Rockman et al developed an evaluation plan as part of a planning grant for the California Academy of Sciences' Institute on Science and Sustainability Program. The Institute on Science and Sustainability has built upon the Academy's strengths to create a network of master science teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area to raise the level of science education.

As part of the planning process, Rockman conducted retrospective data collection that targeted past participants in Academy teacher professional development programs and teachers who were in the target audience for the Institute on Science and Sustainability, in order to determine barriers to participation and perceived outcomes. The retrospective data collection and analysis informed the design and evaluation strategy for the Institute. In addition, Rockman developed an evaluation package (instruments, measures, data collection and analysis strategies) to be use in conjunction with the formal Program launch in 2009.