Liberty Science Center's Tobacco Education Program
Education Initiatives to End Smoking
The TCC Group's recent evaluation of Liberty Science Center's (LSC) statewide tobacco education program helped the organization improve their programs in order to create an even greater impact. LSC, located in Jersey City, New Jersey, is an innovative learning resource for the lifelong exploration of nature, humanity, and technology. With funding from the State of New Jersey's Department of Health and Senior Services, LSC developed a program that offers onsite, offsite, and online experiences for New Jersey children through three main activities: "Hot Air," a traveling science theatre production; "Extreme Choices: No Ifs Ands or Butts About It," a 3D Laser Show; and "The Science Behind Tobacco," a tobacco education Website. The programs aim to decrease the acceptability and initiation of tobacco use among youth aged 9-15 and increase awareness of the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke on non-smokers.
Evaluating Existing Programs
LSC hired TCC Group in 2001 to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program and its three component parts. The TCC Group examined how these programs affected student attitudes toward smoking by conducting pre and post test surveys with over 500 students who viewed the play and 3D laser show, an online survey of website users, and focus groups with 60 students who viewed the play or laser show.
Our findings showed that overall the program was having a significant positive impact. In particular, the play showed students how peer pressure can negatively affect personal decisions and helped them better understand that smoking could shorten one's life. The 3D laser show effectively delivered the message that poor choices can result in bad consequences and helped students understand that smoking will impair their health and well-being. We determined that the website was an effective educational vehicle used by both students and their parents. In general, Liberty Science Center has shown how an institution of informal learning, such as a science museum, can use its science education resources, knowledge, and connections to address a critical issue.
Using the Evaluation Findings to Strengthen the Program
TCC met with LSC's staff to discuss their findings and recommend how to further improve the Tobacco Education Program. For example, using the insights and suggestions from the evaluation, Liberty Science Center added a post-play discussion to the "Hot Air" show. LSC sought and received additional state funds to continue providing the play in schools throughout the state. Liberty Science Center engaged TCC Group again to evaluate how effectively the new version of play is helping to change children's attitudes about smoking.
"Our partnership with TCC was outstanding," commented Stephen H. Baumann, Vice President for Education and Programs. "We worked collaboratively to develop a strong evaluation program that achieved all of its objectives. The analysis was rich in both quantitative and qualitative information, provided clear directions for program enhancement, and was a key element in our successful bid for additional funding."
