Tips on IRB exempt status... for newbies

[SeriousSillyPutty]

I give the tragic account of my current situation in detail on the research forum:

 

... but I wanted to see if any education people had insights directly in our field.  The short version is that I haven't been involved in any research yet, but the department head recommended I use my internship this summer as research through being a "participant observer," and recording everything I observe as I participate in the internship.  Seemed simple enough, but I have to fill out an IRB.  I don't have any experience in this, and it seems like a lot doesn't apply to my situation but I have to make it apply to fill out the form.  I think I can apply for IRB exempt status because it's all taking place in a public/educational setting. I'll be observing the other educators, so it will be adults.

Any tips for doing IRBs in this field?

Thanks.