Exhibit Development: The Importance of Process and Evaluation

The Space Science Institute (SSI) is a national leader in developing national traveling exhibits on space science education (e.g. Electric Space, MarsQuest, Alien Earths, Giant Worlds, Asteroids, and Discover Space). It is also known for developing effective digital media programs (e.g. www.alienearths.org), education workshops for formal and informal educators, and educational films (e.g. Inspire Me: Weightless Flights of Discovery). Recent exhibit projects include Giant Worlds and the Asteroids project. This paper focuses on the exhibit development process, spanning conceptual planning, design development, fabrication and launch. SSI’s exhibit programs also include education and outreach programming and the development of an online version of the exhibit. Examples from Giant Worlds and Asteroids will be used to illustrate these development phases especially the importance of evaluation/research in exhibit development using a logic model approach.