Volunteer Training Schedule

New Volunteer Information & Interview Session

New prospective volunteers are asked to attend this session to learn about the service opportunities available to them at the museum and select two for which to interview. If you drive, bring your blue parking pass in with you. You will possibly wait to be interviewed, so bring something to read or study.
Information & Interview Session: Tuesday, January 24, 6-9 p.m.

New Volunteer Orientation

Once accepted into the volunteer program, all museum volunteers attend a required orientation to learn about the policies, procedures, resources and expectations of the museum and its volunteer program. All volunteers are required to attend the interpretation training listed. Once completed, the area in which you have been selected to volunteer will have its own training, as indicated below.
New Volunteer Orientation: Wednesday, February 1, 6-9 p.m.

Cell Lab

The Cell Lab is a hands-on wet biology lab located in the Human Body Gallery. In the Cell Lab, volunteers help visitors to perform science experiments using real lab equipment. Volunteers assist at computer-guided workstations, known as activity benches, and lead visitors step-by-step through a variety of experiments exploring topics in cellular, molecular, and microbiology. All volunteers are required to attend the trainings listed below and must have daytime or weekend availability.
Training: Individual trainings based upon availability.
Interpretation Training: Saturday, February 11, 1-4 p.m.

Special Exhibits Interpreter - Real Pirates

Volunteers in Real Pirates will have the opportunity to share with visitors the history and science behind the lives of real pirates in the early 18th century. The exhibit uses the story of the ship "Whydah" and her crew to bring the topic to life. Volunteers will enhance the exhibit experience with activities on topics such as commerce, daily life, ship rigging, weapons and navigation. All volunteers are required to attend the trainings listed below.
Training #1: Tuesday, February 7, 6-9 p.m.
Training #2: Thursday, February 9, 6-9 p.m.
Interpretation Training: Saturday, February 11, 1-4 p.m.
Training #3: Wednesday, February 15, 6-9 p.m.

Preschool Playdates

On Tuesday mornings, Preschool Playdates volunteers will work on make and take science projects and hands-on experiments with children ages 3-5. The make and take projects focus on science-based arts and crafts that engage children in the world around them. Topics include a variety of basic science concepts such as wind, water, and light. All volunteers are required to attend at least one of the interpretation trainings listed.
Training: Individual trainings based upon availability.
Interpretation Training: Saturday, February 11, 1-4 p.m.

Visitor Hospitality Volunteer

The Information Booth is the hub of the Science Museum of Minnesota. Volunteers in this area enhance the visitor experience by cordially greeting guests, serving as a resource for museum information and providing brief interpretative activities of science and art-based items within the lobby. Visitor Hospitality Volunteers direct guests to various parts of the museum and the downtown St. Paul area, provide them with information regarding programming, show times and activities, and assist with their questions. All volunteers are required to attend the trainings listed below.
Training #1: Saturday, February 4, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Training #2: Tuesday, February, 7, 6-9 p.m.
Interpretation Training: Saturday, February 11, 1-4 p.m.