Fall Early Childhood Interpretation (Discovery Center) Internship

Description

The Discovery Center is an exciting, 4,200 square-foot learning center designed for the Museum’s youngest visitors (children ages birth to 8 years) and their grown-ups. Our exhibits allow children to explore a variety of real objects and age-appropriate tools, all set in immersive fantasy environments that encourage learning through play. Children and their caregivers are engaged in activities, experiments and conversations in order to experience the reward of discovering on their own, as they explore topics including: Biology, Geology, Physical Sciences, Engineering Design and the “process of science” more generally. The Discovery Center’s “Living Laboratory” program brings cognitive scientists from local university and hospital labs onto the exhibit floor to converse with adult caregivers about the scientific study of how children learn, and invite families to participate in active research studies. Volunteer and staff interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating visitors’ experiences, helping children develop their emerging science and engineering skills, and helping adult caregivers’ better understand the science of child development.

Position Summary

Discovery Center Interns are integral in providing high-quality, hands-on science programming to the Museum’s youngest visitors and their grown-ups. The Intern will assist in the daily operations of the Discovery Center by interpreting and maintaining exhibit components, assisting in professional development for Volunteers, and providing essential logistical support for collaborating scientists from local research institutions. The Intern will use skills developed through the internship to complete a project that will enhance the visitor experience.

Responsibilities

- Interact directly with Museum visitors, providing them with the means to use and understand real objects and science tools.
- Ensure that the Discovery Center is presentable and consistently ready for visitor use, including some light cleaning and maintenance.
- Assist in providing professional development opportunities for Discovery Center Volunteers.
- Assist in the integration of collaborating researchers into the Discovery Center educational experience.
- Complete projects, which may include the development and/or the evaluation of science thinking activities and assisting in research into how children learn about science and engineering.

Minimum Qualifications

- Strong interest and/or background in science, engineering or education.
- Undergraduate student, graduate student or career changer.
- Highly motivated, dependable, and flexible.
- Demonstrated ability to work with people of all ages, experience working with young children preferred.
- Students in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Developmental Psychology are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Details

Hours / Days Per Week

14-21 hours/week (two or three full 7-hour days). One of the work-days must be Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Candidates able to work during winter break (through January 10, 2014) preferred.

Compensation

Unpaid and/or for course credit

Duration

Fall 2013 semester (August/September – December/January)

How To Apply

In order to be considered for an internship, please email the internship program coordinator with the following:

  • The exact internship position title in the subject line
  • A cover letter detailing your interest in and relevant experience related to a specific internship position
  • A resumé that includes contact information of three references

You may apply for multiple positions; please send a separate email with a tailored cover letter for each position. Emails are preferred and can be processed more quickly. However, we are also able to accept cover letters and resumés by mail or fax if necessary:

Mail to:

Internship Program Coordinator Museum of Science Science Park Boston, MA 02114

617-589-0362 (FAX) interncoordinator@mos.org

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum of Science seeks to recruit, hire, develop, promote, and retain individuals from racially and culturally diverse backgrounds and persons with disabilities. We strive to create and sustain a more affirming environment for all staff, interns, volunteers, trustees and overseers. We value expertise gained at the Museum and encourage professional development and career growth.