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Research & Evaluation

Bump and Roll Evaluation

Report date: October, 2008

 

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General Description: 

The Science Museum of Minnesota surveyed 30 museum visitors after they used the Bump and Roll exhibit. This formative testing of the exhibit assessed the activity's ability to teach about nanoscale properties and scientists' uses of them.

Major Findings: 

The Bump and Roll exhibit appears to be mostly successful in imparting its main message that nanotechnology is inspired by nature. The exhibit also conveyed both learning goals to a large number of visitors. Participants had few problems using the exhibit but reported that it was enjoyable.

Type of product(s) studied: 

  • Exhibit

Method(s) of data collection: 

  • interviews
  • observations

Documents: 

application/pdf icon2008_-_bump_and_roll_exhibit_-_formative_evaluation.pdf

Author(s): 

Jane Miller
Sarah Cohn

Associated product(s): 

NISE Network product

Bump and Roll

Bump and Roll is an interactive exhibit that demonstrates nanomaterial properties using an everyday object: a leaf of cabbage. The nanoscale structures on a cabbage leaf cause water to bead up and slide off its surface. Scientists are replicating these “superhydrophobic” properties with nanotechnology. Drip water onto a cabbage leaf, and change the angle of the surface to see how the droplets behave. Find out about the super-small bumps that make this surprising behavior possible. Cabbage leaves must be replaced every few days, and Bump and Roll’s water tank must be refilled occasionally.

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