Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Smithsonian Marine Station Marine Science Camp Internship

The Smithsonian Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium in Fort Pierce, FL is located on the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), one of the most diverse estuaries in the U.S., and less than one mile from the Atlantic Ocean. This unique educational facility provides a window into these underwater worlds, offering a variety of hands-on experiences to daily visitors, as well as on-site education programs. Our focus is on displaying ecosystems as complex communities of organisms interacting in their environments. The six main exhibits are models of local Florida ecosystems (seagrass bed, mangrove forest, coral reef, etc.) and vary in size from 500 to 3000 gallons. The Aquarium also features a touch tank and a variety of interactive exhibits. With the help of our dynamic model ecosystem displays we strive to provide the public with a better understanding of the fragile marine ecosystems of the IRL and surrounding area and the impact humans are having on these fragile ecosystems.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Aquarium serves as home base for eight week-long sessions of day camp for ages 6-16. Smithsonian Marine Science camps immerse youth in hands-on, feet-wet learning in local estuarine and marine ecosystems in the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean. Campers spend a significant amount of time outdoors engaging in activities including kayaking, seine netting, and snorkeling in various locations throughout Florida’s Treasure Coast region. The Marine Science Camp Intern will work with education staff to develop age-appropriate marine science camp curriculum, create new and engaging hands-on games and activities focused on marine science content, and co-facilitate eight weeks of summer camp. Additional objectives can be developed based on intern’s personal interests, strengths and/or experience.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Learning objectives for the intern include familiarization with Florida marine and estuarine ecosystems, best practices in outdoor environmental education, and an understanding of local marine science research.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working in a summer camp setting (preferred) and/or coursework in
science education, a demonstrated ability in effectively communicating with others, a strong interest in marine science, and a willingness/ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including weekends. Intern must be comfortable working outdoors in the Florida summer heat and humidity. Experience supervising children in water is preferred, but not required.

TIMETABLE
12 week, full-time (40 hours per week) appointment, May 15 – August 4, 2017

INTERNSHIP STIPEND
$4,200 (housing is not provided)

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a cover letter and current resume (package limited to 3 pages) to Cristin Krasco at KrascoC@si.edu no later than Wednesday, February 15, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.smithsonianofi.com/smithsonian-marine-station-marine-education-internship/


CONTACT
Cristin Krasco
Education Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator
772.465.3271
KrascoC@si.edu