After Hours Education Host Volunteer

Are you a people-person 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 an After Hours Education Host Volunteer! 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: the monthly Adler After Dark, seasonal Astro-Overnights, and special stargazing evenings. In addition to presenting fun science concepts to visitors, After Hours Education Hosts 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 an After Hours Education Host, 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 After Hours Education Host Volunteers to:

• Facilitate educational demonstrations, hands-on activities, and/or informal conversations

• 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 Interested? Here’s what we look for:

• Must be 21 or older • 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; willingness to adapt program content based on each visitor’s ability, science knowledge, and interest

• 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 • All 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 8 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 during normal business hours

• Make a minimum commitment of one year

2013-2014 Adler After Dark Dates: January 16, 2014 February 20, 2014 March 20, 2014 April 17, 2014 May 15, 2014 June 19, 2014 July 17, 2014

2013-2014 Astro-Overnight Dates: February 7, 2014 March 7, 2014 April 11, 2014 May 2, 2014 June 6, 2014