Evaluation

Activity 2

Our initial impression of Activity 2 was that it had been a resounding success. Other than the final hour we were consistently busy, far busier than we had previously expected to be.

We evaluated Activity 2 using two main methods: a flipchart where the children would finish the sentence “I think space is…”; and an observational evaluation sheet which we would fill in at regular intervals during the day.

Analysing the comments left on our flipchart, 45.9% of the answers referred to the size of space, however, only 7.1% of these were specific (e.g. millions of light years!). Still, I believe that this is evidence of Aim 1 being achieved. The total percentage of specific answers, relating to size or otherwise, was 13.1%. Pretty much all of the remaining comments, not specific or related to size, were positive. Whilst it is important to recognise that these answers will naturally have a positive bias, when this evidence is coupled with the noticeable excitement of the children on the day, they provide a good case of Aim 3 having been achieved.

Did we accomplish our objectives?

Objective 1: During the less busy times of the day, before students left the stall, we asked them to tell us a fact they had learnt. 63% could recall a fact, and most of the facts were to do with light years.

Objective 2: During the less busy stages we spent plenty of time discussing with the students in depth.

Objective 3: We got through over 300 stars, hugely exceeding objective 3.

Objective 4: There were many occasions when a child brought their friends over to our stall.

An example of a Flipchart Page

Break down of the type of answers given

Further evaluation of the day came from our observational evaluation sheets, the data of which is displayed below. As can be seen, our self-evaluation remains fairly high throughout the day, with 'enjoyment' and 'management of stall' increasing as the day went on. The number of children at the stall tapered off towards the end, however this isn't necessarily a negative observation.

Analysis of the self evaluation sheets

Activity 3

Activity 3 was a delight- the audience were exceptionally engaged, and the day went better than any of us had possibly hoped for. The only real issue was when some of the audience couldn't complete the feedback forms/quiz due to poor eyesight. From the feedback we did receive, it was all extremely positive. As can be seen in the bar chart, they all enjoyed the talk, and agree that the research was important. However, we must also be aware that there is most likely a strong positive bias, as the group were very polite and friendly.

The discussion we had afterwards was very indicative of what had been learnt- so we noted down some of the key discussion points. Even though most didn’t understand the details of the Leavitt Law, they seemed to have a grasp of what Cepheids are/what they were used for, and were also pleased that Leavitt was finally getting the credit she deserved.

Did we achieve our objectives?

Objective 1: The Section on women in Physics was one of the best received parts of the talk; from our discussion afterwards it was clear that they knew who Henrietta Leavitt was, and what she discovered

Objective 2: As was clear from the discussion, many found it complicated, but the generally understood the main use of Cepheids.

Objective 3: The most mixed response regards whether they would be encouraged to learn more about Space, so it is uncertain whether or not we achieved Objective 3.

The feedback form also included a section asking "What could have been improved?". The answers were mostly along the line of "nothing", but it is important to take these answers with a degree of scepticism, as they were unlikely to be critical. However, there were still a few outlining that they would have liked bigger font, and one saying that she found the talk a bit confusing. If we were to do it again, we'd have to make sure to take these issues into account; making the font larger, and making a concerted effort to go through all complex points in a clear manner.

Considering the achievement of our objectives, it is my impression that we have achieved all three Aims. Aim 3 was definitely achieved as was clear from the talk, and the post talk discussion gave us the opportunity to achieve aim 2. From my individual discussion with some members of the club, they seemed very enthusiastic to learn more about space; leaving me with the opinion that aim three was at least partly achieved.

example filled in quiz/feedback

Data from the feedback form

notes I made during the discussion afterwards

A few weeks later, we received a particularly encouraging extra piece of feedback, from our unit coordinator- whose mother-in-law had attended our talk. Apparently, she was surprised by how much she had enjoyed and learnt from it- despite lacking prior knowledge in Physics. This last piece of feedback was extremely encouraging, and cemented our view that we had achieved what we had set out to do.

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