Are you a University of Florida undergraduate majoring in biology, anthropology, geology or environmental science? Are you looking to improve your education and outreach skills?
Scientist in Every Florida School (SEFS) invites you to take part in an exciting and interactive experience with Alachua County teachers and students as part of a yearlong professional development and outreach program titled, “Chewing on Change: Using Fossil Horses to Teach About Macroevolution in Title I Schools.”
Position Summary
In this role, four students will receive training and work along with scientists to help implement a standards-based curriculum for Alachua County middle and high school classrooms, focusing on teaching macroevolution using 3-D printed fossil horses. Students will work with SEFS coordinators to train teachers on how to implement the curriculum in their classrooms as well as co-teach specific lesson plans between October 2022 and February 2023.
About SEFS
The mission of the SEFS program is to engage Florida K-12 students and teachers in cutting-edge research by providing science role models and experiences that inspire the future stewards of our planet. The program matches scientists with K-12 public schools in Florida, provides new and mid-career teachers at risk of leaving the profession with useful resources and support in the classroom, and provides high-quality professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers.
About Chewing on Change: Using Fossil Horses to Teach About Macroevolution in Title I Schools
Eight local middle and high school teachers from Title I schools in Alachua County will be chosen to participate in this year-long professional development program. Workshops will take place at the Florida Museum of Natural History, making use of the research collections and the Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land exhibit.
During the Fall 2022 implementation, over 1,200 Florida K-12 students will interact with the Chewing on Change lessons and 3D printed fossil horse teeth by taking measurements, collecting data, analyzing and synthesizing the data as well as making scientific claims based on evidence. Additionally, the opportunity for students to engage with both digital and big data platforms such as Morphosource will be provided.
Basic Internship Duties
- Learn Chewing on Change lesson curriculum
- Mentor and collaborate with two Alachua County teachers
- Attend monthly half-hour scientist-teacher check-ins
- Co-teach lesson(s) in the classroom
- Compile student assessment data
- Participate in reflection webinar
- Complete related survey instruments
Position Location
Most of the activities will take place in Alachua County, Florida, with some program components being remote.
- Interns will need to attend an in-person two-day workshop on the UF campus in Gainesville, Florida.
- Regular check-ins and webinars will be hosted remotely via Zoom.
- Classroom lesson implementation will take place in person at local Alachua County schools.
Time Commitment
August: Two-day training workshop (Friday-Saturday) from 9:00 – 2:00 PM
September-October: Email/Zoom check-in 30 minutes per month
October: Two-day workshop for teachers (Friday – Saturday) from 9:00 – 2:00 PM
October-February: Classroom visit with two teachers (coordinated by you)
March: Online webinar 1 hour
Total time is approximately 30 hours over course of the year.
Qualifications
Applicants must be current undergraduate students at the University of Florida in a related department including but not limited to Biology, Anthropology, Geology, or Environmental Science. Students must show a particular interest in developing education and outreach skills.
Consideration will also be given to recent graduates of related UF departments if within the past six months.
Internship Duration
The internship will begin with the two-day workshop in August and end with the final online webinar in March. Total time commitment over the course of the internship is approximately 30 hours from August 2022-March 2023.
Compensation
Students will receive a $500 stipend, with an additional option to receive class credit.
Contact information
Stephanie Killingsworth, skillingsworth@floridamuseum.ufl.edu
To Apply
Interested students should apply using the following link: Chewing on Change Internship Program
Deadline to Apply
August 15, 2022