The exploratorium will develop museum exhibits designed to support artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among young female-identifying audiences (aged 8-18)

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded a $520,048 Project Grant under the Museums for America (CFDA 45.301) program to The Exploratorium, a renowned science museum in San Francisco. The grant supports the development of museum exhibits designed to promote artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among young female-identifying audiences aged 8-18. Using the Exploratorium's established exhibit design principles for engaging girls, the project will create interactive, inquiry-based exhibits to raise awareness and knowledge of AI. The museum staff will work with contractors to design, fabricate, and externally evaluate the exhibits. As a result of the project, the staff will present their findings at a professional conference and publish a practitioner's guide documenting the exhibit development process, exhibit evaluation, and potential best practices for building effective AI literacy exhibits.

Using the exploratorium's established exhibit design for girls engagement principles, the exhibits will promote AI awareness and knowledge through inquiry-based content. Museum staff will work with contractors to design and fabricate the exhibits as well as conduct external project evaluation. As a result of the project, staff will present their project findings at a professional conference and distribute a practitioner's guide documenting the exhibit development process, discussing the evaluation of built exhibits, and reflecting on potential takeaways for building effective AI literacy exhibits.