Programs & Events

Youth Science Programs

Junior Volunteers

Ages 14-18

Junior Volunteers are teenagers who are passionate about sharing science and the natural world with Museum visitors. All volunteers start in Visitor Services, working on the Museum floor to assist and engage visitors. After volunteers have completed hourly requirements, they can request placement in a specialized area such as the Investigate Labs or the Windows on the World. Experienced volunteers can try out different placements, remain in one area to become a mentor to new volunteers, or focus on a project of their own design.

Junior Volunteers commit to two shifts per month during a four-to-five month session. At the beginning of each new session, volunteers can request new placements or, if needed, take a leave of absence and return to the program later.

We are no longer accepting applications for the summer session. Applications for Fall 2013 (Sept-Dec) will be due in July. A new and updated application will be posted in May.

Letter to Applicants (PDF)
FAQ and Helpful Tips (PDF)

For more information, please contact Kathryn Fromson, Curator of Youth Programs, at 919.707.9951.

Junior Curators

Grades 8-12 (in 2012-2013 school year)

Junior Curators are volunteers with an intense interest in natural science and animal husbandry. Volunteer responsibilities include assisting in the care and feeding of live animals, natural history educational programs and participation in Museum special events. Junior Curators enjoy science themed seminars on various natural science topics throughout the year. Monthly field experiences to natural areas around the state and participation in natural history service projects are offered regularly. Junior Curators interact frequently with Museum staff and other natural science professionals from local universities and state agencies. Students work together with like-minded peers for the duration of their volunteer experience.

Once accepted, students may stay in the program until they graduate from high school.

Applications are due May 15, 2013.

Letter to Applicants (PDF) | 2013 Application | Teacher Recommendation Form | General Recommendation Form

Junior Curator Facebook Group - for all past and present Junior Curators associated with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

For more information, please contact Lynn Cross, Coordinator of Youth Programs, at 919.707.9882.

Teen Advisory Board

Grades 10 & 11 (in 2013-2014 school year)

The Teen Advisory Board is a unique opportunity for students to contribute their voice as the Museum explores ways to connect teens with science learning and research. The board will be working directly with Dr. Meg Lowman, Director of the Nature Research Center and hosting monthly Teen Science Cafes. The experience will also include personal interactions with research mentors from area universities and industry and a chance to share information with peers and the public. Rising tenth graders with an interest in science, technology, and leadership are encouraged to apply.

The Board meets twice per month from 4–6pm (day of the week to be determined) and runs through the school year (early September through early June). A planning retreat will happen in mid August. The term of this board will be one school year with an invitation to stay on a second school year, if desired.

Applications are due May 15th.

Student Application | Teacher Recommendation | General Recommendation

For more information, please contact Lynn Cross, Coordinator of Youth Programs, at 919.707.9882.

Girls in Science Connect:Nature

Grades 6 & 7

February 21-May 5, 2013

Girls in Science - stream sampling

Girls in Science Connect:Nature is a ten-week afterschool program that offers sixth- and seventh-grade girls hands-on science experiences in the natural world and in the Museum. We are no longer accepting applications for Spring 2013.

More information on Girls in Science Connect:Nature

Girls in Science Piedmont Summer Ed-Venture

Rising Grades 6 & 7

June 24-29

Piedmont Ed-Venture will engage girls in hands-on science experiences in the natural world and in the Museum. This week of scientific adventure will be based at Blue Jay Point County Park and will include an overnight camping trip to Hanging Rock State Park.

Girls in Science Piedmont Ed-Venture details and application

Applications are due April 15, 2013.

For more information, please contact Kathryn Fromson, Curator of Youth Programs, at 919.707.9951.

Boys in Science Piedmont Ed-Venture

Rising Grades 7 & 8

July 22-26

Piedmont Ed-Venture will engage boys in hands-on science experiences in the natural world and in the Museum. This week of scientific adventure will be based at Blue Jay Point County Park and will include an overnight camping trip to Hanging Rock State Park.

Boys in Science Piedmont Ed-Venture details and application

Applications are due April 15, 2013.

For more information, please contact Kathryn Fromson, Curator of Youth Programs, at 919.707.9951.

Girls in Science and Boys in Science are funded by a generous grant from The Walmart Foundation.

Teen Science Cafés

All teens are welcome to join us for our FREE Teen Science Cafés at the Museum.

Time: First Fridays, 6-7pm.

Location: The Daily Planet Café in the Nature Research Center at 121 West Jones St, Raleigh.

Free meal or smoothie to first 50 teens to arrive.

Learn more about Teen Science Cafés

Teen Science Cafes are funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Teen TV Program

Grades 9-12 in the 2013-2014 school year

This program will enable teens to showcase their talents and skills in TV and multimedia broadcasting. Highly skilled professionals will instruct and mentor students in order to produce quality science-themed segments that will be available to the public. This multifaceted multimedia program will build students' skills in communication, teamwork, and networking while students gain real-world experience in production and broadcasting. Prior technical knowledge and skills are recommended but are not necessary.

Applications are due May 24, 2013.

Teen TV Program Application | Teen TV Teacher Recommendation | Teen TV General Recommendation

Questions? Contact Tamara Poles, 919.707.9277.