Environmental Education & Equity InternAt — City of Fullerton - Parks and Recreation Department

The Environmental Education Intern will play a pivotal role in the development and execution of educational initiatives aimed at students in grades 6-8. This internship focuses on planning and coordinating environmental excursions to state parks, local parks, and campground sites, providing a hands-on learning experience. The intern will collaborate with park authorities, educators, and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless and enriching educational experience. Activities will be designed to highlight the intrinsic importance of nature and raise awareness of environmental equity issues. The intern will assist in curriculum integration, create lesson modules, and develop engaging activities that foster an understanding of environmental concepts. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the promotion of sustainability, outdoor education, and awareness of environmental justice challenges. The intern will gain valuable experience in curriculum development, safety planning, and community outreach, fostering skills in environmental education and fostering a sense of responsibility towards our natural surroundings. Additionally, interns will have the opportunity to learn local government procedures and policies relevant to environmental education initiatives, gaining valuable insights into the intersection of education and governance. This multifaceted internship provides a unique chance to contribute to environmental education while acquiring practical knowledge of local government operations.

Identify specific environmental concepts (e.g., biodiversity, conservation) for students in grades 6-8.
Establish learning goals related to understanding the importance of nature and recognizing environmental equity issues.
Contact Park rangers, local authorities, or campground managers to discuss educational programs or guided tours.
Align the lesson plan with the school curriculum for grades 6-8.
Identify how the excursions and activities will complement classroom learning.
Develop activities that highlight the importance of nature and address environmental equity issues.
Design activities that showcase the intrinsic value of nature, such as nature walks, observation exercises, or hands-on experiments.
Include discussions on the role of ecosystems in supporting life.
Document the entire process, including planning, execution, and outcomes.
Capture photos or videos to create a comprehensive record of the environmental excursions.

Training:

During this internship placement, students will undergo comprehensive training to facilitate optimal learning outcomes. The training program encompasses an initial General Employer Orientation, which is mandatory and provides an overview of the organization's mission, values, and workplace expectations. Students will engage in one-on-one mentor meetings, offering personalized guidance and support, ensuring a conducive learning environment. Job shadowing opportunities will be provided to allow students to observe and understand real-world applications of environmental education planning and outreach. Workshops and skills training sessions will be conducted to enhance their abilities in areas such as curriculum development, safety planning, and community outreach.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to design and implement educational excursions, integrate environmental concepts into curriculum, promote environmental awareness and equity, collaborate with park authorities and educators, reflect and improve educational practices. The student will also gain insight into local government practices and policies related to environmental education and outdoor activities. This includes an understanding of permitting processes, compliance requirements, and collaboration mechanisms with local authorities to enhance the educational programs.