Speaking without experience evaluating discovery rooms, but experience as a user with my four year old, when the room "works" for me, my daughter is engaged, I am engaged and sometimes we are mutually engaged in activities. So I would look at both adults and children, are they involved in activities, are they talking to each other? What types of conversations are going on and between who (are activities sparking family discussions, questions, etc.) Are volunteers being asked a lot of questions? What kinds? Are there adequate resources that they can explore their questions. Also, if it fits the goals of the room, you could also look at the relationship between activities in the room and activities in the galleries. Do the activities in the room spark references to things they saw in the galleries, etc. I think the most important thing in your evaluation efforts is to make sure you are tying your questions to the goals of the room. . . ie affective goals, social interaction, engagement etc. are probably more important than specific factual information. good luck. ********************************* Kris Morrissey, Ph.D. Curator of Interpretation Michigan State University Museum E. Lansing, MI 48824 [log in to unmask] PHONE: 517 353-1943 FAX: 517 432-2846 *********************************