Teen Science Guide Volunteers

The museum’s Teen Science Guide Volunteer program helps teens like you learn more about science and share that knowledge with our visitors.

What’s a Teen Science Guide Volunteer?
A volunteer between the ages of 13 and 17 who is interested in science, enjoys working with the public, and wants to do something positive for the community.

What do Teen Science Guide Volunteers do?

  • Help visitors explore and understand exhibits
  • Perform fun, informative science demonstrations
  • Handle and show reptiles and marine animals
  • Assist with science camps, science fairs and community events
  • Interact with adults and children of all ages

What will I get out of volunteering?

  • Learn cutting-edge science from professional scientists and educators
  • Develop public speaking skills
  • Acquire work experience
  • Gain animal-handling skills
  • Meet other teens from the Anchorage area
  • Receive a discount in the museum store
  • Earn rewards, such as T-shirts and private planetarium viewings
  • Attend special and seasonal trainings
  • Participate in volunteer recognition events
  • Earn scholarships and awards

Is there a time commitment?
We ask that you commit to volunteering a certain number of shifts per month, depending on the season. During the school year, from mid-August to the end of May, we require two shifts per month. During the summer, we require three shifts per month, one of which must be a weekend shift. Shifts last three to five hours.

I want to volunteer. What do I have to do?
Start by filling out a volunteer application form. We accept applications year-round; however, your training doesn’t begin until after you’ve been oriented at a Parent/Child Open House. These open houses happen three times a year — in the spring, fall, and winter. Once you’ve attended an open house with your parent or guardian, you’re ready to start training, which will teach you what you need to know before your first day as a Teen Science Guide Volunteer. Training may include topics such as public presentations, live animals, space and forces of nature.

Can I get additional training?
Yes. All Teen Science Guide Volunteers receive on-the-job training as needed. In addition, you may sign up for additional monthly training on special topics or traveling exhibits.

I heard the Imaginarium Discovery Center isn’t opening until May 2010.
What can I do until then?
Teen Science Guide Volunteers will help interpret the traveling exhibit Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination Feb. 10 through April 25. If you are interested in volunteering for this traveling exhibit, please fill out an application and mail, e-mail or drop it off at the museum’s front desk. The winter Parent/Child Open House will be 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 23 and Jan. 30. Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination training will begin Feb. 3.

Download a Teen Science Guide Volunteer application
Downloadable PDF (45K )

Download a Parent/Child
Open House schedule
Downloadable PDF (74K )

Download a teen volunteer
training schedule
Downloadable PDF (78K )

 

CONTACT
For more information on the Teen Science Guide Volunteer program, call 929-9277 or e-mail kmouton@anchoragemuseum.org