Education Intern, Teen Programs (summer)

Position: Education Intern, Teen Programs (Summer)

Duration: June 12 - August 2, 2024

Department: Education

Who we are: Celebrating over 160 years of science exploration and education, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is the public face of the Chicago Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1857 as Chicago’s first museum, it is dedicated to educating Chicagoans about nature and science through the preservation and display of native specimens, classroom activities, and dissemination of scientific knowledge. Today the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum continues the Academy’s tradition of nature research, conservation and education in the Midwest through participatory exhibits and programs, educational outreach and ongoing scientific activity. Its collections, due to their age and type, are among the most important in the region. The Nature Museum distinguishes itself through extensive involvement in schools and the opportunities it provides for visitors to experience nature up close.

Background:  The Nature Museum is seeking two college-aged Interns, for a 7.5-week position, assisting with the “Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science” (TEENS) summer program. TEENS is a six-week program engaging Chicago public high school students in teen-driven investigations of urban ecosystems and the relationships between humans and nature. Teen participants collect environmental data, study nature in city parks and neighborhoods, and develop and conduct locally-focused research projects using low-cost and DIY environmental sampling methods. Students use free and open source smartphone apps for mobile data collection, and create web-based maps and other visualizations for media-rich project websites). In conjunction with the TEENS Program lead instructors, the Interns will assist with the development and implementation of field- and lab-based experiences for TEENS participants and mentor youth as they develop field-based research projects in urban ecology. This is a 7.5-week paid internship that includes 1.5 weeks of training, collaborative planning, and preparation prior to the start of the 6-week TEENS summer program. Once the TEENS summer program begins, program implementation will be Tuesday-Friday 9am-3:30pm and collaborative planning with program staff will be on Mondays 9am-3:30pm. All planning and implementation occurs in-person at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. 

Objectives: The goal of this internship is to gain experience implementing informal science education in an outdoor setting and mentoring high-school aged youth from diverse backgrounds. 

Final Product: One final product will be a project webpage where youth participants will display project data and findings through photographs, blog posts, and youth-created maps. Interns will play a crucial role in development of the project webpage by mentoring youth throughout the summer as they design research projects, collect and analyze data, and produce digital maps and other visualizations. Additionally, interns will complete regular reflections on both their contributions to the success of the TEENS program and their personal and professional growth across the summer.  

Time Commitment:  

• Wednesday, June 12- Friday, August 2, 2024
• Monday-Friday, 9am-3:30pm
• Note: Internship does not occur on Thr July 4 and Fri July 5

Responsibilities: 

• Assist with the implementation of a teen-driven, inquiry-based curriculum emphasizing environmental science and ecological concepts, mobile data collection, digital mapping, data visualizations and analysis.
• Assist instructors leading groups of teens during lab and field-based science investigations on the Nature Museum grounds and surrounding parkland.
• Guide youth in developing and carrying out field investigations focused on urban ecology.
• Work closely and collaboratively with Museum staff to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for the participants.
• Exhibit appropriate interpersonal skills and professional behavior to support a positive and successful workplace environment.
• Assist with other program activities as necessary.

Qualifications: 

• Interest in nature and science
• Eager to work with teenagers from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience mentoring or teaching science in formal or informal education settings to high-school or middle-school students is preferred.
• Interest in facilitating science activities outdoors in a full range of weather conditions.
• Post sophomore year of college or equivalent work experience desired
• Desired majors: Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Education, Science Education, or related field.
• Experience with field mapping, GPS, GIS, and other digital tools a plus. 
• Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials off-site and throughout the Museum.
• Available to work hours and dates described above. 

Compensation: Stipend ($3,500)

To apply:  Email resume and cover letter to: teens@naturemuseum.org. Please include “Education Intern, Teen Programs” in the subject line.

No phone calls please.  Qualified candidates will be contacted. 

The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.