Since 1971, the Exploratorium Explainer Program has provided more than 1,000 young men and women of high school age with meaningful work and education opportunities in science and public education. In 1988, eighty to one hundred students from San Francisco and greater Bay Area high schools will be chosen to work as Explainers for one or two semesters. The Explainers' "job" is to help the Exploratorium's large and diverse public use and understand our collection of interactive exhibits. The Explainers undergo intensive training in aspects of science before they begin working, and continue to attend weekend sessions on specific phenomena throughout their tenure at the museum. Explainers receive about seventy hours of formal instruction in science which is augmented by extensive one-on-one association between each Explainer and our Senior education, research and exhibit development staff. In addition, throughout the year the Exploratorium host visiting scholars and scientists who meet with the Explainers to discuss their work, as well as more general issues of scientific controversy and philosophy. Through hands-on experience -- building and operating actual demonstrations of phenomena, setting up biological experiments for the public, and maintaining exhibit apparatus -- the Explainers gain a deep familiarity with the fundamental concepts and activities of several scientific disciplines. Through daily contact with museum staff and visiting scientists, field trips to research sites, and other enrichment activities, they become acquainted with the day-to-day experiences of working in scientific fields.
