Impact of Annual Science Fiction Event on Participants' Knowledge and Interest in Science

In 2017-2019 the Museum of Science Fiction held an annual event called Escape Velocity that offered an integration of science and science fiction in a variety of activities, talks, events, exhibits, and panels to further attendees' interest. Using the National Science Foundation Framework impact categories of behavior, attitudes, skills, interest/engagement, and knowledge (BASIK), a survey of attendees was designed to measure the impact of that informal learning environment. Participants reported an increase in their knowledge of STEM and felt connected with NASA scientists and resources. They also indicated a desire to learn more about the science. Those who attended NASA-related panels reported statistically significant gains in knowledge and interest as a result of attending panels on Habitable Worlds, Apollo 50^th Anniversary, and Weather on Earth/Weather in Space.