Aquarium on Wheels Program The National Aquarium is currently recruiting high school students for the Aquarium on Wheels Program, 2011 2012 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 Free Pratt 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. Interested students must follow the complete application process outlined below. Application Process: 1. The attached application must be completed and returned no later than September 26, 2011. The student and parent/guardian must sign the application form, and the teacher recommendation must be completed and signed. 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 the beginning of October. 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 26, 2011. Call Kathy Fuller at (410) 576-3888 or email kfuller@aqua.org if you have questions.
Aquarium on Wheels Program 2011 2012 Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Age: Birth date: Current School: Grade: Year of Graduation: Name of Parent or Guardian: Phone of Parent or Guardian: Home Work Cell Your email: Your cell: Your 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?
What are your favorite subjects 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 customs o Play, story or script writing o Public speaking o Outdoor recreation (hiking, canoeing, 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 and closing ceremony. Signature: Date: Please mail completed application by SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 to: Kathy Fuller Youth Programs Coordinator Education Department National Aquarium Pier 3, 501 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (410) 576-3888 Fax: (410) 659-0116 kfuller@aqua.org
Aquarium on Wheels Program Teacher Recommendation Student Name: Dear Sir/Madam: The above named student has applied to participate in the National Aquarium s Aquarium on Wheels Program. This program provides an opportunity for students in grades 9-12 who live in Baltimore City and Baltimore County to gain hands-on experience in marine science. Students participate in a three-phase afterschool work study experience, which includes observation, field trips and research. Please use the space below to comment on the interest level of this student in science and math, their achievements, and maturity and classroom experiences. Please feel free to attach other sheets if necessary. Thank you. Signature and Title Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - Verification of participation in the Federally funded Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program: I verify that this student is eligible for and participates in the free or reduced price lunch program at my school Signature of School Principal Date