TEENS

Teens

Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS) is an out-of-school time program for Chicago high school students.

Explore nature in the city, participate in hands-on scientific investigations, and learn about career paths in ecology, environmental science, and conservation! 

Participants in the Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS) program conduct urban ecology and environmental science investigations, study the nature found in our city’s parks, neighborhoods, and forest preserves, and participate in habitat restoration and other ecological stewardship activities. Teens contribute data to existing local, regional and global research projects and work in teams to develop their own research questions to investigate. Program participants learn how to use smartphones to collect data in the field and create web-based digital maps and other data visualizations.

Earn up to $425 for your participation!

  • Wednesday, September 25, 2024 through Saturday, December 7, 2024
  • Wednesdays, 5pm-7pm & Saturdays, 9am-3pm
  • Program does not meet Wed. Oct 30, Wed. Nov 27, or Sat. Nov 30
  • Must be able to attend all program dates
  • Chicago resident
  • Attend a Chicago high school
  • At least 14 years old by September 1, 2024
  • Explore nature in the city and participate in real-world scientific investigations
  • Learn about college and career paths in environmental science, ecology, and conservation
  • Investigate Chicago’s connections with global conservation issues
  • Develop lasting friendships and network with other teenagers from across the city

How to Apply

The fall program is full and no longer accepting applications. Please check back in January for how to apply to our spring program!

Contact Us

Questions? Email us at teens@naturemuseum.org with questions specific to the Nature Museum TEENS program. For inquiries related to the teen application through After School Matters please call 312-768-5200 or visit afterschoolmatters.org/contact

TEENS is generously supported by After School Matters, US Forest Service-International Programs, and The Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX)

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