Teen Special Event Facilitator

Are you a teen with a flair for engaging others and an interest in space science? Join the Adler Planetarium’s volunteer corps and make space come alive as a Teen Special Event Facilitator! Teen volunteers in this role will be called upon to facilitate educational activities during various special events held at the museum and throughout Chicagoland. Museum events include: seasonal Astro-Overnights, and special stargazing evenings. In addition to presenting fun science concepts to visitors, Teen Special Event Facilitators serve as a friendly and welcoming face to event attendees. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy learning and teaching space science. Not only will you gain experience as a facilitator, but you will also explore and dissect a variety of science concepts. As a Teen Special Event Facilitator, your unique interactions with our visitors will help build a better understanding of complex astronomy concepts as well as spark conversations about the universe. We look to Teen Special Event Facilitators to:

• Facilitate educational demonstrations, hands-on activities, and/or informal conversations (specifically with families and children ages 6 to 10)

• Serve as a smiling, personal face of the Adler • Approach, welcome and direct special event attendees to museum and event

highlights • Independently study special activity content and protocol prior to the event • Provide connections between activities and surrounding galleries

Interested? Here’s what we look for:

• Candidates between 16-20 years of age (Candidates over 21 are eligible for our After Hours Education Host Volunteer position)

• Willingness to approach strangers and start a science based conversation • Comfort in conversing with both individuals and groups of various sizes • An approachable, outgoing and friendly demeanor; a good sense of humor is

important • Dependable, flexible, and enthusiastic candidates • Enthusiasm for space science and exploration is a must • Be able to stand and walk for 4 hours and lift up to 10 lbs

Training will consist of:

• Attendance at a general Adler volunteer orientation session • Attendance at Interpretation Bootcamp - a facilitation skills workshop • Other training will be on the job with an educator or experienced volunteer

during regular shifts.

We ask volunteers in this position to: • Commit to a minimum of 5 special events per year. [After Hours shifts

generally run from 5:15 – 9:45 pm, though may be changed depending on special event’s schedule.]

• Occasionally represent the Adler Planetarium on weekends and other peak visitor times (ex. Spring break, holidays) during normal business hours

• Make a minimum commitment of 6 months

Remaining 2015 Astro-Overnight Dates: Friday, February 6, 2015

Friday, March 6, 2015 Friday, April 10, 2015 Friday, May 1, 2015

Friday, June 12, 2015