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About the Galaxy Explorers
Program
Galaxy
Explorers Key Program Components:
Science Enrichment Component :
All Galaxy Explorers have the opportunity to attend supplemental hands-on science classes to help further their academic
progress not only at the science center but in school. Science enrichment is an essential component to prepare youth for
paid internships. A variety of approaches, field trips, hands-on activities, presentations by guest speakers and Chabot
employees with special expertise, and national and local science project contests will be employed to engage students.
These enrichment classes are held during the school year only. We encourage all Galaxy Explorers to take advantage of
these opportunities.
Museum Explainer Component :
The primary purpose for the Galaxy Explorers is to provide exciting public science education to enhance the visitor
experience at the science center or through outreach. This part of the program is required regardless of rank or level in the
program. A variety of methods can be used to meet the monthly or requirements. For regular volunteers the minimum
requirement is 4 hrs per month. For interns the monthly requirement is 10. The seasonal volunteer mandate is 36 hours
per year.
Community Benefit & Enrichment Component :
Galaxy Explorers conduct science education for younger children, peers, and families at schools, libraries, fairs, festivals,
and community centers afterschool and weekday evenings. The Galaxy Explorers also sponsor a fee-based traveling
science fair known as Chabot-to-Go where advanced Galaxy Explorers perform hands-on science science stations and
crafts. This program also includes the inflatable Starlab portable planetarium. Outreach is a required component for interns.
Youth Leadership Development Component :
Monthly workshops geared toward skill-building, leadership development and college planning take place workshops year
around.
Workshops are held every 1st Saturday from 10am-1pm. Topics covered in the workshops include: public-speaking
diversity training; job interviewing; career planning; resume development; personal budgeting; time management and
more. These sessions are required for interns although volunteers strongly encouraged to attend. All program updates and
new opportunities are presented during these workshops.
Special Interest Teams Component :
A number of special interest clubs have been developed for those Explorers who would like to participate beyond the
minimum hourly requirement. Participation in these teams is not required. Membership lasts only one school semester at
a time and most teams do not meet during the summer months. Examples of teams are Observational Astronomy, Multi-
Media, Enviro Team, Science Theater and Activity Development. Upon joining a team regular attendance is required.
Goals &
Objectives: The Galaxy Explorers Program will...
- Build skills and capacity in investigating, understanding and using scientific practices and
principles, particularly in technology, space, astronomy, and environmental studies;
- Train youth as leaders by having them participate in program planning, implementation, and
evaluation, and by developing skills such as public-speaking, mentoring younger children,
and acquiring science processing skills;
- Provide paid internships for high school youth, offering them meaningful
work experiences;
- Provide a safe haven for youth to express themselves without fear of failure;
- Create long-term ties between youth, families, community partners, and Science Center staff and
volunteers;
- Have students learn the importance of giving back to the community by providing the opportunity
to conduct science activities for young children, give public presentations, and
perform other outreach opportunities in their own neighborhoods;
- Involve participants' families in science activities at Chabot;
- Broaden participants' views of science and scientists, enabling them to consider science as a
possibility for a college major or as a career choice;
- Prepare participants educationally, technically, and socially for the workforce;
and
- Involve community-based organizations in recruitment and retention of youth, in program design
and management, and in activities and evaluation.
Galaxy Explorers application:
Download a
printable application form (requires
Adobe Acrobat)
Or, contact the Program Manager at (510)
336-7329 between the hours of 4 pm - 7 pm, or email
galaxyexplorers@chabotspace.org.
The
Galaxy Explorer program was initiated by a grant from YouthALIVE!
(Youth Achievement through Learning Involvement, Volunteer and
Employment!) through the Association of Science-Technology Centers.
Acknowledgements:
The Galaxy Explorer program is made possible by the generous support
of:
- The Koret Foundation
- NASA
- The Severns Family Foundation
- The Genentech Foundation
- The Symantec Foundation
- The David B. Gold Foundation
- The Cinlexico Foundation
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