1-year Paid Internship Oppportunity in Phipps’ Science Education and Research Department!

Phipps is offering a 12-month Science Education Internship to students interested in gaining experience in youth-focused education and outreach initiatives in the areas of environmental conservation and sustainability, art and science, and healthy living, with the core of building a positive relationship between humanity and the environment. The intern will work closely with Science Education and Research staff and volunteers to a) develop and teach cross-disciplinary, participatory programs including summer camps, out-of-school and weekend programs for youth and families, on-site and off-site school programs, scouts and brownies badge programs, programs for homeschool groups, and outreach for under-resourced youth, b) assist in developing programs that connect youth to environment-focused scientists and provide educational enrichment for formal and informal educators, and c) represent Phipps at community events, online as applicable, present on Phipps’ innovative green initiatives, and other potential duties as needed.

This paid internship commences January 2015, with up to 40 hours/week during the summer months and 15-20 hours/week during the school year. Some evening and weekend work required. The student should be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at least halfway through the course of study, or one year post-graduate from undergraduate program, or currently enrolled as a graduate student. The degree focus must be in an area related to Phipps’ Science Education and Research department, e.g., environmental education, environmental social sciences, environmental communications, ecological or conservation-based biological sciences, or nutrition and dietetics. A valid driver’s license and a car to use for transport for off-site programs (mileage reimbursed) are preferred. Experience working with youth is a plus.

Application deadline: 12/31/2014. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to hr@phipps.conservatory.org. Please reference SCIENCE EDUCATION INTERNSHIP in the subject line.

 The above photos were taken by Science Education staff.

Frog Watching for Fun and Science

If you live by a pond or a stream, there is a certain sound in the air that says spring has sprung –  the call of a frogs and toads. Frog and toad calls are not the notorious ‘ribbit’ sounds of children’s books, but rather a rich symphony of calls that are each as distinctive as the creature that makes them. Each species of frog has a different call for mating than for defending territory; some are high-pitched peeps and others sound like the low tones of a banjo. Stand by a pond at night in the Pennsylvania spring and you will hear a raucous chorus of American toads, spring peepers, wood frogs, green frogs and bullfrogs. This spring sing is not only fun to listen to, but is also important to science. Frogs and other amphibians are considered indicator species; they are very sensitive to environmental change and their presence or absence can tell scientists valuable information about the health of an area. In short, it is very good idea to keep an eye on our frogs and toads.

This is where you come in. The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) and FrogWatch USA are citizen science programs that are designed to help scientists gather data about the health and well-being of the amphibian population. Citizen science programs, in which regular people collect data about the plants and animals in their communities, help scientists to have eyes and ears all over the country. These particular programs are not only important for data collection, but are also a great way to spend some time outside with your family and practice your observation skills. Participating in these two programs are especially easy, since all you need to do is listen.

Frog watchers don’t need to see the frogs (although that is half the fun), but rather identify them by their mating calls.  Learning frog calls is fun and easy, since each one is so unique. There are only a handful of amphibian species in most areas, so there aren’t that many to learn; this is made even easier by a host of online resources that allow you to listen and learn from the comfort of your home. Pick a location that is easy for you monitor, such as a pond near your home, and this will be the spot that you monitor all season.  You can sign up with either organization, both of which provide training sessions if you are so inclined.  You will need to monitor your spot weekly and record your data in the manner that your organization suggests. Once you are signed up and know your calls, you ready to be a citizen scientist!

Frogs and toads mate at different times of the year, so participants need to monitor their locations all spring and summer. Frog monitoring happens mostly at night, since frogs are more active then, but you can complete your monitoring during the day as well.  If you are dedicated in your data collection, you will also reap the benefits of coming to know your area and watching it change through the seasons. You may start to notice birds that nest in nearby trees, the blooming of different flowers and tracks from animals that use your water source for drinking. You may also notice masses of frog and salamander eggs stuck to plants in the water and even baby tadpoles swimming along. Frog monitoring is a great way to experience nature and feel connected to your community.

This is not only a fun project for a family, but also for a scout troop or school class. Training classes are going on now all over the country, so get connected! Here are some helpful links to get you started:

FrogWatch USA: Learn where your local chapter is based, get training, and find helpful ways to learn frog calls.
North American Amphibian Monitoring Project: Learn survey protocol, find your state’s coordinator and take a frog call quiz.
List of Frogs and Toads by State: There are over 100 species of frogs and toads in the country, but only a few near you. Learn which ones live nearby.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Learn your frog calls (and even some birds if you want!)
AmphibiaWeb: Frog calls and natural history information for the curious frog watcher.

Interested in other citizen science programs? The Citizen Science Alliance has tons of great projects for people of all interests, from here on earth to outer space!

The above photos are copyrighted to Molly Steinwald.

Girl Scout Day at Phipps!

Our second annual Girl Scout Day, Blossoming Badges at Phipps, was a great success! Over ninety Brownie Girl Scouts, parents and troop leaders met at Phipps to earn three badges: Senses, Household Elf and Bugs. With the help of our many wonderful volunteers and Matt Quenaudon, our resident insect expert, the girls learned how to be thoughtful scientists through three multidisciplinary programs.

The first program, Senses, focused on the power of observation. During this guided tour, the girls were each given a scavenger hunt and told to use their senses of sight and touch to find different plants and exhibits in the Conservatory. They also stopped at stations to utilize their remaining senses, learning about specific plants along the way. The girls used their ears to observe the sounds of the Conservatory and their noses to guess secret scents like chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg and coffee. Finally, they tasted bitter, salty, sweet and sour plants to learn about the parts of the tongue.

The second program, Bugs, focused on the importance of insects in the ecosystem. The girls met some yellow-striped, tropical millipedes and learned how they are beneficial in the soil; after this, they each got to release one back into the Tropical Forest to do its good work. Next, the girls examined praying mantis egg cases and the eggs inside. Finally, they journeyed to the Stove Room and observed a batch of newly-hatched praying matises, holding them and examining them with magnifying glasses.

The third program, Household Elf, focused on ways that the girls can help their homes be safe, happy and healthy. They learned about the importance of saving energy and water; the girls came up with many different ways that they could help out with that in their own homes, from turning off the lights when they leave a room to saving water while they brush their teeth. To remind them of these ideas, they made light switch covers with conservation messages to take home and stick on their switch plates. Next, they learned how plants clean the air and planted a clean air plant garden of spider plants and philodendron. They also talked about the importance of putting healthy things on their bodies and made their own lip balm out of natural materials.

Overall, the girls had a really great time and so did we! Not only were they extra excited to be at Phipps, but many had never been to the Conservatory before. By encouraging them to use all of their senses to learn and experience Phipps, we hope that they take those skills out into their own communities and learn about the plants and animals that live there as well.

Check out more photos from the day in the slideshow below!

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Do you have a Brownie Girl Scout that missed our Girl Scout Day or scouts of a different age at home? Check out our school programs, seasonal Celebrate programs and Evening Ed-Ventures; keep your eyes peeled for our next Girl Scout Day!

If you would like to register for a scout program, please contact Sarah Bertovich at (412)441-4442 ext. 3925.

The above photos were taken by Christie Lawry.

1-year Paid Internship Oppportunity in Phipps’ Science Education & Research Department!

Phipps is accepting applications for a 1-year paid internship position in Science Education for 2014! Available to undergraduate through graduate students. Application deadline Jan 7, 2014.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The intern will become an invaluable team member in Phipps’ Science Education department, helping to strengthen and create new youth-focused education and outreach initiatives in the areas of environmental conservation and sustainability, art and science, and healthy living, with the core of building a positive relationship between humanity and the environment.

This paid internship spans 12 months, starting January 2014, with up to 40 hours/week during the summer months and 15-20 hours/week during the school year. Some evening and weekend work will be required. Intern may participate in many of Phipps’ classes at no cost (except applicable material fees).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  The intern will work closely with Science Education and Research staff and volunteers to a) develop and teach cross-disciplinary, participatory programs including summer camps, out-of-school and weekend programs for youth and families, on-site and off-site school programs, scouts and brownies badge programs, programs for homeschool groups, and outreach for under-resourced youth, b) assist in developing programs that connect youth to environment-focused scientists and provide educational enrichment for formal and informal educators, and c) represent Phipps at community events, online as applicable, present on Phipps’ innovative green initiatives, and other potential duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: The student should be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at least halfway through the course of study, or one year post-graduate from undergraduate program, or currently enrolled as a graduate student.  The degree focus must be in an area related to Phipps’ Science Education and Research department, e.g., environmental education, environmental social sciences, environmental communications, ecological or conservation-based biological sciences, or nutrition and dietetics.  A valid driver’s license and a car to use for transport for off-site programs (mileage reimbursed) are preferred.  The student must be willing and able to engage public of all ages, have excellent team member and multi-tasking skills, be creative and willing to adapt to changing scenarios, be punctual, self-motivated, and enthusiastic about and committed to helping connect youth and youth-related adults with nature and nature-based sciences.  Experience working with youth is a plus.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter and resume by January 7, 2014 via email to hr@phipps.conservatory.org. Please reference SCIENCE EDUCATION INTERNSHIP in the subject line.

The above photos were taken by Science Education staff.

Celebrating Healthy Minds and Bodies with Girl Scouts

Last weekend we celebrated physical and mental health during our Fitness at Phipps program. We were joined by Junior Girl Scouts from three different troops as we learned how to take good care of ourselves through deep breathing, yoga, jump roping and healthy eating. As many children are experiencing very high levels stress at school and at home, it is important to help children understand how to take care of their bodies, minds and spirits to keep them happy and healthy. Our fitness camp is intended to do just that through the multidisciplinary lens games, crafts and cooking. We had a lot of fun and even got a little silly!

First, campers recycled old T-shirts to turn them into jump ropes. This colorful craft combine repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded with fun braiding techniques to create a useful fitness tool that gets kids outside and excited to exercise. Campers made their jump ropes into colorful braids using strips cut from a rainbow of large T-shirts. The results were both really pretty and perfect for jump roping; using T-shirts creates a rope that has enough heft to swing properly and the material is stretchy enough that campers can change the length of their rope at whim. After campers finished their jump ropes, everyone went outside into the hall to try them out. They were a big hit with the girls!

Campers then learned about the importance of fitness for mind, body and spirit. First, they tried some fun yoga poses to quiet their mind and stretch their bodies. They loved the guided meditations and the partner poses best. Next, campers made two healthy yogurt dips and even cut up their own apples with fancy apple-peelers. They learned the importance of healthy eating to keep their bodies strong; in particular, the girls tried some chia seeds in their dips and talked about how this ancient grain can add a delicious bit of fiber to snacks.

After snack, the girls walked to the Outdoor Garden to try out some jump rope games. They jumped forwards, backwards, and played some circle games with their new jump ropes. Finally, we came back to the classroom to wrap up with a Girl Scout friendship circle and some great songs!

To see more photos from camp, check out the slideshow below!

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Even if you were not able to be a part of our Celebrate!, you can still practice these stress relief techniques with your child:

1. Prevent stress by keeping your body fit and active; healthy eating and taking time to unwind with vigorous exercise are important for both adults and children. A healthy body is better able to withstand stress-induced illness.
2. Use visualization: Take a break and sit quietly for a few minutes while  imagining a peaceful scene. Five to ten minutes of picturing a soothing image like playing at the beach, walking through the woods or floating in the air can relax and distract a stressful mind.
3. Muscle relaxation: Tense and relax each muscle group while lying in bed; start at the top of the head and work down to the toes. Tense each muscle group and move onto the next until the whole body feels light and relaxed.
4. Breathing exercises: Concentrate on slowing down breathing by counting slowly to four as you breath in; do the same thing as you breathe out. Continue for several minutes until the stress starts to melt away.
5. Go outside: Being in nature for as little as five to ten minutes can reduce stress levels and create a peaceful feeling.

These techniques are useful for children and adults alike. Be a good example to your child and show them stress management in your own life; they will model your behavior and learn that stress does not have to control them. They can control their stress themselves!

If you missed this program and would like to join us December 14, 10-12 pm or 1-3 pm for Celebrate! The Holidays, please contact Sarah Bertovich at (412)-441-4442 ext. 3925. For a complete list of all our fall and winter programs, please visit our website.

The above photos were taken by Lisa Xu.

Frog Watching for Fun and Science

If you live by a pond or a stream, there is a certain sound in the air that says spring has sprung –  the call of a frogs and toads. Frog and toad calls are not the notorious ‘ribbit’ sounds of children’s books, but rather a rich symphony of calls that are each as distinctive as the creature that makes them. Each species of frog has a different call for mating than for defending territory; some are high-pitched peeps and others sound like the low tones of a banjo. Stand by a pond at night in the Pennsylvania spring and you will hear a raucous chorus of American toads, spring peepers, wood frogs, green frogs and bullfrogs. This spring sing is not only fun to listen to, but is also important to science. Frogs and other amphibians are considered indicator species; they are very sensitive to environmental change and their presence or absence can tell scientists valuable information about the health of an area. In short, it is very good idea to keep an eye on our frogs and toads.

This is where you come in. The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) and FrogWatch USA are citizen science programs that are designed to help scientists gather data about the health and well-being of the amphibian population. Citizen science programs, in which regular people collect data about the plants and animals in their communities, help scientists to have eyes and ears all over the country. These particular programs are not only important for data collection, but are also a great way to spend some time outside with your family and practice your observation skills. Participating in these two programs are especially easy, since all you need to do is listen.

Frog watchers don’t need to see the frogs (although that is half the fun), but rather identify them by their mating calls.  Learning frog calls is fun and easy, since each one is so unique. There are only a handful of amphibian species in most areas, so there aren’t that many to learn; this is made even easier by a host of online resources that allow you to listen and learn from the comfort of your home. Pick a location that is easy for you monitor, such as a pond near your home, and this will be the spot that you monitor all season.  You can sign up with either organization, both of which provide training sessions if you are so inclined.  You will need to monitor your spot weekly and record your data in the manner that your organization suggests. Once you are signed up and know your calls, you ready to be a citizen scientist!

Frogs and toads mate at different times of the year, so participants need to monitor their locations all spring and summer. Frog monitoring happens mostly at night, since frogs are more active then, but you can complete your monitoring during the day as well.  If you are dedicated in your data collection, you will also reap the benefits of coming to know your area and watching it change through the seasons. You may start to notice birds that nest in nearby trees, the blooming of different flowers and tracks from animals that use your water source for drinking. You may also notice masses of frog and salamander eggs stuck to plants in the water and even baby tadpoles swimming along. Frog monitoring is a great way to experience nature and feel connected to your community.

This is not only a fun project for a family, but also for a scout troop or school class. Training classes are going on now all over the country, so get connected! Here are some helpful links to get you started:

FrogWatch USA: Learn where your local chapter is based, get training, and find helpful ways to learn frog calls.
North American Amphibian Monitoring Project: Learn survey protocol, find your state’s coordinator and take a frog call quiz.
List of Frogs and Toads by State: There are over 100 species of frogs and toads in the country, but only a few near you. Learn which ones live nearby.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Learn your frog calls (and even some birds if you want!)
AmphibiaWeb: Frog calls and natural history information for the curious frog watcher.

Interested in other citizen science programs? The Citizen Science Alliance has tons of great projects for people of all interests, from here on earth to outer space!

The above photos are copyrighted to Molly Steinwald.

1-year Paid Internship Oppportunity in Phipps’ Science Education Department!

This position has been filled. Thank you all for your wonderful applications!

Phipps is accepting applications for a 1-year paid internship position in Science Education for 2013. Available to undergraduate through graduate students. Application deadline Dec 31, 2012. See details below.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The intern will become an invaluable team member in Phipps’ Science Education department, helping to strengthen and create new youth-focused education and outreach initiatives in the areas of environmental conservation and sustainability, art and science, and healthy living, with the core of building a positive relationship between humanity and the environment.

This paid internship spans 12 months, starting January 2013, with up to 40 hours/week during the summer months and 15-20 hours/week during the school year. Some evening and weekend work will be required. Intern may participate in many of Phipps’ classes at no cost (except applicable material fees).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Work closely with Science Education staff and volunteers in various capacities to a) develop and teach cross-disciplinary, participatory programs including: summer camps, afterschool and weekend programs for youth and families, on-site and off-site school programs, scouts and brownies badge programs, programs for homeschool groups, and outreach for under-resourced youth, b) assist in developing programs that connect youth to environment-focused scientists and provide educational enrichment for formal and informal educators, and c) represent Phipps at community events, online as applicable, present on Phipps’ innovative green initiatives, and other potential duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at least halfway through the course of study, or one year post-graduate from undergraduate program, or currently enrolled as a graduate student. Degree focus must be in an area related to Phipps’ science education department, e.g., environmental education, environmental social sciences, environmental communications, ecological or conservation-based biological sciences, or nutrition and dietetics. Must be willing and able to engage public of all ages, have excellent team member and multi-tasking skills, be creative and willing to adapt to changing scenarios, be punctual, self-motivated, and enthusiastic about and committed to helping connect youth and youth-related adults with nature and nature-based sciences. A valid driver’s license and a car to use for transport for off-site programs (mileage reimbursed) are preferred. Experience working with youth is a plus.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter and resume by December 31, 2012 via email to hr@phipps.conservatory.org. Please reference SCIENCE EDUCATION INTERNSHIP in the subject line.

The above photos were taken by Science Education staff.