California ScienCenter – Week 1

 Hello!

During my first week at the California Science Center I was mostly being trained on how to work at the Touch Tank exhibit we have. Every morning, someone on the husbandry staff taught me, as well as other interns, how to take care of the animals, how to manage the influx of people, and the content that we needed to know in order to teach all of our guests about California's rocky shores. I am one of seven other interns, however, everyone else is two years younger than I am. Also, everyone else knows each other and how to work each station throughout the museum so I feel like an outsider right now. But, everyone has been super nice and has helped me get accustomed to being in the Science Center. My schedule is randomized every day so I’m never bored and I always learn something new. So far, I have taught guests about the human heart, the brain, cells, shells, jellies, brine shrimp, chemical reactions (through a slime-making activity), electromagnetism, and telescopes. Each station is interactive in order to keep the guests attentive and interested about learning something new. We set out a lot of models and toys for guests to pick up and we start a conversation about the topic from there. I’m at a station for an hour before I switch off to a new one.

         So far, I have learned that interactive programs are the best way to get guests to learn. Simply writing information on the wall is not enough because oftentimes people overlook it and go to the items that seem fun. I have also learned that programs are constantly undergoing change in order to make them more attractive to the public and to really make knowledge accessible to all ages and races. I also learned that there are a lot of secret passageways in museums to help staff move around quickly. Also, donation-based museums are necessary because it eliminates a barrier for knowledge.

         Due to the location of the Science Center there is a diverse population that visits the museum every day. That, combined with the free admission, really allows anyone to learn. Throughout this week, I have been able to empower children and teenagers to follow a STEM career when they are interested in something that I teach them. Just like the Young Ambassadors Program’s goal is to motivate Latinos to pursue any type of career, I have done my best to encourage our guests to follow their passions and explore a new world.

         I went to the museum's End of the Year Party which was super fun and cultural. We took pictures in photo booths but I am pretty sure those are not the type of pictures we need. The week ended with my supervisor telling that I would work on a special research project. I cannot wait to see what it is!! :^)

P.S. Taking pictures is very difficult because children keep us busy.  Also, we have very conservative guests who complain about many things. I will try my best to take pictures but as of now it has been very hard.