Photo NPS
A partnership of the National Park Service and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication, this internship is designed to create opportunities for students of diverse academic and personal backgrounds to gain skills and experience in the synthesis, interpretation, and development of science communication products while increasing knowledge about climate change and its effects on parks.
The National Park Service National Capital Region Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance (UERLA) is a Research Learning Center that serves 16 parks in National Capital Region. We translate complex research results into readily understandable information, providing research, education, and technical assistance for parks. UERLA also provides science communication outreach to park managers and external audiences via websites, workshops, and publications. UERLA maintains research and education partnerships with universities, not-for- profit, education, and other federal agencies. The education activities of UERLA include providing training opportunities for NPS staff and partners, participating in science education programs, and building external partnerships that support science education in parks.
George Mason University’s 4C conducts unbiased public engagement research – and help government agencies, associations, and companies apply the results of social science research – so that collectively, we can stabilize our planet’s life sustaining climate and prevent harm from climate change. The George Mason University Principal Investigator is Dr. Edward Maibach. Our Intern Coordinator is former intern and current doctoral student Lindsey Beall. Projects for 2016 include:
George Washington Memorial Parkway
George Washington Memorial Parkway climate change communication campaign
The George Washington Memorial Parkway team is creating web-based information to communicate climate change at the park. Themes include unexpected consequences of climate change, sea level rise, George Washington, and the benefits of a marsh.
They have also created an educational video that describes the impacts of sea level rise on different parks within the national capital region. Accompanying the video will be a 2-page brief that provides park rangers with site-specific information about sea level rise and includes suggestions for effective communication with visitors based upon communication research.
Fort Washington
Regional Sea Level Rise
Interns are making a short educational film featuring the George Washington Memorial Parkway’s Belle Haven Marina.
Chip Johnston, vice president of marine operations at Belle Haven Marina, will describe effect of sea level rise on his life, career, and surroundings. How his observations can be experienced at Fort Washington and on the National Mall and Memorials will be included in the video. Supporting documents include lesson questions, a resources section for the video, and sea level rise briefs specific to the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Fort Washington.