January 23, 2015 Dear Indiana Science Educators: The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is collaborating with Pellet Productions, Inc., a producer of educational media located in Massachusetts, in developing a national project called SciTrends. We would like to invite any students interested in science and STEM to participate in a Teen Advisory Board to help guide development of this project and encourage national engagement. SciTrends will be a Web-based video series that aims to create interest and enthusiasm, and build an understanding of science and technology among youth ages13-17. Six video episodes will use a science news magazine format and be hosted by a current undergraduate student and self-proclaimed science and technology fanatic. The videos will present cutting-edge technology being developed by scientists and technicians in labs across the country. Each episode will also contain segments highlighting the educational pathways for achieving careers as technicians and exploring career opportunities, with a special focus on scientists who have advanced their education after having begun as community college students. As a Teen Advisor to SciTrends, you will be asked to make a commitment of up to 3 hours/month throughout 2015. This comprises a 1-hour face-to-face meeting at the Indiana State Museum and up to two additional hours reviewing draft resources for the project and providing written comments, together with using your own social networks to help spread the word about SciTrends (e.g., retweeting posts from the SciTrends Twitter feed). The resources you may be asked to review include things like sample logos, ideas for stories for each of the videos, etc. We will be looking for your feedback on things like the potential for interest about a topic by you and your peers, the flow of each storyline, and suggestions for changes. Participation in this national Teen Advisory Board is both a challenge and an honor. Pellet Productions will include your name in the list of credits posted on the SciTrends web site. In addition, upon completion of your work, the Indiana State Museum and Pellet Productions will provide you with a certificate recognizing your contribution.
Referencing your participation can help you in your search for future internship and job opportunities, as well as in your applications to college. We ask that you carefully consider this invitation and whether you can make the commitment asked of you. Please respond to Indiana State Museum by February 20, 2015 if you need additional information and to inform us of your decision. Sincerely,
Joanna Hahn Manager of School Programs Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites jhahn@indianamuseum.org 317.232.8293