As a Connect Science AmeriCorps Member, you’ll implement the Connect Science (CS) curriculum, an environmental education project-based learning unit, at a participating elementary school, after school program, or youth-focused community organization in an underserved community in Massachusetts. You’ll help 3rd-5th-grade students explore the topics of energy and natural resources, teaching science through service learning, with a focus on social emotional learning (SEL). Connect Science uses a high-quality, data-informed curriculum that addresses the Next Generation Science Standards. By utilizing this curriculum, you’ll expose students to hands-on, multidisciplinary, collaborative learning; help them explore positive solutions to critical energy and air quality issues; and inspire them to climate action!
Service Activities
Connect Science Program:
Teach 30 lessons on science, social and emotional skills, and civic skills, utilizing Connect Science Curriculum Manual and other lesson materials
Support students through a Connect Science student-led service learning project
Assist students to identify, plan, and lead an energy-related service project in their community
Engage in community events to educate family members and the broader community about energy use and how it links to environmental, health, and financial wellness, and ways to advance energy efficiency and affordable energy use
Environmental Education Events:
Coordinate and facilitate 2 environmental education events in underserved communities to provide strategies for reducing energy use and carbon emissions
Ecosystem Health Project:
Plan and execute 1 community-driven project that improves a local at-risk ecosystem (e.g. removal of invasive species, tree planting, installation of rain gardens)
Evaluation & Reporting Requirements:
Member performance will be assessed through a mid-term evaluation and end-of-term evaluation that informs the program’s service delivery and helps the Member successfully complete the term of service
The Member is required to complete and submit weekly timesheets and data reports
Community Need Addressed
underserved communties and low-income families burdened by the impact of changing climate and high energy cost
Position Outcomes
Increased climate and environmental education with a focus on service learning and civic engagement
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
CCAC Connect Science AmeriCorps Members will receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award in the amount of $1,459.26 The Segal Education Award is contingent upon the successful completion of the program and can be used to pay for college or technical school or to pay back qualified student loans, good for up to 7 years.
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
event planning, public speaking, curriculum implementation
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Capable of generating possible solutions
Teamwork
Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process
Planning
Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Effectively delegate tasks
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment