Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

Domestic

Location

Hingham, MA

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This summer, I worked with the Little Mariners program at the Hingham Maritime Center, where we taught kids ages 5–8 about marine life, local islands, and how tides and currents affect our beaches. My goal was to explore different learning styles and make STEM topics more engaging and creative for young kids. We made clay models of islands and created our own harbors in kiddie pools, which helped the kids have fun while learning. I learned a lot about adapting lessons, especially when kids had different ways of processing information; some needed visuals while others responded to stories. I also developed leadership skills by planning lessons and managing distractions, but I struggled at times with the lack of structure and shared learning spaces, which made the environment feel more like a summer camp than a classroom. There were also workplace conflicts and no real HR system, which taught me how important it is to have support in professional settings. While the experience helped confirm that I enjoy working with kids and marine life, it also left me with questions about my future, like whether I want to teach full-time or explore a more research-based path. I’m planning to pursue a more structured internship next summer to see what that side of education looks like.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.