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PACTS Explainers
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Extraordinary PACTS students are invited to join our team of Explainers, who work in the museum as interpreters or as junior staff members. Explainers "interpret" permanent and traveling exhibits and present science related demonstrations for museum visitors. The Explainers act as peer leaders and mentors to the students in the various areas of the PACTS program. They also participate in youth development seminars, called Rap Sessions, where they receive college and career counseling, life skills development, and participate in community volunteer events. They also produce and edit a bi-monthly newsletter, and staff the PACTS Laboratory. Explainers have a great reputation at The Franklin Institute and in addition to the events they individually host, they are invited to collaborate with other Institute departments to co-host events inside and outside the museum.
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Meet the Scientists
Meet the Scientists, an annual event for invited area high school students that engages renowned scientists who are named as Franklin Award laureates, is a forum hosted and moderated by PACTS Explainers. This lively and interesting discussion presents a unique opportunity for students to interact with some of the world's most profound and accomplished scientists. More than 1,600 students have participated in Meet the Scientists. |
PACTS Explainer Khalil Knapper is discussing with Roger Bacon and Robert B. Meyer their accomplishments and studies in science. |
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First Lego League Challenge Robot Competition
PACTS and The Franklin Institute host an annual robotics competition in which student teams from the tri-state area compete to build the best robot. The Franklin Institute and PACTS have hosted a state championship and several regional competitions. PACTS Explainers host this event, act as referees and judges, and complete the set up for this event.
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Careers in Science Day
In 2006, PACTS and the Museum Programs Department hosted their third Annual Careers in Science Day. Students and teachers have the opportunity to attend Panel Discussions. PACTS Explainers act as MCs for this event.
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Kristi Johnson, Terry Beck, Heather Atkinson, and Yvette Burch are speaking to high school students about their professions and PACTS Explainer Jonathan Ponder is hosting at the 2004 event. |
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Nigel Christie is giving visitors some facts on the snake that we keep in our terrarium. |
Earth Day
Every year, PACTS Explainers participate in the celebration of Earth Day. Many departments in the museum—as well as environmental guests—present ideas and practices for keeping our earth safe.
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Internships
The PACTS Alumni and PACTS Explainers also contribute their time to other programs in the museum. PACTS Alumni Michael Cunningham currently is an Intern in Museum Programs, and Brittany Hodges is working as the first Intern in the Exhibit Design department. Michael is the head of our Terrarium team and our Webpage team, and would like to pursue a career in public communications. Brittany is a student at Engineering and Science High School and has aspirations of pursuing a career in science exhibit design.
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