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 | Quasars to Sea Stars Program Description: Quasars to Sea Stars is a four-year program for teens, ages 13-18. The students work closely with our education and scientific staff to learn about astronomy, entomology, herpetology, marine biology, and a broad range of other sciences, with an emphasis on developing science knowledge and research methodology. After completing an initial 60 hours of volunteer service, the teens become paid Museum staff, working as interpreters in our halls and instructors in our classes. Goals:
• To learn research skills including using the library, reviewing and summarizing current literature, devising data gathering strategies, and writing reports. • To understand basic scientific methodology …developing hypotheses, devising methodologies, obtaining and analyzing data, drawing conclusions and presenting research. • To become competent in basic computer use, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and world wide web searching tools. • To develop communication skills for public presentations, as well as peer group interactions. |
| Curriculum Overview: Year 1 includes learning about marine invertebrates, working as interpreters at the Museum and learning research strategies in the Library. Students receive lectures, field trips, and hands-on training in each of these areas. Work shifts will include staffing our summer exhibit and assisting with W.O.W. (Waves On Wheels) programs. Years 2, 3 and 4 are open registration classes and Quasars are able to choose their area of focus. Some of the classes that have been offered in the past include vertebrate zoology, anthropology, entomology, exhibit production, and astronomy. The Museum is always looking for opportunities to include more disciplines. These students staff our summer exhibit and are involved in our various education programs during the school year. All students have the opportunity to earn a three-day field study excursion on Santa Cruz Island. Commitment: Participants must commit a minimum of 10 hours per week over the summer and 3 hours a week during the school year. Summer time is the busiest part of the year for Quasars so it is very important that they are available and can actively participate. Participants: Teens are referred to the program by 8th grade science teachers and, after an interview process, are selected for their enthusiasm, motivation, interest in science, and ability to take responsibility. Students entering the 9th grade in the fall are eligible to apply to the program. |
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