Experiential Learning

Life Sciences Education at the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum (PGDE-PT) (NEW)

Background of Co-organiser

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum (HKBM) offers a collection of over 56,000 specimens open to the general public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, as well as to school groups to learn about the diversity of plants and animals in Hong Kong and worldwide. Since its opening in May 2021, the museum has welcomed over 50,000 visitors of all ages and backgrounds to educate about the taxonomic and ecological diversity of thousands of species. The museum is also very active on social media, reaching a wide audience of over 12,500 followers.

The mission of the HKBM is to provide scientific information accessible to all to enhance nature awareness, appreciation and conservation for education and research.

Project Objectives

During this project, interns will have the opportunity to develop educational material for their chosen age group (4-18 years old) to teach about biodiversity using the specimens’ collection and tools available at the HKBM. They will also create original posts targeting a wide audience and showcasing species that can be observed in the museum. Interns will also learn and lead tours for the public, including schools of different age groups, providing a unique learning and teaching experience.

Work Details

Interns will work on various formats and media, including on-site guided tours, online posts (1-2) and the creation of new and educational material in collaboration with school groups visiting the HKBM, as well as contributing to the creation of a document outlining tour content and logistical details.

Prepare educational material (first 3 to 4 weeks)
Use of educational material (last 2 weeks)
Guide tours at the museum (5.5 weeks)
Create online educational material posts (5.5 weeks)

Date

The project is expected to last approximately five weeks, including on-site and off-site work at the museum. On-site work will be scheduled during school holidays, and specific service dates are negotiable.
The HKBM is usually closed on Mondays, with most school groups visiting on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.
Special working hours: Saturdays and Sundays (3-4 hours from 10:30 am to 5:15 pm)

Location

The HKBM is located on the HKU campus within the School of Biological Sciences (South Wing, 2^nd floor)

(Address: Room 2S-18, 2/F, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, HKU)

Eligibility

PGDE (full-time) students, Science major preferred but not mandatory (number of places: 2)
Students with a high motivation and enthusiasm for discussing biodiversity are welcome; however, the approach taken here is to deliver accurate scientific information, not opinions or beliefs.
Students interested in interacting with the public of various ages and backgrounds are particularly welcome.
Proficiency in spoken and written English and Cantonese languages is required. Proficiency in Mandarin is a plus.

Application

Interested students please submit your CV, cover letter and an art/graphic designer portfolio (if any) through the HKU online application platform no later than 28 February 2025.

If your application meets the HKBM's requirements, you will be selected for an interview with the HKBM. Details regarding the interview will be provided later.

Remarks

Further information about our internship programme can be found here: https://www.hkbiodiversitymuseum.org/internship
Interested students can also visit our social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X for additional information.

Project Keywords

Biodiversity, Conservation, Nature, STEM Education

Enquiries

Email to [javascript protected email address]