Science Educator interview

We asked some questions to Alan, a science educator at the Natural History Museum. I actually went there in the summer holidays to see the Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature exhibition and it was really good and me and my family loved it!

Here is the interview:

Could you tell the readers what a science educator does?

I am a Science Educator here at the museum. It is my job to teach people all about the natural world. We try to inspire people so they appreciate, enjoy and respect the world around us in their day to day life.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is that I get to meet new people every single day and talk to them about things that I am passionate about. I also get to learn new things from some of the smartest people in the world.

Did you always want to work at a museum when you were young? When I was growing up, I always enjoyed going to museums and I loved nature. I always dreamed of working with animals. I feel very privileged that I get to do both of these things in my job now.

What is your favourite item that you have seen in the museum?

My favourite exhibit at the museum is in the Birds Gallery. It is a Victorian cabinet filled with more than 100 hummingbirds. I love it because most people don’t even notice it and I think it is a brilliant display of biodiversity.

Did you work at any other museums before the Natural History Museum? This is the first time I have worked at a museum. I was a science teacher before this and so it’s been really fun to use my knowledge and skills to work in a new and exciting environment.

Do you have any pets? I do not have any pets currently. My last pet, though, was a Border Collie named Ranger. He was the best dog I have ever had and I miss him terribly!

What was your favourite subject at school?

At school, my favourite subject was not Science, it was English. I think a large part of that was that I could read books about nature and science which I still love to do today.

I hope this answers all of your questions. I am so excited that, like me, you are interested in museums and the world around us. If we work hard, follow our passions and believe in ourselves then anything is possible!

Thank you for answering our questions Alan!

More updates on my visit to the Natural History Museum coming soon....