: a YMCA and an elementary school. Stimulus materials included hands-on objects and photos. Funded by NASA. Client: Saint Louis Science Center.
American Revolution in the West Front-end Evaluation Phase II
In the second of two front-end studies, focus groups were conducted to test six interactive exhibits anchoring different sections of the exhibition. To simulate the interactive exhibits, staff members used a readers' theater format. Respondents made initial choices on paper and then their reasons with the group. People with contrasting views of the content were recruited. Stimulus materials and script are included. Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Client: Missouri History Museum.
Additional links to reports are available on the Collaboration page. Both projects focus on youth programs.