Evaluation of New Interpretive Elements in an Aquarium Renovation

摘要

Evaluation was completed for Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium focusing on the effectiveness of the education media, or interpretive elements, at creating knowledge transfer in adult visitors visiting the recently renovated Scott Aquarium. This exhibit features modern elements, which includes the use of movies, audio soundbites, rotating static graphics on a screen, and permanent static graphics. This study utilized a participant-oriented evaluation model. Data was collected over a course of eight consecutive days during regular operating hours. Participants were recruited during their visit prior to entering the aquarium. A total of 134 participants fully participated in the study. Sixty-six percent of participants held at least a bachelor's degree and 61% were female. Fifty percent of participants reported visiting the zoo two times per year and 41% visit monthly or more.