Evaluation & Learning Research

The Science Museum of Minnesota’s Department of Evaluation and Research has a wealth of expertise and experience evaluating and researching informal learning experiences. We can provide services in front-end, formative, remedial, and summative evaluation, as well as qualitative and quantitative research. We have experience studying exhibits, museum-based programs, school-based programs, professional development, youth development programs, media, educational materials, websites, conferences, networks, events, and much more. In addition to leading evaluation and research studies, our department offers a wide range of workshops to help organizations build their evaluation capacity. Workshop topics have included survey design, interactive evaluation techniques, and team-based inquiry.

Some of the local and national organizations we’ve worked with include:

  • Arkansas Discovery Network

  • Maker Education Initiative (Maker Ed)

  • Minnesota Historical Society

  • Minnesota Public Radio / American Public Media

  • Mississippi River Fund

  • Natural History Museum of Utah

  • Science Center of Iowa

  • The National WWII Museum

  • Twin Cities Public Television – SciGirls