Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship Program

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) is transforming K-12 Education Through Science™ in collaboration with communities across the globe. The SSEC develops innovative new STEM curriculum and digital resources, conducts professional development for STEM teachers and fosters STEM education leadership among school and community leaders.

As there are a wide range of opportunities for learning, SSEC accepts applications from students currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, as well as high school students (at least 16 years old). The SSEC is actively seeking a diverse applicant pool. All interns must successfully complete a Federal background check before their internship begins.

To apply, go to the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). You will create an account at this site. After you have created an account, you can begin your application and select your first, second and third choice of program areas of your interest.

Your application will be reviewed by the staff at SSEC. You can view your application status in SOLAA at any time. After complete applications have been reviewed, only selected candidates will be contacted by telephone for a phone interview. Please submit your best work for a complete application!

Professional Services Intern:

Project Description: This intern will work with educators, researchers, staff, SSEC partners to support Professional Services programming and preparations in Fall 2021.

Learning objectives include:

1. Gain an understanding of the LASER model for transforming formal science education through strategic planning and professional development, and the services and curriculum offered by the Smithsonian Science Education Center that support this work.

2. Research new resources to supplement both the intern’s and organization’s understandings of science and STEM education.

3. Learn the basics of educational program development and strategic planning including the revision of organizational systems, building strong communication skills, and best practices in cultivating partnerships and collaborations.

4. Communicating with partner organizations, Smithsonian scientists, and participants to deliver educational programming in a virtual setting.

5. Work collaboratively with SSEC staff to create science practice support documents for teacher use in virtual programming.

Global Goals Intern:

Project Description: Intern will work with Smithsonian Science Education Center curriculum developers to assist in the development of a Smithsonian Science for Global Goals community guide to environmental justice. Interns will learn how to apply knowledge of science content, research, and pedagogy to assist in developing high-quality resources for teaching and learning.

Learning objectives include:

1. Assisting in the development of community research guides focused on environmental justice for global audience of students ages 8-17. This task may include writing, editing, and proofreading as part of a team of writers, editors, education specialists and scientists.

2. Assisting in identifying and interviewing subject matter experts about environmental justice, synthesizing information, and translating high-level academic information into student-facing materials.

3. Conducting additional research on environmental justice, particularly tracking relevant resources, online conversations, and scientific research.

4. Helping to create case studies to showcase the work of subject matter experts who are collaborating on the community research guides.

5. Researching and understanding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals along with their accompanying educational goals.

Digital Media Intern:

Project Description: Intern will work with the Smithsonian Science Education Center staff and partners to aid in the translation and reformatting of our Science Stories eBooks into Spanish. They will design and implement a working user interface framework for the interactive eBook with features including hyperlinks and popup vocabulary boxes. This person will compile the metadata necessary for publication and contribute to helping submit eBook files to the Apple iBook store. They will participate and share their work with the Digital Media Team and adjust their project based on constructive feedback received there.

Learning objectives include:

1. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders in SSEC to deliver a monetized digital product. 

2. Redesigning and formatting eBooks so that can reach a Spanish speaking audience.

3. Producing high quality digital materials fully prepared for publication.

4. Using Adobe InDesign, to design and apply interactive features to static documents.

Smithsonian Science for the Classroom Intern:

Project Description: Intern will work with Smithsonian Science Education Center curriculum developers to assist in the development of upper elementary science curriculum development as part of the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum series. Interns will learn how to apply knowledge of science content, research, and pedagogy to assist in developing high-quality resources for teaching and learning.

Learning objectives may include:

1. Assisting in the development of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom modules. This task may include writing, editing, and proofreading as part of a team of writers, editors, education specialists and scientists.

2. Assisting in identifying and interviewing subject matter experts related to: Earth, life, physical science, and engineering. Work associated with this objective includes synthesizing information and translating high-level academic information into student-facing materials.

3. Conducting additional research on curriculum and pedagogy, particularly tracking relevant resources, online conversations, and science education research relating to the NGSS and related nation-wide science education reform efforts.

4. Helping to test and troubleshoot new phenomenon and problem-based activities as they are developed.

5. Assisting with the collection and/or analysis of field test teacher feedback.

6. Supporting the research for and writing of blog posts and white papers on topics related to the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum series.

7. Researching to support the Smithsonian Science Education Center efforts to create more just and inclusive science education.