Nationwide Zoo & Aquarium Research Study: Short Asks

Background

As a core part of the WZAM initiative, we are inviting zoos and aquariums to participate in a series of short asks, where several visitors, staff, or volunteers answer brief surveys spread out over several months. With just a bit of investment from many institutions, we can gather a lot of data about how STEM learning is happening in zoos and aquariums across the United States. Currently, over 90 AZA-accredited institutions are participating in this research initiative. Please join us to make sure your institution’s voice is represented!

Who Can Participate?

Any AZA-accredited institution is invited to join the study. One staff person from your institution will serve as the main contact. This individual should be able to direct the asks to the appropriate personnel at your institution, including colleagues in a range of departments.

Benefits

Participating institutions will receive a report on the aggregated results of the research initiative. Each participating institution will also receive preliminary updates on the previous ask.

We will provide two small stipends totaling $100 per organization to help institutions purchase participant support materials (pens, postcards, key chains, etc.) as incentives for visitors to answer our small asks.

How to participate

Institutions can sign up for the study any time before June 1, 2019. If your institution is interested in participating, please email wzam@newknowledge.org. We will connect you to all the information and materials.

The Details

All research efforts are being overseen by Solutions IRB. Soon after you confirm your interest and agreement to participate in this study, we will provide you with a copy of the approval from Solutions IRB and a completed AZA IRB Form to submit to the appropriate department at your facility.