Aquarium on Wheels Program The National Aquarium is currently recruiting high school students for the Aquarium on Wheels Program, 2015 2016 program year. Aquarium on Wheels provides an opportunity for Baltimore City and Baltimore County high school students who are at least 14 years old and in grades 9-12 to participate in a three-phase afterschool work-study experience designed to introduce the world of science and careers in the aquarium field. Participants learn about marine science and how it is applied in the Aquarium s Education Department. Students put their knowledge to practical use, working in the Aquarium s galleries, presenting education programs at Enoch Pratt Free Libraries in the summer, participating in eco-field trips and conservation events. Students are paid an hourly stipend for all phases of the program. The program is divided into the following components: Phase I (10 weeks) - Students meet three times weekly to learn about the Aquarium s animals and exhibits. Schedule: Monday- Wednesday, 4:30-6:30pm. Some field trips and special events on Friday evenings and weekends. Phase II (10 weeks) - Students design an education program and begin working with the general public in the Aquarium s galleries for special events. Schedule: Monday-Wednesday, 4:30-6:30pm. Saturday exhibit training for first year students in March and April. Some field trips and special events on Friday evenings and weekends including an overnight field trip. Phase III (July and early August) - Educational presentations are made at area Enoch Pratt Free Libraries as part of the summer reading program. Schedule varies depending on library needs. Field trips also. Requirements: 1. Student must be a resident of Baltimore City or Baltimore County. 2. Student must be in grades 9-12, at the time of participation. 3. Student must verify on the application if they are in the free or reduced price lunch program at his or her school. Applicants are not required to qualify for free or reduced price lunch in order to apply. 4. Students must be available to work during afterschool sessions without other afterschool obligations greater than the equivalent of one school sport season. 5. Interested students must follow the complete application process outlined below. 6. Students must meet legal employment eligibility regulations, which includes being at least 14 years of age by the first day of work, tentatively set for November 2 nd, 2015 (confirmation sent closer to date). Application Process: 1. The attached application must be completed and returned no later than September 25, 2015. The student and parent/guardian must sign the application form, and the teacher recommendation must be completed and signed. (You can get a recommendation from last year s science teacher if you are starting with a new school/teacher when the application is due.) The school principal must sign the recommendation form to verify free or reduced price lunch IF the applicant is eligible for free or reduced lunch. 2. All applications will be reviewed, and the applicants who meet the program requirements will be selected for a personal interview afterschool set for October 19 th or 20 th (confirmation sent closer to date). If called back for a second interview, it will be held afterschool set for October 21 st, 2015 (confirmation sent closer to date). 3. Selection will be based on complete applications, personal interviews and recommendations. Students selected to participate will be notified. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. Call Kathy Fuller at (410) 576-3888 or email kfuller@aqua.org if you have questions.
Aquarium on Wheels Program 2015 2016 Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Age: Birth date: Current School: Grade: Year of Graduation: Your email: Your cell: Name of Parent or Guardian: Phone of Parent or Guardian: Home Work Cell Parent or Guardian email: Have you participated in other programs at the Aquarium? If so, please list below: Program Name/Activity Year of participation 1. 2. 3. Please answer the questions below to the best of your ability: Why do you want to participate in the Aquarium on Wheels Program? How do you spend your spare time? What are your hobbies? (OVER)
What are your favorite subject(s) in school and why? What would you like to do when you finish high school? Do you currently participate in any other after-school programs or do you have any other afterschool responsibilities like watching younger siblings? If so, please list and describe. Are you currently employed? If yes, would you continue to work for your current employer if accepted into the Aquarium on Wheels Program? Do you have experience in any of the following? Check all that apply. o Working with children o Working with animals (taking care of animals, etc) o Acting in plays o Creating games for children o Designing backdrops and props for plays, or any other form of art o Sewing or designing costumes o Play, story or script writing o Public speaking o Outdoor recreation (hiking, canoeing/kayaking, camping, etc.) o Conservation activities (tree plantings, trash clean ups, etc.) Please describe your experience for each of the above that you checked off.
Student Agreement: I agree, if accepted into the Aquarium on Wheels Program, to attend each session, unless illness or a family emergency prevents me from doing so; to complete all assignments; and to adhere to the Program rules. Signature: Date: Parent Agreement: I agree to support my child's application for participation in the Aquarium on Wheels Program. If accepted, I will see that he/she attends each session, completes all assignments and adheres to the Program rules. I also agree to attend the Parent Orientation (tentatively set for the evening of November 2nd, 2015-confirmation sent closer to date) and closing ceremony. Signature: Date: Please mail completed application by SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 to: Kathy Fuller Youth Programs Coordinator Education Department National Aquarium 501 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (410) 576-3888 Fax: (410) 659-0116 kfuller@aqua.org
Aquarium on Wheels Program Teacher Recommendation Form TO BE COMPLETED BY CURRENT OR LAST SCHOOL YEAR S SCIENCE TEACHER Name of Student Name of School Directions: Please fill out the form below and attach any additional sheets necessary. Return the completed form in a sealed envelope to the applicant. Compared to your other students, how would you rate the applicant on the following aspects? Please check the appropriate box. Level of maturity: Poor Fair Good Excellent Interest in science: Poor Fair Good Excellent Participation in class: Poor Fair Good Excellent Ability to work with other students: Poor Fair Good Excellent Interest in working in a group: Poor Fair Good Excellent Willingness to try new things: Poor Fair Good Excellent Demonstration of respectful behavior: Poor Fair Good Excellent Interest in the outdoors/nature: Poor Fair Good Excellent Ability to grasp new concepts: Poor Fair Good Excellent Quality of schoolwork: Poor Fair Good Excellent In the space below, please provide any additional comments on his/her interest in science, academic abilities and level of maturity. Attach additional sheets if necessary. Printed Name of Teacher Signature of Teacher Date School Phone E-mail Does the student participate in the free and reduced price meals (FARMS)? Yes No (If yes, please have your school principal complete the section below.) I certify that this student qualifies for free and reduced price meals (FARMS). Signature of School Principal Date