San Jose Children's Discovery Museum Week 1

This past fourth of July marked not only Independence Day, but also the start of my internship at the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose. For the past three days, I've been assigned with various tasks to tackle, each one interesting and entertaining in it's own way.

On Wednesday, my first day, I came up with a list of questions to address in the observations I'd be conducting on the museum floor. My questions stemmed from my understanding of the museum's mission and statements found on their website. In my observations that day, I was able to speak with some exhibit specialists about the museum, make my own notes in reference to the questions I had written out, and create my own analysis of the efficiency and ways I thought the museum incorporated the goals it strives to achieve with its guests. During this time, I really took note of how inclusive the museum was able to be, not only with cultures, but with people with disabilities as well. A tactile mural was made on the second level for those who cannot see, and for those who cannot walk, a miniature staircase was created to produce sound on each step as the larger one can do.

The following day I began a book entitled "Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs", a book I will be reading throughout my internship to better understand child development and how the museum incorporates these ideals through their staff and exhibits. My observations that day focused on the ways the museum encourages the development of these skills mentioned throughout all age groups. I grouped together the data I collected and began my own analysis, concluding that the skill most developed throughout the museum was "Making Connections" and the skill least emphasized was "Communication". I was able to come to my own conclusions and theories as to why the museum was so strong in one area and weaker in the other.

Friday, being the last day of my work this week, focused again on questions of culture throughout the museum and the opportunities available to the guests. I found out about many groups the museum sponsors to help the environment, community, and visitors. In the afternoon, I took part in a "Build you own Bug" activity and I completely enjoyed being able to talk with the kids about the bug they had created. I asked open ended questions designed to get them thinking and imagining about what their creation could do. Watching and being able to help the kids use their imagination to create bugs that were seven feet tall, invisible, and over 500 million years old was definitely a highlight of my week!

Overall, each day has brought me to a new realization about how intentional each aspect of the museum and how it aims to teach and introduce kids to the various aspects of culture, history, science, and more. The book I'm reading brings forward a lot of observations, tactics, and studies conducted to help a child in life, and already I've found myself trying to use what I've learned, especially with the younger children I've come into contact with. This whole week has been an amazing experience and I could honestly not be more thankful for this opportunity!

Here are some of the bugs the kids made themselves! Each had their own name and special powers.