The Sci Comm Works course runs from June to October 2024, during which you will:

• Gain skills and confidence in talking to audiences of all ages, from toddlers to adult
• Facilitate pop-up science stations across Scienceworks to engage families and school childre
• Assist with facilitating early-years STEM experiences, delivering workshops, hosting schools and presenting science demonstrations
• Get to know a cohort of other fun and enthusiastic tertiary students interested in science communication
• Take part in 5 days of masterclasses, learning from leading practitioners in science presenting, workshop facilitation and experience design

We’ll show you how we create unmissable experiences for our audiences, and how we bring to life the fun, interactive Scienceworks that we love.

Program structure

Sci Comm Works is a volunteering program at Scienceworks for tertiary students.

The program begins with a 3-day intensive at Scienceworks. This will take place from Monday to Wednesday 24-26 June.

Throughout the program (ending 21 October), you’ll get hands on experience working with audiences and applying your skills through 30+ hours of volunteering.

On Wednesday 18 September there will be a training day to check in with the group and prepare for the Spring Holidays.

On Monday 21 October, at the end of the program, there will be a wrap up session.

After the program concludes, you’ll have the opportunity to stay on as a volunteer at Scienceworks!

Application process

Applying is very easy. Just tell us a little bit about yourself and why you’d like to do this course.

Applications are open now and close by Sunday 2 June.

Capacity is very limited for this program. We may close applications early, so please apply as soon as possible.

Once we receive applications there’ll be an informal phone interview. Following that we’ll inform the successful applicants.

Eligibility

We’re looking for curious, passionate and enthusiastic tertiary students interested in finding out more about science communication.

You might be studying science, education, engineering, museum studies, or something else entirely! You don’t need experience. Just tell us why you want to be part of the program.

This course is for undergraduate and postgraduate students. We recommend it for students who are already at least a year or two into their studies – but if you think you’re ready, don’t let that stop you!

You’ll need to be able to attend the 3-day intensive in June, do at least 30 hours of volunteering between Thursday 27 June to Monday 21 October, attend a training day on Wednesday 18 September and attend a wrap up session on Monday 21 October.

You’ll also need to obtain a volunteer Working With Children Check (free), and police check (we’ll cover the cost of this).

Some places in this program are reserved for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. If that’s you, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Volunteering

Sci Comm Works is an initiative of the Museums Victoria volunteer team. Volunteering is a key part of this program and it’s how you’ll get the hands-on experience.

Find out about other volunteering opportunities.

Enquiries

Please contact the Volunteer Programs Officer, Davina Jenner,  with any enquiries.

Email: [email protected]