New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

 

 
Junior Docents 2013
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Bats, Dinosaurs, Space and much more….
June 3rd – August 2nd
 

Join us on an adventure in learning and stewardship for young students. This summer program is offered to young people entering eighth grade through twelfth grade in school, ages 13-17.  Students learn public presentation skills, customer service skills, and science content while they work as educators in the Museum's exhibit halls. The program is enriched by our museum staff and curators, who offer what we call “field learning and experience”. Optional special projects draw on individual’s interests and skills. Applying art, photography, technology, presentation and writing skills to science content are a few areas that the program encourages. 
 
A few special projects for this year’s program:
  • Develop cart for Degrees of Change Exhibit
  • Refurbish and develop STARTUP Cart activities (history of the computer)
  • Train and conduct Time Tracks Tours, a Junior Docent designed project
 
The program provides a comprehensive, hands-on, museum experience for middle and high school students. Students learn about the nature of museums as places of education and entertainment and the many museum career opportunities available.  A key feature of the program is the opportunity to work with volunteer adult mentors, museum scientists, and educators while learning about the importance of community volunteerism. Junior Docents discover that they are part of a large number of students throughout the area who are interested in science and education as they are introduced to a wide variety of science and museum-related career possibilities. Our goal is that students leave the program with a wider appreciation for science and its related fields.
 
Since Junior Docents began in 1991, more than 750 young people have gone through the program, representing over 40 schools and homeschool cooperatives in the area.
 
 
 
 
Dates for the 2013 Program: 
  • Training Dates: June 3rd - June 7th - All Junior Docents must attend.
  • June 13th – August 2nd – Volunteering on the Museum Floor, special events and special projects including field learning!
  • August 2nd – Celebration & Awards Dinner 
 
Requirements:
The main requirements for a Junior Docent are the willingness to learn and commit to the program.
  • Age:  13 - 17 years and entering 8th through 12th grades
  • Fee:  $150.00 (financial assistance is available; please note need on your initial application).
  • Attend mandatory week’s training – June 3rd – 7th
  • Commit to work 35-40 hours over the course of the summer program – June 13th – August 2nd. This usually entails 2 to 3 shifts per week. Each shift is 3 hours, which includes time for special projects, field learning and training review.  In addition, there will be opportunities to participate in events at the Museum as well as with our partner, ABC Library Summer Reading Program.
  • Maximum two week vacation/camp/other, which has been calculated into the program. We cannot accept any applications that cannot commit to the full program.

 

 
 
How Junior Docents are Selected:
Junior Docents will be selected on the quality of their application and references, not first come, first served. Junior Docents from previous years must apply; your experience will be considered as part of your application. 
 
How to Apply:
Open specified link below, print, fill out and email or snail mail to:
 
Chris Sanchez
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
1801 Mountain Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
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2013 Junior Docent Schedule:
March 25, 2013  --  Applications accepted to 5:00pm, March 25, 2013
April 1, 2013  --  Notification of selection and enrollment form instructions
April 7, 2013  --  Yes/No response required of those selected
April 30, 2013  --   Enrollment forms & payment due
June 3-7, 2013  --  Training week (attendance required)
June 10, 2013  --  Begin Junior Docent shifts (8 weeks)
August 2, 2013  --  Last day of Junior Docent
August 2, 2013  --  Celebration and Awards Dinner
 
Questions:
Please email or call:
Chris Sanchez
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505-841-2872