Wellesley College

Boston College

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Write and edit K-8 science education curriculum for Smithsonian Science Education Center's "Science for the Classroom" program. In collaboration with a team of other writers and editors, assist in the development of new print and digital curricular products. Identify scientific expertise from across the Smithsonian Institution to integrate into SSEC’s curricular offerings. Stay current with the latest scientific research taking place among the Smithsonian scientific community and advise SSEC staff of potential collaborations. Interview subject-matter specialists and program officials when the information needed is not available or not verifiable through other research methods.

Smithsonian Institution

Curriculum Developer

As a curriculum writer, I collaborated with game developers to create game-based missions, simulations, and animations. In addition to game-based content, I developed interactive data sets, digital case studies, assessment questions, and teacher resources. I partnered with content-area experts in academia to bridge the gap between higher education and K-12 by translating high-level content for the middle-grades audience. Planet3 is an exploration-based learning company that presents the entire Earth as a living laboratory. Empowering student curiosity and achievement, Planet3 targets Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) subjects. Its digital learning platform uniquely combines immersive game-based environments, real-world context, and standards-based curriculum to promote better learning outcomes.

Planet3

Curriculum Writer

Developed and edited print and digital materials for elementary, middle, and high school science educational products. Aligned content to Next Generation Science Standards and state science standards.

Pearson Education

Editor

Write and edit print and digital science curriculum, including interactive digital assets, case studies, lesson plans, teacher resources, assessment items.

Self-Employed

Freelance Science Curriculum Writer

Developed and edited middle grades science chapters and associated content for Pearson's nationally recognized Science Explorer curriculum.

Associate Editor

Developed curriculum for an Urban Ecology high school textbook as part of a $2.1 million dollar National Science Foundation (NSF) Instructional Materials Development grant.  Researched, wrote, and edited instructional materials conforming to state and national education standards. Trained teachers and students in field ecology and the use of instructional technology.

Graduate Research Assistant

Evaluated and improved four existing summer science camp programs.  Created new and developmentally appropriate science craft projects and hands-on nature activities for campers ranging from age three to six years old.  Supervised and trained a team of five teenage volunteers.

Charlotte Nature Museum

Summer Science Camp Instructor

Examined Rockhopper penguin reproductive success as part of a three-person team living on Steeple Jason, an uninhabited island.  Conducted daily weighing and observations of 108 penguins.  Captured and tagged predatory birds and penguin chicks.

University of Washington

Field Research Assistant

Performed husbandry tasks for colony of 75 penguins.  Monitored birds’ behavior and physical state and calculated and archived monthly food intake. Presented an educational program twice per day and communicated informally with public. Trained and supervised a team of 15 volunteers and interns.

New England Aquarium

Assistant Aquarist (summers)

Created and revised educational programs for the public. Presented up to five science programs per day relating to biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, and physics.  Performed spontaneous demonstrations using live plants and animals.

Logan Schmidt