Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS)
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, and study the nature found in our city’s parks, neighborhoods, and forest preserves. 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 mobile devices to collect data in the field and create digital maps and other data visualizations. Teens earn $15/hour for participation in this After School Matters internship program!
Note: This is an in-person program that meets at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Compliance with the Nature Museum’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is required to participate in this program.
Summer Program Meeting Dates/Times
July 5, 2022 – August 12, 2022
Tuesday through Friday
10:00am – 3:00pm
Eligibility
- Must be able to attend all program dates
- Age 16 or older
- Teens must be at least 16 years old by July 5, 2022 to be eligible
- Chicago high school student (including graduating seniors)
- Chicago resident
- Compliance with the Nature Museum’s COVID-19 vaccination policy
Highlights
- 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 summer program is full and no longer accepting applications. Please check back in late August for how to apply to our fall program!
For More Information
Email 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 email applications@afterschoolmatters.org.
TEENS is generously supported by After School Matters, US Forest Service-International Programs, and The Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX)