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I've conducted many family science nights. Sometimes these were part of a larger activity of providing PD for teachers along with presentations for students and a family science night, where children, parents, siblings, etc., all learn together and then, hopefully continue the conversation at the dinner table and other times. It's wonderful if we can get students talking about science outside the classroom.
One of my favorite family science night topics is astronomy, because it involves all of the other sciences that you might talk about -- physical science, i.e., physics, chemistry, and now even life science, as we discuss the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe, what life -- any life -- needs to survive, etc. The real world is very interdisciplinary, and it's possible to bring in so much into one presentation. Children and parents see real-world applications of many things that the children have been learning about.
Their increased interest in science also leads to improved literacy skills, as they have something new to read about and communicate to others.
In answer to your question, yes, the events were successful. To get parents to have more insight into what their child is learning throughout the school year requires engaging parents repeatedly, in various ways, such as take-home assignments where children explore some phenomenon with their parents.
I hope that helps.
Matt
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