Museum of Science, Boston

Design-based activities in museums have proliferated in recent years reflecting an increased focus on engineering, technology, and the design process in informal education environments. While these activities are facilitated by educators, no research exists on facilitation in informal environments. The Museum of Science (MOS) will conduct a research study, using its Design Challenges program, to measure the effects of different facilitation techniques on visitor learning and attitudes toward engineering. Following the analysis of the research data, MOS will host a workshop for educators to build an understanding of which aspects of facilitation in design-based activities lead to increases in visitor learning, skills in facilitating design-based activities, and knowledge of and comfort with developing and implementing design-based activities at their own museums.