Smithsonian Science for the Classroom Internship

***ONLY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED VIA SOLAA WILL BE CONSIDERED. Applications sent via Handshake will NOT be considered***

Smithsonian Science for the Classroom Intern

Project Description: Interns will work with Smithsonian Science Education Center curriculum developers to assist in the development of nonfiction stories that will be included in Smithsonian Science for the Classroom units. Interns will apply knowledge of science content, information gathered through expert interviews, and independent research, to support the development of high-quality, grade-appropriate texts for middle school classroom use.

Learning objectives include:

• Work in collaboration with Smithsonian Science Education (SSEC) curriculum developers to identify, research, and plan informational texts to be included in NGSS-aligned science curricula.
• Assist in identifying and interviewing experts related to: Earth, life, physical science, and engineering. Work associated with this objective includes synthesizing information and translating high-level academic information into student-facing materials. 
• Outline, draft, and revise informational texts containing science content for a diverse middle school audience.
• Identify images and illustrations that will support texts and learn to navigate the process of properly crediting sources and seeking permission for use of found images in publications.
• Receive and respond to revision requests and feedback from SSEC curriculum developers in a thorough and timely manner.

Candidates should have strong writing skills, independent research skills, the ability to communicate professionally with experts, experience/interest in education or curriculum, and the ability to meet tight deadlines. Interns will be managed directly by a Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum developer and will receive feedback and guidance on their writing.

This will be a hybrid internship that can be flexible and should occur over an ten-week period between June– August 2026.  Hours: 35-40 hours per week. We accept college undergraduate or graduate students (graduate students preferred). We encourage both US-based and international candidates to apply. Stipends will be available.

The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, parental status, or military service.