Catapult Engineering Instructor
This is a remote summer job assignment held entirely on the campus of Lasell University, Newton MA.
Unfortunately, travel and living expenses are not reimbursed. It may be possible to apply for a grant, to cover these expenses, when they are associated with research and/or an internship.
International students must have a valid student visa, be fluent in English and be eligible to work in the USA.
This instructor position is to lead Catapult Engineering, a multi-week, week-long summer academic program.
We are looking for history and/or engineering undergraduates or graduates with experience engaging and leading youth ages 10+. As examples: youth organizations such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, public outreach, museum tour guide, science fair exhibitor, sports coach, life guard, etc. Experience with hand tools and making things is a plus. A passion for sharing applied science is a must.
Training, curriculum, gear, supplies, outdoor space and a tricked-out classroom are provided. The successful candidate will be encouraged to draw on their particular skills, education, interests and experience to enhance and/or modify the curriculum.
Edge on Science activities, once introduced and set up, are largely self directed, so this Instructor position is not about lecturing, but rather teaching concepts and sharing knowledge, to then enable the students to successfully build and use their team's trebuchet.
Each class, of up to 12 students, is divided into two teams, each building a trebuchet capable of launching a coconut over 50 m. Various challenges are given, namely knocking down a castle wall made up of half meter cube corrugated cardboard shipping boxes!
Past instructors have cited that their time with Edge on Science has significantly improved their communication and management skills, in addition to advancing their knowledge in the topic they are leading. They also appreciate the opportunity to be mentored by more senior staff, who have backgrounds in engineering and applied science. Students often ask their mentor or the Edge on Science Director to act as a references, when applying for other internships, part-time work or permanent employment.
Figure on about ten hours of paid preparation and training time.