MCTP
SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
MCTP
SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
1997 SITE BROCHURE
Area: Production
Length of Internship: Ten Weeks
Positions Available: One
The Air Products and Chemicals, Inc-Elkton Plant produces Polymer Emulsion
Adhesives. These products are chemical intermediates used to produce paints,
paper coatings along with paper and wood glues. These products are sold
to numerous customers primarily within a 300 mile region. The 42 team oriented
employees make up a manufacturing site that has local Production, Shipping,
Maintenance, Lab and Engineering personnel. The plant is also supported,
as needed, by functional staff personnel from the Allentown, Pa. Corporate
Headquarters.
Research Project: Operating Plant Hazard Review (OPHR)
This project involves supporting the Air Products and Chemicals Inc.-Elkton Plant in the process of reviewing all of the plant's safety operating systems. This review is done by Air Products and Chemicals every five years and is one of the key reasons that Air Products has been one of the safest Chemical Companies for more than a decade. The internship work will consist of assembling the Documentation, Drawings and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams needed to perform the OPHR. The intern will also participate in the actual OPHR, which will consist of reviewing all of the plant's vessels, lines and other equipment line-by-line and item-by-item. What-if and Hazard Operating math and science related questions will be answered. From the results, recommendations will be made for further operating safety improvements. All job activities will take place on the site. This project will probably extend beyond the normal ten week period. For this reason, an intern who would be open to employment with the company through August is desirable.
Recommended Background/Skills: Chemistry, environmental science,
personal computers and typical commercial software packages. Applicant
should be prepared to work non-traditional hours (e.g., longer hours and
a compressed work week during the OPHR). Basic knowledge of electronic
and mechanical devices would be useful.
Areas: Environmental Research/Education
Length of Internship: Eight-Ten Weeks
Positions Available: One or More
AEL, the upland facility of the Center for Environmental and Estuarine
Studies (CEES), is located on the uppermost reaches of the Chesapeake Bay
watershed in Western Maryland. Its faculty members conduct studies on land
and stream ecology, acid precipitation, management of native and endangered
species, and restoration of disturbed habitats.
Research Projects: Field and laboratory research on lake, stream, and upland ecosystems
Potential projects include the Maryland Biological Stream Survey, acid precipitation studies, analysis of forest nutrient dynamics, effects of deer populations on forested landscapes, and computer modeling of changes in land use.
Recommended Background/Skills: Experience with DOS or Macintosh;
individual projects may require undergraduate-level experience in biology,
chemistry, and/or mathematics. Some projects may require strenuous field
work (hiking, lifting); evening and/or weekend hours may occasionally be
necessary to carry out field studies.
Area: Environmental Education
Length of Internship: Twelve weeks
Dates: June 2 through August 23*
Positions Available: One
Assateague Island, part of the National Park system, is a 37-mile long
barrier island. The facility is strongly involved in educating the public
about our nation's natural resources so that people will be inspired to
adopt a stewardship relationship with the environment. The intern will
work alongside naturalists and interns from around the country. Interns
participate in a two week training program in early June, and thereafter
perform duties in all programs, such as guided canoe trips, shellfishing
demonstrations, nature walks, children's programming, aquarium talks, campfires,
visitor center information desk duty , and book shop sales. The internship
position requires living at the park. Interns are scheduled for weekend
shifts and for evening duty shifts which include roving contacts in the
campgrounds. The work week consists of 5 days with 2 consecutive days off.
The site provides free quarters for its interns. These quarters consist
of dormitory style houses and rooms are usually shared. Quarters are completely
furnished, with the exception of linens and specialized cooking utensils.
Interns learn the basics of marine biology and barrier island ecology and,
in turn, provide interpretation of this knowledge to visitor through the
regularly scheduled programs. Each intern will develop an educational product
that showcases some aspect of the island's resources to visitors. The MCTP
intern will focus on a project which analyses, for teachers and interns,
the educational experience and value of an on-site learning situation.
Research Project: The unique learning outcomes of direct experience in the natural environment
The MCTP intern's project will focus on what is uniquely powerful about learning that takes place when individuals engage in activities on the island. The specific form and direction of the project will emerge after the intern has completed the two week training period and collaborates with the site mentor.
Recommended Background/Skills: The intern must be ready and able
to exert some degree of physical effort in the nature walk and canoeing
programs, and to withstand summer heat, humidity, biting flies and mosquitos.
*Note: The site will ensure that scheduling allows
the intern to attend the Student Forum in August.
Area: Environmental Science
Length of Internship: Eight-Ten Weeks
Positions Available: One or more
The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory is the east coast's oldest marine
laboratory associated with an institution of higher education. The Laboratory
is located at the mouth of the Patuxent River on Solomons Island. Research
includes studies in coastal marine ecology, fisheries biology, ecosystem
modeling, aquatic chemistry/geochemistry and environmental toxicology.
Studies focus on the Chesapeake and its living resources, other coastal
systems in the U.S. and abroad, and the world's principal oceans.
Research Projects: Field and laboratory research on the Chesapeake Bay
Representative projects include water quality monitoring, pollution measurements on Patuxent River, stock assessment and ecology of fish populations, effects of toxins on aquatic organisms, atmospheric deposition on Chesapeake watershed, biology of zebra mussels.
Recommended Background/Skills: Experience with DOS or Macintosh;
individual projects may require undergraduate-level experience in biology,
chemistry, and/or mathematics. Some projects may require strenuous field
work (hiking, lifting); evening and/or weekend hours may occasionally be
necessary to carry out field studies.
Area: Alternative Classroom
Length: Eight to Ten Weeks
Positions Available: One to Three
Discovery Creek Children's Museum of Washington is the newest children's
museum in Washington, offering interdisciplinary environmental programming
and outdoor nature experiences to schools, educators and families. The
Discovery Creek learning experience begins within the walls of Washington's
only remaining one-room schoolhouse, and extends to a spectacular 12 acre
wilderness complete with centuries-old trees, native wildlife, and a stream
with waterfalls.
Research Project: Interdisciplinary Environmental Education Curriculum
The intern(s) will assist the museum's director of education with the development of the museum's interdisciplinary curriculum. Each program development project will address one of the following topics. 1) Astronomy: employing a portable planetarium recently acquired by the museum; 2) Maps & Compass; 3) Animal Studies: population studies, food chains, tracking, and animal architecture. Each program will be multidisciplinary, with particular emphasis on identifying and developing mathematical concepts inherent in the topic. Program activities will rely heavily on outdoor exploration and will involve students in building and testing their understanding of the topic. The project includes: program development, using a broad variety of human, internet, and other resources; piloting on a variety of the museums nature campers; and revision.
Recommended Background/Skills: Interest in children and the environment.
Creative and energetic.
Areas: Life & Physical Sciences, Curriculum Development
Length of Internship: Eight Weeks
Positions Available: One
Event-Based Science is a curriculum development project being carried
out by teachers and students from Montgomery County Public Schools with
funds from the National Science Foundation. Event-Based Science modules
are published by Addison-Wesley Publishing Company and distributed to middle
schools throughout the United States. Event-Based Science modules aim to
increase science achievement of all middle school science students by establishing
relevance, a need-to-know, and a want-to-know. Videotaped
television news coverage establishes the relevance; a real-world task creates
the need-to-know; and, engaging interviews, lively narrative, and team
involvement lead to a want-to-know.
Research Projects: Curriculum Writing Workshop, Alpha Testing, and Web Page Development
During a summer writing workshop, participants will develop three units new EBS units. The intern will have the opportunity to work with the director of the Event-Based Science Project before, during and after the [remove: summer writing] workshop. The intern will work side-by-side with project teachers. The intern can expect to be involved in: brainstorming; library research; science activity writing, testing, and rewriting; and, field testing science activities with a group of middle school students. The intern will be directly responsible for developing a Web Page to support one of the three new EBS units. The Web Page will be designed to support the task and activities of the unit by providing links to selected web sites that contain relevant additional or extension information.
Recommended Background/Skills: Organizational skills; ability
to work well with teachers, supervisors, and adolescents; willingness to
assist the Event-Based Science Project director with all daily activities
(typing, photocopying, making transparencies, etc.); and, knowledge of
science concepts typically taught in life science and physical science
classes at the middle school level.
Area: Environmental, Oceanic & Atmospheric Science
Length of Internship: Eight Weeks
Positions Available: One or More
Horn Point Environmental Laboratory is located on the south shore of
the Choptank River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Faculty members conduct
research in coastal marine ecology, biological and physical oceanography,
invertebrate biology, and aquaculture. This site also includes one of the
east coast's largest research hatchery complexes for oyster and fish aquaculture
studies.
Research Project: Environmental Education
The intern will assist with program development at the Horn Point Environmental Education Center.
Research Project: Research Hatchery
The intern will assist with Maryland Oyster Recovery Project and/or striped bass aquaculture program.
Research Project: Ecological Research
Studies on Choptank River, wetlands, submerged aquatic vegetation, and remote sensing. Representative projects include point and non-point pollutants in the Choptank, effects of sea-level rise on Chesapeake Bay marshes, work with experimental sea grass mesocosms, and classroom delivery of real-time monitoring data obtained by the buoys of the Chesapeake Bay Observing System.
Recommended Background/Skills: Experience with DOS or Macintosh;
individual projects may require undergraduate-level experience in biology,
chemistry, and/or mathematics. Some projects may require strenuous field
work (hiking, lifting); evening and/or weekend hours may occasionally be
necessary to carry out field studies.
Area: Secondary Science/Mathematics
Length of Internship: Eight Weeks
Dates: June 9 through August 1
Positions Available: Two
Howard County Public Schools conducts a curriculum writing workshop
for grades K-12 every summer in all discipline areas. Mathematics and science
curriculum is developed at the secondary level as part of this workshop.
This curriculum follows NCTM Standards, AAAS Project 2061, National Science
Education Standards, Maryland State Dept. of Education Outcomes and Core
Learning Goals. Curricula include core learning goals, lessons, strategies,
and assessments and they incorporate recent programs, textbooks, resources
and technology.
Project: The intern will work with a team of mathematics or science teachers to do the following: research the latest programs and practices that foster mathematics or science reform; become familiar with methodologies in mathematics/science instruction within the context of learning theory; analyze current curriculum; use core learning goals to write lessons to support the goals; enhance curriculum to meet the needs of all students. The intern will help to produce a curriculum document to be used in the Howard County Public School System. Related educational materials will be produced collaboratively.
Recommended Background/Skills: Mathematics or science background;
familiarity with national standards for mathematics and science teaching.
Writing, lesson plan, and Macintosh skills helpful. A lesson plan will
be evaluated.
Area: Space Department or Research Center
Length of Internship: Ten Weeks
Positions Available: One
The Applied Physics Laboratory is a division of The Johns Hopkins University
and is dedicated to solving problems for the U.S. Navy and other government
agencies. With a staff of 2800, APL undertakes large-scale systems engineering
tasks, pursues basics research in a variety of fields, and provides expertise
in many areas of both civilian and military technology.
Research Project: To be determined
A position will be available in the space department or in the research center. Every effort will be made to match the intern's interests and aptitudes with research in existing programs. The intern will assist a scientist or an engineer with current program work that utilizes the intern's current skills and allows the intern to acquire new knowledge and skill.
Recommended Background/Skills: Necessary background includes
familiarity with personal computers and the use of typical commercial software
packages
Area: Environmental Science
Length of Internship: Eight Weeks
Dates: June 23 through August 15*
Positions Available: Two
The Living Classrooms Foundation is a non-profit organization, operated
for the benefit of the community at large, providing hands-on education
and job training, with a special emphasis on at-risk youth and groups from
diverse backgrounds. Utilizing marine settings and a 1:5 staff to student
ratio, the Foundation provides experience-based educational programs emphasizing
the applied learning of math, science, language arts, history, economics,
and ecology. Key objectives Living Classrooms Foundation programs are career
development, cooperative learning, community service, elevating self esteem,
and fostering multicultural exchange. The Foundation features a variety
of living classrooms including the 104' pungy schooner, Lady Maryland,
1948 historic buyboat Mildred Belle, skipjacks Minnie V.
and Sigsbee, the Maritime Institute job training facility, Center
Dock Marina, Baltimore Maritime Museum, and the newly constructed Weinberg
Education Center.
Research Project: Effects of Biofilms (Fouling Communities) on the Patapsco River Oyster Population
During this internship, the participant will conduct research on the Living Classrooms' oyster sanctuary in the Patapsco River to determine the effects of biofilms on this oyster population. Research will take place in conjunction with two Living Classrooms educational summer programs for students. By participating in a nine-day Oyster Restoration program aboard the skipjack, Sigsbee, the intern will get valuable background information about the Patapsco River oyster sanctuary and about oysters in general. The intern will also be invited aboard the skipjack Minnie V. to collect biofilm plates from the Patapsco River. These plates will be taken to the Columbus Center and Weinberg Education Center for analysis. Research will also include spat counts, calculating growth and mortality rates, and biodiversity study of the fouling community at the Sanctuary site. This internship will take place on weekdays, with the exception of the shipboard Oyster Restoration component, which is residential and takes place over nine consecutive days.
Recommended Background/Skills: Applicants should be ready and
able to spend large amounts of time outdoors and in the marine environment.
Applicants should feel comfortable aboard boats, and be willing to travel
around the Bay on a skipjack and camp ashore in tents at night. A certain
amount of physical effort will be required during the sampling of the sanctuary.
Research Project: Inner Harbor Air Quality Monitoring and Curriculum Development at the Weinberg Education Center
This internship will center on the Photo Assessment Monitoring (PAM) site at the Living Classrooms Foundation's Weinberg Education Center. During this internship, the participant will research and monitor the air quality of Baltimore's inner harbor area. Air quality parameters include volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, oxides, ozone, and particulate matter. Research may be conducted in cooperation with the Maryland Department of the Environment. A goal of the internship is the development of air quality-based lesson plans which are aligned with MSPAP outcomes.
Recommended Background/Skills: The intern will be able to try
curriculum ideas with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who are participating
in an air quality program at the Weinberg Center.
*Note: Because some of the August portion of this program will overlap with some or all of Student Forum, the interns may begin the internship prior to June 23 in order to complete eight full weeks of internship.
Area: Environmental Science
Length of Internship: 8 Weeks + 2-day training course
Positions Available: Two or More
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Monitoring and Non-Tidal
Assessment Division (MANTA) is responsible for determining the status and
trends of aquatic resources in Maryland. As part of this mission, MANTA
is conducting a multi-disciplinary, statewide ecological survey of streams
and rivers. The survey incorporates state-of-the-art sampling and analytical
methodologies as well as a probability-based sampling design.
Research Project: Maryland Biological Stream Survey
Interns will receive formal training in stream assessment techniques and participate in field sampling for the Maryland Biological Stream Survey. In the field, interns will work with an interdisciplinary team of professional biologists involved in sampling fish, reptiles and amphibians, aquatic vegetation, freshwater mussels, physical habitat, hydrology and water quality. During the course of the internship, participants will become proficient in stream sampling techniques and become familiar with assessing anthropogenic impacts by visiting numerous disturbed and minimally impacted sites in one or more ecoregions. Interns will also be afforded the opportunity to participate in or become familiar with other aspects of the survey, including benthic macroinvertebrate sampling, data management/analysis, interpretation of satellite imagery, newsletter and report preparation, environmental education efforts and GIS. Interns will also participate in an ongoing ecological monitoring project on Chesapeake Bay. Participants in the program will be added to the mailing list for the stream survey and receive scientific publications as well as less technical products targeted at non-technical audiences.
Recommended Background/Skills: Biology, ecology, chemistry, physics,
environmental science. Some IBM/PC experience preferred. Applicants for
the program should be prepared to work non-traditional hours (e.g., longer
hours and a compressed work week) during field sampling. In addition, applicants
should be fit for strenuous physical activity during hot weather.
Area: GLOBE Project
Length of Internship: Eight Weeks
Positions Available: One
The GLOBE project is an educational partnership between scientists,
teachers, and students in Kindergarten through twelfth grade across the
GLOBE. Over 3000 schools are currently participating in this program which
instructs students in numerous countries to understand and make measurements
of key environmental parameters in their local area. These data are given
to the GLOBE office where they are processed and used by scientists, and
displayed via Internet back to the students. Students learn to compare
data they collected with data from other schools and to appreciate the
importance of various components of the environment.
Research Project: To assist in developing educational activities to teach concepts of soil science to students in Kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Recommended Background/Skills: Environmental science (soils,
geology, hydrology, biology, or ecology) background is preferred. Familiarity
with MAC computers and use of Microsoft Word and Graphics programs is desired.
Understanding of age related requirements of students would be helpful.
Area: Earth Science/Geophysics/Planetary Geology
Length of Internship: Eight to Ten Weeks
Positions Available: Two
The scientists at the Geodynamics Branch conduct research into the nature,
dynamics and evolution of the solid earth and planets using space techniques
and remote sensing data. Gravity, magnetic, topographic, geodetic, image
and other data are used to constrain models of: tectonic plate motion;
properties of the earth's interior; dynamics of the solid and fluid earth;
solid body contributions to global change; and the formation, evolution
and current state of planetary surfaces.
Research Project: TBA (Based on areas of interest listed below)
Specific research projects may include: studies of the crustal evolution of Mars; geophysical modeling of satellite gravity and magnetic data; investigations of volcano-climate interactions; measuring forest canopy structure by airborne laser altimetry; and studies of global atmospheric and oceanic circulation and how it interacts with solid earth.
Recommended Background/Skills: Geology, physics, chemistry or
mathematics. Familiarity with IBM/MAC desirable; Unix helpful.
Research Project: Geoscience Mission Management
The Mission Manager at the Geodynamics Branch conducts airborne science flights, as well as provide mission operations support and engineering for remote sensing systems developed in the lab to support laser altimetry . This operations position involves generating engineering drawings for manufacture of instrument components, coordinating installation of equipment on aircraft, planning mission profiles, and serving to coordinate flight mission operations. The intern may work on one of the following projects: Serve as Mission Manager for flights of Laser altimetry system on board University of Maryland Aircraft; Support the Shuttle / Hitchhiker payload SLA-02 mission; Serve as Mission Manager for instrument development flights of the LVIS Laser altimetry system on board the NASA WFF T-39 Sabreliner aircraft.
Recommended Background/Skills: Geology, physics, mathematics
or engineering. Familiarity with computer aided design software desirable.
Areas: Earth Science or Chemistry
Length of Internship: Eight to Ten Weeks
Positions Available: One
The Goddard Distributed Active Archive Center (GDAAC) is one of several NASA Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) data centers. The GDAAC distributes global environmental data used for research of the oceans, atmosphere, land
vegetation and hydrology. One of the goals of the GDAAC is to make data and scientific information available to the educational community is a usable format. The GDAAC has funding from the MTPE education office to develop a
series of three educational products on the topics of Stratospheric
Ozone, Land Vegetation, and Ocean Biomass. The audience consists of earth
science educators, science and technology high school students, and undergraduates.
Research Project: Stratospheric Ozone
The first in the series of educational products, Stratospheric Ozone, will be ready for testing and evaluation during the summer of 1997. The proposed presentation of content in the product is as follows: Module 1, Getting Started; Module 2, Lectures and Scientific Background Information; Module 3, Remote Sensing (contains image processing software and a tutorial); Module 4, Appendices (glossary, references, etc.). The intern will work with a high school educator to test and evaluate the materials and then conduct sessions for other educators to test and evaluate it. You will learn about stratospheric ozone, how it is measured, how the TOMS satellite data is used, and all about the ozone hole. You will also learn how to use the TOMS (Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer) satellite data to study ozone variability by using an image processing software and tutorial (Module 3) to create your own color images and quicktime movies to do simple analyses. See demo web site at: http://daac.gsfc.nasa.gov/CAMPAIGN_DOCS/ATM_CHEM/ac_education.html
For free global satellite and environmental data, visit our WWW site at: http://daac.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Recommended Background/Skills: Science background in chemistry
and minimal Mac experience.
Area: Geoscience Education
Length of Internships: Variable; See below
Positions Available: Variable; See below
Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) is NASA's contribution to developing
a vastly improved understanding of the Earth. The program is designed to
address the most fundamental uncertainties and questions associated with
the global environment. The unique advantage point of space provides information
about the Earth's air, land, water and life - and the interactions among
them - that is not available using any other means. While the most significant
and visible goal of MTPE is increased scientific understanding, education,
in its broadest form, has become an extremely important part of the program,
and is embedded in our goals and success criteria. One goal of the MTPE
program is to "foster the development of an informed and environmentally
aware public." Within this context, contributions by MTPE to the advancement
of formal education are a major aspect of how the success of the program
will be measured. MTPE has education programs which reach K-12 teachers
and students as well as faculty and students at the undergraduate and graduate
level. These programs emphasize increasing the understanding of the Earth
as an integrated system and how natural and human-induced change impact
the earth's systems on regional and global scales. The education programs
also strive to bring up-to-date technologies and scientific data into the
classroom.
Research Project: Science and Mathematics Education Teacher Enhancement
Length of Internship: Eight Weeks Positions Available: One
NASA Headquarters, Goddard Space Flight Center, the National Security Agency and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) will offer a summer residential teacher training program for 20 teachers of talented students from the District of Columbia and Baltimore school districts for a one week period of time, with follow-up activities during the school year. Ten of the teachers will be from the middle school level and 10 will be from the high school level. The intern will assist with the development of an earth system science course to be offered during the workshop. He/she will also develop and implement a plan to assess the effectiveness of the program and its follow-up activities. The intern will spend one week at UMES and seven weeks at Goddard Space Flight Center.
Recommended Background/Skills: Background in earth science and
geology helpful; familiarity with inquiry-based instruction.
Research Project: Science and Mathematics Education for High School Students
Length of Internship: Eight Weeks Positions Available: One
NASA Headquarters, Goddard Space Flight Center, the National Security Agency and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) will offer a summer residential program for 140 high school students representing gifted and talented populations throughout Maryland, the District of Columbia and Metropolitan Washington. The program offers a total of 10 courses to students related to mathematics and science. The intern will assist with the development of an earth system
science course to be offered during the workshop. He/she will also develop and conduct a plan to assess the impact of the program on the students. The intern will spend time both at UMES and at Goddard Space Flight Center.
Recommended Background/Skills: Background in earth science and
geology helpful; familiarity with inquiry-based instruction.
Research Project: GSFC Earth System Science Education Project
Length of Internship: Eight-Ten Weeks Positions Available: Two
Twenty outstanding earth and environmental science teachers selected from the pool of participants in the 1994-96 Maryland /GSFC Earth and Environmental Science Teacher Ambassador Programs will be involved in a four week summer program at GSFC. They will work with Mission to Planet Earth scientists to develop learning modules for grade 5-8 and 9-12 which emphasize earth system science and integrate mathematics and science. The interns will work with scientist-teacher teams to design learning activities for the middle school level, and they will assist in designing a plan for pilot testing the learning modules.
Recommended Background/Skills: Familiarity with the internet
and macs; familiarity with reform movements, teaching standards in mathematics
and science education. Familiarity with inquiry-based instruction. Background
in earth science and geology helpful; familiarity with using technology
in the classroom.
Area: Online Education, New Media
Length of Internship: Eight to Ten Weeks
Positions Available: Two
National Geographic Society's online journal (http://www.nationalgeographic.com)
aims to break new ground in interactive storytelling while educating and
entertaining the public. The goal is to make visitors to the Web site participants
in the ongoing exploration of our world. The site debuts three or four
feature assignments every month. In the Society's tradition, these features
span geography broadly defined, "the world and all that is in it":
history, culture, science, nature, exploration, and adventure. In addition,
the site includes extensive resources--including bibliographies, Web links,
and classroom ideas--for teachers and students. Nationalgeographic.com
is among the most popular destinations on the World Wide Web, receiving
more than half a million "hits" on a typical day.
Project: Interactive Teaching on the World Wide Web
The intern will become part of the editorial teams creating one or two
major features for the Web site, and will take the creative lead in designing
and researching classroom ideas to accompany these features. This may involve
library and online research, interviews, and field trips. It could also
involve some basic computer programming, although knowledge of HTML and
other coding languages used on the World Wide Web is not essential. The
intern will participate in regular meetings of both the Web site staff
and the Geography Education Division, which works closely with primary
and secondary school educators. The intern will have the opportunity to
meet, travel with, and learn from standout teachers from across the United
States and Canada. Over the course of the summer, the intern will experience
the adventure of working in an extremely new information medium, the potential
uses of the World Wide Web in the classroom, and the challenges it poses.
Project: Developing Content for Children on the World Wide Web
A second internship will be available during the summer of 1997. The intern will work with an online producer from World magazine, National Geographic's monthly publication for children. The intern will help to create one or more kids'
features for the Web site.
Recommended Background/Skills (both projects): Experience with
Macintosh and PC platforms. Creativity, keen interest in authoring for
children, organizational skills and an ability to meet deadlines. Familiarity
with basic HTML, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe PhotoShop helpful but not
essential.
Area: Office of Science Education; science curriculum development
Length of Internship: Eight to Ten Weeks
Positions Available: One
Begun as a one-room Laboratory of Hygiene in 1887, the National Institutes
of Health today is one of the world's foremost biomedical research centers,
and the federal focal point for biomedical research in the U.S. The NIH
mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for
everyone. NIH works toward that mission by: conducting research in its
own laboratories; supporting the research of non-Federal scientists in
universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout
the country and abroad; helping in the training of research investigators;
and fostering communication of biomedical information. As part of this
mission the NIH is also supporting the national science education reform
movement. The Office of Science Education has undertaken the task of developing
science curriculum supplements to bring the newest biomedical research
advancements into the classroom.
Research Project: Resource guide for students interested in medical health sciences
The intern would do the research and development of a resource guide for students interested in the medical health sciences. This guide will include mentoring advice that would improve the inclusion of students from groups underrepresented in the sciences. Information on the types of courses needed to prepare for a career in the biomedical sciences would start with choices made in the elementary grades and continue to graduate program selection. Specific advice to overcome cultural barriers would be addressed in the manual. The intern would work with the Office of Minority Health and the Office of Science Education for guidance on this project.
Recommended Background/Skills: High interest in the medical and
health sciences and curriculum development. Good writing and interview
skills a plus. Experience with Internet searching would be helpful.
Areas: Biology, Zoology
Length of Internships: Ten Weeks
Positions Available: Four
The National Zoo was created in 1889 "for the advancement of science
and the instruction and recreation of the people." Today we are becoming
a new kind of zoo, the BioPark. This vision of the modern zoo combines
wildlife with the best of natural history museums, botanic gardens, aquaria,
and even art galleries to illustrate the splendor of all living things.
The National Zoo scientists conduct research in animal behavior, breeding,
genetics, anatomy, medicine, and nutrition. We've trained wildlife biologists
and zoo professionals from around the world to better preserve the earth's
wildlife and ecosystems. Our scientists study animals in the wild from
the Arctic to the tropics, from China to Wyoming to Sierra Leone. Through
our many education programs here and at our Conservation and Research Center
in Virginia, we're helping to shape the next generation of wildlife biologists.
Research Project: Nutrition, Behavior, Molecular genetics and Biosystematics
The intern will spend approximately 50% of his/her time conducting a research project in one of the following fields: nutrition, behavior, molecular genetics and biosystematics. The field and specific project will be determined according to the qualifications and interests of the selectee. The selectee will be expected to design, conduct and write a publication quality report on the research conducted. The selectee will also be required to give a brief oral or poster presentation on the research at the end of the internship. The intern will receive the appropriate training and guidance from DZR staff in order to fulfill these requirements. The remaining 50% of time will be spent in public programs in the Amazonia Science Gallery. The programs include, but are not limited to, talking with the public about research at NZP, preparing graphics, videos and QuickTime movies for exhibition at the Amazonia Science Gallery, curation of Amazonia Science Gallery research materials and artifacts, giving tours to school groups, and assisting in the development of other public and school programs for the Amazonia Science gallery. The selectee is expected to become a fully integrated member of the Amazonia Science Gallery staff with all the privileges and responsibilities of a full staff member. The job may require working irregular hours and some weekends.
Recommended Background/Skills: We are seeking a self-motivated,
responsible individual who is seriously interested in conducting research
and engaging in public education.
Research Project: Animal Keeper Aid: Great Ape House, Reptile House, Bird House
Work Day Hours: 7:00am to 3:30 pm
The intern will assist the animal staff with the daily care of the collection. This includes cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, and some behavioral observation. Great Ape House: The collection includes primates, giant panda, camels, and peccaries. In addition to the tasks listed above, the intern will prepare and conduct daily interpretation programs at the Great Ape House. Emphasis will be placed on implementing a new program to improve visitor experience at this facility. Public programs will comprise about half of the eight hour work day. Some weekend days may be required.
Reptile House: The collection includes amphibians, turtles, lizards, and snakes. In addition to the tasks listed above, the intern will be involved with cage renovations, setting up new exhibits, and possibly in the interpretation program at the Reptile House. Bird House: The intern will also be involved in cage renovations and setting up new exhibits.
Recommended Background/Skills: Background in biology/zoology
preferred; however, interest in these subjects is likewise acceptable.
The keeper aids must be able to do a lot of standing, walking, carrying,
and working in hot summer temperatures.
Areas: Environmental Education, Animal Presentations
Length of Internship: Ten Weeks
Positions Available: Two or More
The Salisbury Zoological Park, located on 12 acres in the City Park
of Salisbury, Maryland, specializes in exhibiting animals of the Western
Hemisphere in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. The mission of the Zoo
is to provide a balanced program of education, conservation and recreation
to the Delmarva Peninsula. The Salisbury Zoo is accredited by the American
Zoo and Aquarium Association, and is recognized as one of the finest small
zoos in North America.
Research Projects: Over the last three years the Salisbury Zoological Park has devoted considerable time and energy to expand the number and quality of programs to the public and to school systems in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Interns will be responsible for designing educational displays in the William E. Morgan Visitor Center that will heighten the awareness of visitors about classification, adaptations, habitats, behavior and conservation of the animals of the Salisbury Zoo.
Recommended Background/Skills: Biology, natural history, and
environmental interpretation skills are preferred. An understanding of
animal care is desirable.
Area: Ecology/Education
Length of Internship: Ten Weeks
Positions Available: Two
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is dedicated to
increasing knowledge about the interactions of organisms and the environment
for an improved stewardship of the biosphere. Research and education at
SERC cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries to investigate interrelationships
of atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic environments, and to investigate
ecological processes at a wide range of scales in time and space. SERC
uses the geographic features of the Chesapeake Bay region to conduct long-term,
intensive analyses of a complex landscape of interconnected ecosystems
at the land-sea interface. The diverse human history of the Chesapeake
region provides SERC the opportunity to focus on the ecological responses
to land use, pollution of the atmosphere and drainage basins, and fisheries
in estuaries.
Research Project: The intern will assist the Center's Education Director in developing and enhancing environmental education programs for students and teachers. The new programs will integrate the science conducted at SERC, mathematics, language arts, and history with activities which utilize the Center's 2600 acres and new education building. The intern will learn about the science conducted at the site and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay by assisting SERC researchers in the field. The intern will participate in data collection and analysis in a variety of projects such as: sampling fish and blue crabs using nets and other trawls; collecting water samples from various areas of the Chesapeake watershed; studying the forest canopy using a 120 foot crane. The intern will help design and actively participate in environmental education workshops for hearing and deaf teachers which involve boats, canoes, wetland walkways, and nature trails. The intern will create Web pages for Internet access, and establish links to various national environmental education sites.
Recommended Background/Skills: Dedicated interest in discovering
the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. Creativity. A desire to develop programs
so others might learn about the Chesapeake Bay.
Area: Trauma Outcomes Research
Length of Internship: Ten Weeks
Positions Available: Two
Tri-Analytics, Inc. (TAI) is a health care information services company
whose mission is to provide cutting edge registry software, research, and
data management consulting and services to improve care efficacy and cost
effectiveness. TAI now provides such products and services to the trauma,
emergency medical services, cancer and critical care communities.
Research Projects: The TAI principals are co-developers of the injury severity scoring and outcome evaluation methods advocated by the American College of Surgeons. TAI is continuing this research with focus on: 1) the development of survival probability models which better account for intubated trauma patients, patient age and multiple injuries; 2) the development of credible methods for comparing hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay and complications among hospitals; 3) the effect of patient volume on trauma outcomes. Interns will assist the principal investigators in developing models, computer data analysis, data interpretation, and writing reports. The intern will distill from the research projects material for compelling lessons for middle and high school students.
Recommended Background/Skills: Biology, mathematics, statistics.
It is possible that an intern would assist in teaching a Maryland Governor's
Academy short-course.
Area: Medical
Length of Internship: Eight to Ten Weeks
Positions Available: One to Five
The laboratories of the University of Maryland Medical Center are located
on the campus of the University of Maryland at Baltimore in downtown Baltimore.
The campus includes the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy
as well as part of the University of Maryland Graduate School, Baltimore.
The laboratories provide up-to-date facilities for state-of-the-art research,
most related directly to biological health science.
Research Project Areas: Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy
Students applying for internship at UM School of Medicine will be matched with appropriate researchers based on their specific areas of interest. Broad areas of research include biomedical engineering, cardiovascular, pulmonary and hematological research, neuroscience, oncology research, molecular biology, epidemiology of disease, molecular, cell and behavioral development in humans and animals, microbiological/immunological research, infectious diseases and vaccine development, and toxicology. Most of the research is health related. In addition, projects involving development and understanding of bioethical problems (human and animal research, informed consent, publication rights) can be arranged. Both "wet lab" (e.g., bench work) and "dry lab" (e.g., computer-related) experiences are possible. Complete descriptions of more than 130 research projects are available. Students are also invited to attend a weekly "Summer Colluquium of Sciences" seminar, which includes breakfast, lectures on topics such as ethics, scientific presentation, research methodology, grant-writing, and seminars by leading scientists in the Baltimore area.
Recommended Background/Skills: Biology, chemistry, health, or mathematics preferred, but not required. Elementary to intermediate IBM/PC skills (WordPerfect) helpful but not required.