California ScienCenter – Week 2

This week, I have continued my work from last week.  Since I’m not so new anymore, I am being checked off at stations, which means I’m running some of them all on my own! I feel so responsible and accomplished haha. I have so much fun at the stations; it’s really hard to pick a favorite. However, the science camps from areas all over are beginning to make their way into the Science Center, which means I have to deal with huge groups of people all on my own. I’ve been dealing with it pretty well though. Plus, I love kids so it’s a fun challenge! My supervisor also revealed her research to me: stalking children. So, from now on, I will dedicate a few hours of my day tracking children in our Discovery Rooms and taking note of how long they’re at a station, what they do there, and other interesting observations. The purpose of this is to see which stations are a must-keep and which ones must go since it is about to go under renovation. I have tracked three guests so far and it is a very grueling process. I have noticed which stations are incredibly popular amongst kids and I have also noticed that children can be entertained with the smallest thing for hours. So far parents haven’t noticed me following them so I think I am doing a good job. Other than that, I need to do a few more trial runs before my data is actually used. However, none of it will be published because the museum lacks an ethics board, which is needed for human testing. But I am glad that I am making a difference!

         This week, I have gotten a little taste of designing the exhibits based on guest interaction and preference. I think many times when we are at museums we don’t think about all the work that goes to making one station in an exhibit. With my special project, I take a more personal appreciation for exhibits that cater to my interests because now I know of all the work and research that goes into making something I like and that I can learn from.

         This project reminds me a lot about Washington Week and that project that we had to do together. I remember everyone telling us about all the work needed to make a new program within an exhibit that is successful and popular. Even though I am doing a small portion, I know that other people are going to use my data to come up with something to educate the masses. The goal here is exactly the same. All we want is for people to learn something new at a museum—something that they can carry with them and apply in real life.

         I have assimilated with the other interns and we are all really good friends now! I have met more of my supervisors and have made personal connections with them. I also got everyone interested in Pokémon Go and there are a lot of cool sites in the Rose Garden. I found a Pikachu near the fountain! What kind of Pokémon are you guys finding in your areas?