Volunteer
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At the Adler
Space Visualization Lab (SVL) Assistant
Department:Space Visualization Lab
Supervisor:SVL Staff
Objective:
To help create interactive educational experiences for visitors to the planetarium utilizing the Space Visualization Laboratory (SVL). Space Visualization Laboratory Developers make new visualization experiences for prototyping in the SVL and ultimately in new exhibits in other areas of the museum. Additionally, this position will help in creating presentation tools and data for Adler scientists and historians to use in engaging the public in space science and history.
About SVL:
SVL presents the unique experience of a working visualization laboratory to museum visitors. Various projects are being developed all the time, and new devices are being tested. Visitors can interact with them at SVL, and meet Adler experts in an exciting and engaging environment while contributing their feedback. These interactions help in the creation of new experiences.
In this working laboratory, scientists, technicians, artists, and educators work together to create new ways for people to explore the universe. At SVL people can experience the prototypes of new interactive visualizations that will eventually move to other areas of the museum, and attend presentations by astronomers and related researchers that take advantage of the visualizations. Modern astronomical instruments produce such massive amounts of data that astronomers now rely on a diverse array of tools to properly display and analyze this information. Developing visualizations further enable scientists and the public to explore and interact with these large datasets in specialized ways.
Responsibilities:
• Help SVL create new visualization experiences for the Adler visitors. These experiences fall into three categories:
  1. video animation (pre-rendered video)
  2. interactive development (game-like experiences) and
  3. creation of presentation experiences (incorporation of new data into existing innovative visualization systems).
• Assist with special events as needed.
• Inform supervisor or Volunteer Program Manager of schedule changes, conflicts and all happy experiences.
Qualifications:
Must be at least 17 years old. Experience using Windows computers is required (Macintosh and Linux a plus). Experience in one of the following programs is required: (video editing, programming (any language), use of databases and wikis. Have an interest in learning about science, although specific scientific knowledge is not required.

Training:
Training is provided on an individual basis. New volunteers work with staff members to become familiar with Space Visualization Laboratory policies and procedures as well as the rest of the museum. Training opportunities will be scheduled through the Volunteer Program Manager upon acceptance of position.
Commitment:
• Successfully complete a comprehensive training program.
• Volunteer 3 hours at least every other week on a scheduled day.
• Some programming work may be able to be done from home.
• Make a minimum commitment of 1 year.
 
If you have any questions or want more information, please contact:
Volunteer Program Manager
312-542-2411
volunteer@adlerplanetarium.org
 
 
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1300 South Lake Shore Drive • Chicago IL 60605 • 312-922-STAR (7827)
Regular hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sat./Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.