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• 

THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM

Want to be a Homeschool Intern?Fill out the Homeschool Internship Application!

Program Benefits | How do I find out More Information? | Program Outline | Student Requirements | The Franklin Institute Museum Programs Department | PACTS Program

Program Benefits
Students in the Homeschool Internship Program will enjoy some of the following benefits:

* The opportunity to supplement your science education by participating in science and technology related activities
* A chance to work with other volunteers, staff, and visitors, enhancing your communication skills
* For those who qualify, a completion certificate to include in your homeschool portfolio
* Free admission to the Museum and Planetarium with your ID badge
* Limited transportation/parking reimbursement
* Invitations to special programs and events
* Discounts in Museum shops and restaurants

How do I find out More Information?
Students interested in participating in the Homeschool Internship Program should print and fill out an application. Students will be required to submit the completed application and answer a few short essay questions to determine their interest in science.

The Franklin Institute is only able to accommodate a certain number of students per year, so please apply early. Acceptance into the program is not guaranteed. Students will be required to interview with Institute staff.

Program Outline
The Homeschool Internship Program was designed by The Franklin Institute Science Museum for high school aged homeschool students. Students in the program will have an opportunity to supplement their science learning by aligning themselves with The Franklin Institute, a prestigious institution committed to science and learning.

With this six-month internship, students will have a chance to develop their written, oral, and social skills, while working with visitors, staff, and other volunteers at the Institute.

Student Requirements
Students in the Homeschool Internship Program, like all other Franklin Institute volunteers, must be at least 15 years of age. They should have an interest in science, be friendly and comfortable working with people, and must be willing to work on group projects with other students.

In order to be a part of the Internship Program, students must make a commitment to work a minimum of twice a week with our Museum Programs Department during March, April, and May, and must complete a minimum of 120 hours of service by the end of May. Students would then begin working with our PACTS program in June, July, and August. Students must complete a minimum of 140 hours with the PACTS program by the end of August, volunteering a minimum of two to three days each week.

In addition, the students will be required to keep a journal of their activities and submit a written final report in order to receive their completion certificate from the program.

The Franklin Institute Museum Programs Department
Volunteers who work with our Museum Programs Department get a chance to learn about science and then present that science to our visitors. Students would be trained to work in the various exhibits throughout the Museum, helping visitors use the devices and explaining the science behind the exhibits to them. Besides the science education students receive, they also have a chance to enhance their public speaking and presentation skills by working with the public.

PACTS Program
PACTS stands for Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science, and works with students from grades 6-12 in the Delaware Valley. Students with the PACTS program work at Centennial Lake, a pond in Fairmount Park. Students in the Homeschool Internship Program will team up with other PACTS students to study the pond and measure its health. At the conclusion of the study, students submit a report to the Fairmount Park Commission and take a look at enacting measures needed to help improve the health of the pond. Environmental science is a key component in working with PACTS and students will have the opportunity to work in our newly renovated PACTS laboratory.

Contact:
The Franklin Institute Volunteer Department
222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.448.1163 or volprog@fi.edu