Maria Mitchell Association

2011 will be the second year of the Naturalist in Training Program (N.I.T.).  In 2010, we had over 30 N.I.T.s take at least two weeks worth of classes and contribute 637 volunteer hours.  Several young naturalists completed the entire program and will be volunteering this coming summer.

Based on feedback and experience from last summer we have made several changes.  Most importantly, we now limit the age range to 13-15 year olds and we encourage 10-12 year olds to instead take part in our Eco-Explorer classes before applying for an N.I.T. position.  We will continue developing programming for 10-12 year olds. Any N.I.T. from 2010, no matter what age, is still in the program and can sign up for classes.

For information on how the N.I.T. program works please read below.   

 Please email questions to Andrew Mckenna-Foster at amckennafoster@mmo.org.

2011 Forms Now Available!

New N.I.T.s, please click here for the application.

Congratulations Abigale Hines, David Ryan, and Michael Proch! They are winners of the Nantucket Shellfish Association Scholarships.  A third of their time in the N.I.T. program will be spent on shellfish research and education.

Returning N.I.T.s, no matter what age, please click here for a 2011 scheduling form.  We are looking forward to having you back!

Please ask about our special Island Family Membership Rate for the N.I.T. program. Call 508-228-9198.  This is for year round residents only.

 

N.I.T. Program Outline

What is it?

How much time does it take each week?

Where do N.I.T. Classes take place?

When is the program offered?

How much does the program cost?

What does my child need to do to sign up?

 

What is it?

The Maria Mitchell Naturalist in Training (N.I.T.) Program offers children ages 13-15 a structured, hands-on learning experience at the MMA Aquarium, Natural Science Museum, Observatories, and Education Programs. The N.I.T. program focuses on teaching participants about Nantucket's natural world while encouraging skills associated with animal care, public speaking, and scientific research. Each N.I.T. gains a well rounded experience by working in all MMA facilities.

Importantly, N.I.T.s accumulate volunteer time by helping MMA staff.

After completing 10 weeks of N.I.T. classes (over two or three summers if necessary), N.I.T.s become certified MMA Junior Naturalists. At least one class must be completed in each department. Exceptional Junior Naturalists may be asked to volunteer at MMA facilities.

The N.I.T. program is flexible and allows each N.I.T. to learn at his or her own pace by signing up for individual classes, each taken over a one week period. Classes take place at different MMA facilities and each one incorporates different activities and experiences for the N.I.T.. Here are some of the possible N.I.T. activities:

Museum and Aquarium: Feed display animals, conduct scientific observations, maintain exhibits, clean animal enclosures, keep building and site tidy, and direct visitors through exhibits. Assist staff on field trips, public programs (e.g. feeding frenzy), collecting expeditions, and in the lab.

Discovery Classes: Assist in arts and crafts, games, environmental education curriculum and outdoor activities as directed by MMA staff. Assist in the supervision of youth while on excursions. Design an environmental education game or activity.

Astronomy: Learn basic astronomy skill and assist Astronomy Staff at observatory tours and open nights.

 

How much time does it take each week?

N.I.T.s sign up for a five day long N.I.T. class. You can sign up for two classes a day, space permitting. Each day, the class runs for three hours; times vary depending on the class but typical time slots are: 9:30AM-12:30PM or 1PM-4PM. N.I.T.s will usually be working in small groups with MMA staff. Of the 15 hours spent at the MMA during the N.I.T. class, three are counted as volunteer hours.

Each class takes place over one week, Monday through Friday. Some classes may meet on a Saturday in place of a week day due to various factors. These factors may include; weather conditions, seasonal factors or tides, and prescheduled activities at MMA. Participants will be aware of these possibilities before each week starts.

After being accepted into the program, N.I.T.s can sign up for any number of weeks, as long as space is available.

 

Where do these N.I.T. classes take place?

N.I.T.s sign up to work at the Aquarium, Natural Science Museum, or with Environmental Education classes (Discovery Classes) over the one week period. An Astronomy class is also available at the observatories.

 

When is this program offered?

Weekly June 20, 2011 through August 26, 2011

 

How much does each class cost?

$120 per weekly class for MMA members.  We are developing scholarship options and will make that information available in February 2011.

 

What does my child need to do to sign up?

Each child must complete a short application to be accepted into the program. Applications are reviewed by MMA staff. The Medical Release Form included with the application must be completed and returned.

After being accepted, participants can return each summer to take more N.I.T. classes, but they must submit a new Medical Form each year.

Acceptance into the program is dependent on the completed application and admittance to classes is dependent on space availability. We restrict the number of participants each week so that MMA staff can properly mentor each child.