Junior Intern Program 2004 Sample Curriculum and Weekly Schedule
Curriculum
1. Introduction to whales
I. Species ID
II. General biology
2. Introduction to research
I. Photo Id
II. Data collection
III. Studying behavior
IV. Sample whale catalogue
3. Junior intern duties
4. Data sheets
5. Research project outline
6. Chart of Massachusetts Bay
7. Internship weekly schedule
8. Weekly activity modules
Week 1 – Introduction to Whales and the Ocean
I. Review questions
II. Investigation questions
III. Research project stage 1
IV. Whale mapping
V. Article review
Week 2 - Introduction to Whale Research
I. Review questions
II. Investigation questions
III. Research project stage 2
IV. Whale mapping
V. Testing ideas
Week 3 – Whale Research II
I. Review questions
II. Investigation questions
III. Research project stage 3
IV. Whale mapping
V. CORE mini project
Week 4 – Introduction to Education Program
I. Review questions
II. Investigation questions
III. Research project stage 4
IV. Whale mapping
V. Humpback whale photo identification project
Week 5. – Education Program II
I. Review questions
II. Investigation questions
III. Research project completion
IV. Whale mapping
V. Internship evaluation
Internship Weekly Schedule
Week 1 -
Introduction to Whales and the Ocean It is important for interns to establish an understanding of general whale biology and species identification, thus the overall goal for the first week will be to develop the groundwork needed for the remainder of the program.Before Trip…
- Read goals and objectives
- Review contents of the intern package
- Read through the introduction to whales section
- Read through module 1
During Trip…
This first trip will be an overall introduction to the whale-watching vessel, CORE’s research and our education program onboard the vessel. During the trip you will be introduced to:
- Equipment CORE researchers use for data collection (GPS, depth sounder, secchi disc)
- Data collection conducted by senior interns
- CORE’s onboard education program
A senior intern and/or naturalist will go over module 1, due at the beginning of next weeks trip, as well as clarify any concerns about homework, projects, and expectations.
Week 2 – Introduction to Whale Research
Now that interns have a general knowledge of whales and the ocean, this second trip will build on the concepts they have already learned by introducing them to photo-id research and data collection.
Before Trip…
- Complete week 1 work module
- Read the introduction to research section
- Read through work module 2
During Trip…
This second trip will be spent working directly with the naturalist and senior interns learning the basis of CORE’s research.During the trip interns will learn:
- How to read a GPS, LORAN, and depth sounder
- How to record weather and sea conditions
- How to categorize and record whale behavior
- How to identify different whale species
A senior intern and/or naturalist will review the completed work module from the previous week. This time should be used to ask questions and clarify any concerns about homework, projects, and expectations.
Week 3 – Whale Research IIThe third trip will be a continuation of week 2, building research skills and reinforcing concepts learned in previous weeks.
Before Trip…
- Complete week 2 work module
- Re-read the introduction to research section
- Read through module 2
During Trip…
This third trip will be spent working directly with the naturalist and senior interns recording data. During the trip interns will:
- Use a GPS, LORAN, and depth sounder
- Record weather and sea conditions
- Categorize and record whale behavior
- Identify different whale species
A senior intern and/or naturalist will review the completed work module from the previous week. This time should be used to ask questions and clarify any concerns about homework, projects, and expectations.
Week 4 – Introduction to Education ProgramThe fourth trip will be an introduction to CORE’s education programs onboard the whale-watching vessel.
Before Trip…
- Complete work module 3
- Re-read introduction to whales section
- Read through work module 4
During Trip…
Interns will work directly with CORE’s education mate, teaching passengers about whales and other marine life.During the trip interns will learn to:
- Use whale artifacts to teach passengers and answer questions about marine life
- Conduct a plankton tow and present results to passengers
- Use a Secchi disc and thermometer to measure water visibility and temperature
- Help organize and oversee crafts and activities for small children
Week 5 –Education Program II
The fifth and final trip will be a continuation of week 4, implementing CORE’s education program onboard the whale-watching vessel.
Before Trip…
- Complete work module 4
- Re-read introduction to whales section
- Read through work module 5
During Trip…
Interns will continue to work directly with CORE’s education mate, teaching passengers about whales and other marine life.During the trip interns will:
- Use whale artifacts to teach passengers and answer questions about marine life
- Conduct a plankton tow and present results to passengers
- Use a Secchi disc and thermometer to measure water visibility and temperature
- Help organize and oversee crafts and activities for small children