Far Horizons Instructor

About the Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. Whether it is introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, the Adler’s focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century.

Today, the museum hosts more than half a million visitors each year and reaches millions more through youth STEM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach projects. With the Adler’s support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to explore their universe together and return to their communities ready to think critically and creatively about any challenge that comes their way.

The Position:

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Far Horizons Summer Instructor to join our dynamic team located on Chicago's Museum Campus.  This position works in close collaboration with the Teen Programs Manager and Far Horizons Counselor to co-teach participants in a three-week high school summer engineering program (Far Horizons Teens) and three sessions of a one-week middle school high-altitude ballooning program (Mission Near Space). 

In Mission Near Space 7th and 8th-grade students become part of a unique team of engineers and astronomers whose goal is to prepare, launch, track, and retrieve a scientific payload sent to the stratosphere aboard a high-altitude balloon. In Far Horizons Teens  8th, - 11th graders develop skills in electronics circuitry, computer programming, structural design, and teamwork. They work in small groups to design, build, and present prototype solutions to mitigate the effects of light pollution.

This individual will also be responsible for:

• Participating in all training sessions with the Teen Programs Manager, Far Horizons Counselor, and other staff including a high-altitude balloon training flight

• Developing a co-teaching strategy for Mission Near Space and Far Horizons Teens with the Teen Programs Manager. Leading technology-focused instruction (e.g. electronics, coding, 3D printing, etc) during Far Horizons Teens

• Preparing and maintaining program materials including leading preparation for technical materials (e.g. sensors, Arduinos, etc) for Far Horizons Teens

• Assisting with drop-off and pick-up procedures and liaising with program participants’ caregivers as needed 

This temporary full-time position begins on June 5, 2023, and ends on August 4, 2023. The anticipated schedule for this position is as follows. 

Training:

• June 5th - 16th | Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM

• June 7th or 8th | Training Flight 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM 

Program Implementation:

• June 19th - August 4th | Monday - Friday 8 AM - 4 PM 

• One extended day (varying, but 6:30 pm is average) each week during Mission Near Space sessions for balloon launches

The Person:

The Far Horizons Summer Instructor is a tech whiz excited to share their passion with Chicago’s middle and high school students. They value and are adept at collaboration and communication. While they may not have much direct teaching experience, they are open to mentoring from Adler Teen Program’s staff. The Far Horizons Summer Instructor is excited about the adventure of STEM and will enthusiastically lead technology-focused instruction during Far Horizons Teens while the Teen Programs Manager leads light pollution-focused instruction. 

Required Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license

• Currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree program or at least one year of relevant professional experience

• One or more years working with middle and/or high school-aged teens in an educational or camp-like setting

• Two or more years experience in electronics and coding for Arduinos, sensors and/or microcontrollers

• Experience with CAD and 3D printing

• Demonstrated ability to teach others basic electronics and how to code

• Proficient in Google Suite, ability to quickly learn new equipment and software

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree majoring in education or a STEM field such as computer science or engineering