Sci.CORPS is Communication.
"Sci.CORPS has helped me apply the communication skills I learned in EVO into real work. I’ve learned to create informational videos on a variety of science topics, all of which interest me. I get to connect with others my age who’re interested in similar things to me, and work closely with topics I’m passionate about while feeling like I’m actually doing something important."
Sci.CORPS is Learning.
"Working as a museum interpreter has taught me skills like video editing, teamwork, and science communication. While producing new videos and articles, I'm constantly learning new things about the world around us and experiencing the joy of sharing that knowledge with our community. I'm a lifelong learner because of Sci.CORPS."
Sci.CORPS is Opportunity.
"Sci.CORPS gives the opportunity for high school students in New Haven to become museum educators and interpreters for science education. It is an experience and job that many teenagers do not have. This job turns students into the teachers through interactive material in the museum. Sci.CORPS employees turn us into leaders in the museum by letting us teach the visitors and interact with our community."
Sci.CORPS Structure
Sci.CORPS provides EVOLUTIONS students with paid work experiences as science educators in the museum’s presence. Through peer mentoring and training, high school students learn how to communicate science topics online to audiences of all ages. As employees complete projects, they are awarded badges and take quizzes to show their mastery of a topic, which allow them to move up the career ladder. Students are also evaluated on a daily basis on their projects, understanding of the 5 E’s, and workplace habits.
Museum Apprentices
Sci.CORPS employees start out as Museum Apprentices (MA). Through projects such as Collection of the Month (COTM), MA’s learn fundamental communication, workplace, teaching, and science skills that they will use for the duration of their time at Sci.CORPS.
Museum Educators
Museum Educators (ME) are paid to facilitate all the projects of Sci.CORPS, including library content, 70 Second Science, and updating the EVOLUTIONS website. Employees use their skills to engage with the New Haven community and make science topics accessible to audiences of all ages. Educators also take on MA’s to help with assignments as they transition into ME’s. Educators have an advanced understanding of the 5 E’s, which they implement into their projects.
Museum Specialists
Museum Specialists are the highest rung of the Sci.CORPS career ladder, and are the most advanced at interpreting, communicating, and creating content. Specialists work alongside supervisors, leading shifts and organizing activities, all while completing Sci.CORPS projects. They also train new apprentices and serve as mentors to other employees.
Sci.CORPS Activities
Sci.CORPS employees use many different activities and tools that help educate the community about the environment around them. They help the community through sharing their observations and research and then conveying them through different ways for the community to understand. One activity for example, would be videos, although Sci.CORPS employees make them short, sweet and to the point. These activities are targeted towards young children, although adults can learn from them too!
Collection Showcase
In COTM, Museum Apprentices (MAs) select and research an artifact from the museum’s collection database. Sample artifacts range from rhodochrosite to spotted salamanders to wood ducks. Using their findings, the MAs create articles and a final presentation about their chosen topic. Through COTM, Sci.CORPS employees learn the essential skills required to succeed as a future Museum Educators; they learn how to research, write and effectively communicate using the 5 Es: engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. Employees also learn how to communicate and grasp people’s attention through digital platforms when presenting their final projects. For more information on Museum Apprentices and Museum Educators, check out the Sci.CORPS Structure section!
70 Second Science
70 Second Science videos are short, digestible videos that introduce complex science topics in a fun way. Museum Educators conduct research, draft scripts, and record and edit videos on diverse topics across various fields of science, such as anthropology, zoology, and geology. Notable examples include the videos on the Red River Iron Meteorite, Trilobites, and Predator vs. Prey. Check out the Sci.CORPS YouTube channel to see more!
Website
Employees interested in web development also have the opportunity to work on the Sci.CORPS and EVOLUTIONS website alongside their regular projects. With the help of supervisors and fellow staff, they will develop coding and design skills and implement them into the program's website and social media. Employees will learn to write proper HTML and CSS and create engaging and appealing web pages.
