The Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Duration: May through August

Location: Millbrook, NY

Housing: Housing is available on campus.

For more information: The Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Description:
The Institute is looking for one education intern that would work in 2 facets of the Ecosystem Literacy Initiative:

• Research on student thinking. Cary Institute staff regularly conducts interviews and questionnaires with K-12 students about their thinking on topics such as the impact of climate change on ecosystems or complex food webs. This research then feeds directly into our curriculum development work. An intern could work with students in the Millbrook, NY region or in a region near their home to collect and analyze qualitative data.
• Summer Ecology Day Camp. The Cary Institute’s Ecology Camp engages youngsters from the local community in science-rich exploration of ecosystem concepts. At the same time, our educators investigate children’s thinking and learning about these concepts. The Ecology Camp Intern will help teach the camp, which takes place throughout the summer with students ranging from 7-12 years old.
• Trail Interpretation. The Cary Institute has an extensive trail system. An intern could work with educators and staff to develop materials for permanent signs, informational kiosks and natural history identification.
• Changing Hudson Project. Cary Institute staff has developed a regional ecology curriculum for high school students based on the Hudson River.  The intern will help coordinate the summer training program for teachers who are interested in the curriculum, which includes learning about aquatic ecology through field trips, scientist presentations, and hands-on experiments.  

Qualifications:
The intern should have some experience in outdoor, environmental, or ecology education, as well as a strong interest in ecology.

Funding: $2500 (or more depending on cirdumstances)
Available through the Center for the Environment Summer Leadership Fellowship Program; see application instructions.

Requirements:
Interns will work 35 hours a week, Monday- Friday.

About the Organization:
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies sits on 2000 acres of forests, fields and streams which serve as an outdoor laboratory for ecology research and education. The Cary Institute combines research and education in fulfillment of its mission to create, disseminate and apply knowledge about ecological systems. A society with a basic understanding of ecological systems and an appreciation of their role in the quality of human life is essential if a healthy environment is to be sustained.

The Cary Institute’s education program builds ecosystem literacy: a way of thinking about and understanding the living and non-living systems we are connected to and depend upon.  Our vision is a citizenry capable of engaging in informed dialogue and action regarding ecosystems.  Our Ecosystem Literacy Initiative will build a seamless bridge between current ecosystem thinking and the interested public.