Guest profiles from earlier paper

Typology Profiles Data from evaluations and observations were compiled to create visitor typological profiles. The goal of these profiles is to highlight the particular behaviors of each group in order to design effective programming for all visitors to the Museum. Profiles consist of the following categories: • The Stroller Brigade • Moms on the Run • Daddy Duty • K-12 Squad • Grand Observer • No Kids Club The Stroller Brigade The Stroller Brigade makes up the majority of visitors and consists of mothers with young children ranging in age from infants to 6 years old. These mothers are not only pushing a stroller, but also tending to other children who are on foot. Even though they may have children of varying ages, their attention stays with the youngest while the older children explore on their own. The vast majority of mothers do not assist their children in interacting with the exhibits, or interact with the exhibits themselves, instead they tend to stay in one place or follow their children from exhibit to exhibit. If a mother does choose to interact, either by themselves or with their children, the interaction time is brief, usually less than one minute, and mainly consists of pointing something out to the children or briefly examining a manipulative. Rarely do they read a graphic or discuss the concepts associated with the exhibit to their children. If there are a group of mothers, they tend to stay in one place having a conversation while watching their children move around the room. A small number of mothers move through the exhibition with their children, but time spent at exhibits is brief. Moms on the Run Mothers with children older than 6 years old behave differently than mothers with younger children. These mothers do not have children in strollers, but may still have children of varying age. Even though these mothers might be tending to a young child, they are more apt to interact with their children at an exhibit. The older the age of their children, the more interactive they become with their children and the exhibit. These mothers tend to spend more time at exhibits, partially or fully read the graphics, discuss concepts, and engage in the activity. Rarely do mothers break off from their children or group to explore exhibits on their own. If they do, they usually call their children over to show them the exhibit. Daddy Duty The majority of fathers, regardless of the age of their children, are more apt to either move with their children through the exhibition, or break off from the rest of the family and explore on their own. Fathers generally read all or most of the graphics. They seem to be interested in performing the activity correctly and understanding the concepts associated with the exhibit. When with their children, they first read the graphic, and then explain the exhibit to their children while guiding them through the activity. K-12 Squad Children from toddlers to about 6 years old are interested in playing and exploring. They run around while their mothers chase them, throw manipulatives or put them in their mouth, and spend time touching and feeling everything in the room. Children over the age of 6 have a bit more of an attention span. They want to see and try all the exhibits. Their interest does not lie in whether they are following directions or interacting as the exhibit intended, but instead want to see what the manipulatives offer and decide whether the exhibit is cool enough to deserve further examination. For the most part, children do not read graphics. Children who do read the graphics tend to be over the age of 10, and seem to scan the graphic more than read it completely. Children of all ages are excited to show their parents an exhibit or explain what they discovered from an exhibit. Children in pairs or groups work together to figure out an exhibit or show each other what to do, this leads to longer hang time at exhibits. If an exhibit appears too complicated, children of any age will move away from it after a few seconds. Grand Observers Seniors rarely attend the museum without younger family members. They either accompany their grandchildren’s family or bring their grandchildren themselves. Either way, their behavior is the same; they interact with their grandchildren, but not with the exhibits. For example, grandma will ask her grandson what he is doing, but does not touch the exhibit herself. She then moves on with her grandson from exhibit to exhibit. Some grandparents find a seat and opt to watch their grandchildren instead. No Kids Club Even though the observed demographic is parents and children, some teenagers and adults visit the museum without children. These visitors spend more time at exhibits than any other visitor. They read graphics and apply what they learned by working with the manipulatives. Because they are spending more time at exhibits, they make comparisons between concepts at various exhibits. Their interest lies not only in entertainment, but also in learning through experience. Conclusion The focus of the Museum of Natural Curiosity is to promote family engagement and learning. Families do not consist of just one typological group, but are comprise of a number of groups. Staff must recognize the unique characteristics associated with each group in order to make connections that will engage all family members at once. By understanding group characteristics and learning styles, staff can fine tune programming to meet the needs of everyone who visits the Museum. Since staff will be facilitating to a number of groups at once, on the floor facilitation and demonstrations should be customized to accommodate a variety of interests and learning styles. Training facilitators on how manipulatives and demonstrations can be used to engage both adults and children is also essential to providing effective programming. An art project or a backpack activity that requires adult assistance will also provide a fun, educational way for families to experience the Museum together. Gearing lectures towards adults as well as children give parents a way to discuss the topics with their children and find exhibits that are associated with those topics. Through understanding the needs of visitors, the Museum can easily formulate an environment where families experience and learn together.