space odyssey
04.04.14 volunteer update
http://spaceodyssey.dmns.org/
Click below for quick access to:
Space Odyssey News
Trainings and Meetings
Storytelling with Uniview
Space Science Lectures & Events
Museum News and Lectures
Volunteer Enrichment Committee (VEC) Events
space odyssey news
MEGA-KUDOS
Once again, I think "mega-kudos" are in order for everyone in Space Odyssey-land after yet
another crazy week. Things should die down for a bit starting next week...MEGA KUDOS
EVERYBODY! Great work, thank you so much for everything you do!
HELP NEEDED FOR APRIL 8 NEW MEMBER NIGHT
Thanks to those who have responded! We are all set I think but if you have a strong desire
to help out this night, you're welcome to join us, just let me know.
HELP NEEDED FOR APRIL 27 SCIENCE LOUNGE
We need 2-3 folks who love talking about electricity to volunteer for this Science Lounge.
We could really use someone who could run the fuel cell and who would like to talk about
how a van der graaf generator works. This Science Lounge is on April 27, and runs from
6:30 to 9:30. Briefing and dinner will most likely be at 5:30. Please let me know if you're
interested, thanks! http://www.dmns.org/learn/adults/the-science-lounge/its-electric/
HOW TO GET HELP IN AN EMERGENCY
If you're in the Museum and someone's having a medical emergency, call extension 6666 or
call from your cell phone: 303.370.6666. This is the number for Fire Command here at
DMNS. This is part of our Security department and they will call emergency services to
dispatch an ambulance, etc. and they'll handle getting emergency services personnel into
the building to help. Do not call 911 as that causes mass confusion if done so from within
DMNS. If you have any questions, please let me know and please enter the Fire Command
number into your cell phone. Thanks!
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK IF YOU NEED IT (OR NOT)
With these busy days, I know how it goes when you've been on the floor talking non-stop. I
know most folks take breaks, but if you usually don't, please do yourself a favor and take
one and drink or eat something. And please use the stools or chairs in the exhibit if you
need to take seat while facilitating. If we're lacking in either, let me know. Thanks!
HELP NEEDED: SOS KIOSK EVALUATION COMMENCING
For the rest of April, we'll be doing an evaluation of the new SOS kiosk to see what you
and the visitors think of it. The evaluation will be happening primarily on Saturdays and
Sundays, see the schedule below. Note that at the appointed day/time, we will need folks to
facilitate the SOS using the "Kiosk Playlist." We'll also be moving the kiosk around in the
exhibit to test it in different locations. For SOS users on all shifts, we'll be putting a short
survey on the iPads for you all to fill out when you have the chance. I'll let you know when
it's ready. If you work on Saturdays, please let me know if you're able to help facilitate the
SOS during the times noted below. Sunday teams: facilitating the SOS is optional during
the times listed below just don't use the Kiosk playlist or interact with anyone at the kiosk
during the times listed. Clear as mud eh? Thanks!
Here's the evaluation schedule:
April 5 10-2: Facilitate the SOS using the Kiosk Playlist
April 6 10-2: Facilitation of SOS is optional and you can use any dataset or playlist except
the Kiosk playlist
April 12 10-2: Facilitate the SOS using the Kiosk Playlist
April 13 10-2: Facilitation of SOS is optional and you can use any dataset or playlist except
the Kiosk playlist
April 19 10-2: Facilitate the SOS using the Kiosk Playlist
April 20 10-2: Facilitation of SOS is optional and you can use any dataset or playlist except
the Kiosk playlist
April 26 10-2: Facilitate the SOS using the Kiosk Playlist
April 27 10-2: Facilitation of SOS is optional and you can use any dataset or playlist except
Kiosk playlist
Expect Research Assistants from our Audience Insights department to be on the floor near
the kiosk at the times listed above. If you all have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks!
SOS UPDATES
There's a Chile Tsunami dataset now on the iPad. Look under Library>Oceans>Chile
Tsunami. This dataset was created from data related to the Chilean 8.0 earthquake on April
2nd. There's also a Polar Vortex dataset that can be viewed under
Library>Atmosphere>Polar Vortex. This dataset is a compilation of several image sets
from this past January of...you guessed it: the Polar Vortex! Enjoy!
IS THAT A ROCK OR A SPACE ROCK...?
If you or a guest is wondering if what they've found is a real meteorite, we've added a link
on the Portal that can be of help. Just go to the Meteorite Cart page and you'll find this link:
http://meteorites.asu.edu/meteorites/meteorite-id
E-CIGARETTES NOT ALLOWED INSIDE DMNS
E-cigarettes are being treated just like regular cigarettes in that they are not allowed to be
"smoked" inside the building. If you ask someone to put their e-cigarette away and they
aren't cooperative, call Security. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks!
More info about e-cigs
STEVE LEE'S PODCAST SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK
From Steve: "While catching up on podcasts from NPR's Science Friday program, I came
across this one: http://www.sciencefriday.com/segment/02/14/2014/andy-weir-themartian.html
I ended up grabbing the audio book from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Martian-Novel-Andy-Weir/dp/0804139024/
This is a thoroughly engaging book! The science/engineering seems rooted in the "nearterm plausible" -- the author has certainly done his homework! The portrayal of Mars is
close to being spot on. As a Martian myself, I'd give this book three thumbs up and would
highly recommend it to all of our 'space folk'!"
NEW GALAXY STAGE VIDEOS
There are several new videos on the galaxy stage. Most notably are the first two videos in
the default show: Opposition of Mars (which takes place on April 14) and Tetrad of Lunar
Eclipses (the first takes place April 15). See the Galaxy Stage video schedule here.
SPACECRAFT 3-D APP IS...COOL...
If you haven't downloaded this app, it's worth a try...there's a card you need from JPL and I
have one in my office, so if enough folks want to use this app, we can probably get some
more of these cards from JPL. We'll also put this app on the big iPad in Space O.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/app20120711.html
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spacecraft-3d/id541089908?mt=8
CRATERING MACHINE STILL OFFLINE
The air valve on the machine responsible for firing the balls has broken. The new one is
ordered but these are custom-made items so it may be a few weeks before it's working
again.
NASA TV OFFLINE TILL APRILish
From about mid-February to mid-April, we'll have to use the laptops to stream NASA TV
on any of the screens in the exhibit because the satellite dish on the roof has to be relocated
for some work. Note that it's best to use "UStream" from the NASA TV site as it gives you
the best picture quality.
AMAZING JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlJtO7EbK-U
SCFD COMMUNITY FREE DAYS
As part of the Museum's agreement to receive funds from SCFD, which account for a
significant portion of the Museum's operating budget, the Museum offers "community free
days" throughout the year to allow those who can't afford admission the privilege to visit
DMNS. Below are the dates for the 2014 free days.
The Museum is offering 12 Community Free Days in 2014, made possible by the Scientific
& Cultural Facilities District. For more information, click here.
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Sunday, April 13
Saturday, April 26 (Día de los Niños)
Monday, June 2
Monday, June 30
Sunday, July 20
Monday, September 8
Sunday, September 28
Monday, October 27
Monday, December 1
trainings and meetings
SOS AND GRAVITY WELL TRAINING
Wednesday April 9th
6 PM to 8 PM
Space Odyssey
Food and drink provided
RSVP to Dave Blumenstock by 4/9
Come learn the basics about the SOS and Gravity Well! If there's the time and desire we
can also move into the more advanced topics/facilitations that both of these stations can
offer.
FREE CALTECH ONLINE COURSE
If you've ever wanted to take a class at Caltech from an instructor like Dr. Mike Brown (the
man who killed Pluto), your opportunity has arrived.
Beginning March 31, Mike will be teaching a free, 9-week online course entitled "The
Science of the Solar System"...
Explore the solar system using concepts from physics, chemistry, biology, and geology.
Learn the latest from Mars, explore the outer solar system, ponder planets outside our
solar system, and search for habitability in the universe.
More information, including sign-up, available on the website:
https://www.coursera.org/course/solarsystem
storytelling with uniview
by Dr. Ka Chun Yu, PhD Curator of Space Science DMNS
Click the links below to read Ka Chun's latest helpful articles on storytelling with Uniview.
These columns are very interesting and helpful for teaching complex topics at the Orbits
Table.
Here's column #7:
Touring the Far-Infrared Sky
NOTE: If you're having issues viewing this column in Firefox, try using Safari or Explorer
as those seem to show the column in the best quality. I'm not sure about Chrome.
space science lectures & events
RESERVATION INFO
Volunteers may attend some lectures for free on a space available basis. You must contact
Adult Programs at 303.370.6303 or email adultprograms@dmns.org to find out if an event
or lecture qualifies for free admission and to add your name to the list to attend.
For other programs, like Science Lounge, volunteers may have to pay the member price to
attend, please call Reservations, 303.370.6000 to reserve your seat or for more
information.
60 Minutes in Space
Wednesday, April 30
7 PM
Gates Planetarium
FREE
Go "behind the stories" in space science using the best images and animation available to
help understand new developments. Seating is limited to first come, first served.
The next 60 Minutes in Space will be on Wednesday, May 28.
museum news
MUSEUM OPERATIONS UPDATE
Click here to view the latest Operations Update on the Museum's financials. If you
have specific questions about any of the content in this report, please let me know.
"OLD" DISCOVERY ZONE CLOSES APRIL 6; NEW 'ZONE OPENS IN
JUNE
Just a reminder that the current Discovery Zone exhibition will have its last day this
coming Sunday, April 6. The Discovery Zone is one of our most popular exhibitions,
and has the highest repeat visits with our young visitors and their families. Please pop
your head in this weekend for a heartfelt thank you to all the staff and volunteers for a
great 10 years, and to say a fond farewell to the giant nest, the see-inside piano, the fun
house mirrors, and the other activities that have engaged more than a million visitors
since the DZ opened in 2002.
The new Discovery Zone, made possible by Kaiser Permanente, will be a welcoming
and dynamic environment nearly twice as large as the current one. It will be located on
Level 2 of the new Morgridge Family Exploration, and will continue to include
facilitation with our staff and volunteers through engaging activities.
The overall idea is that early learners will do what scientists do: look, ask, discover,
make, and share. Age-appropriate, multisensory exhibits, activities, and programs will
focus on science process skills as children explore basic concepts in physical science,
life science, earth and space sciences, math, and human culture.
Construction and installation on the new Discovery Zone is already underway. You
can get a sneak peek by peering through the peep holes on the doors to the new
Discovery Zone, on Level 2 of the new wing.
Plans are in the works for special previews for staff and volunteers, members, and
donors, with de
tails to come.
Find out more about the new Discovery Zone @ www.dmns.org/DZ.
Here are some suggestions for other ways for young children to enjoy the Museum!
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AstroTot Training, Space Odyssey, Level 1: Strap on a jet-pack and take off for
space from the kid-sized shuttle flight deck.
Activity table outside former Discovery Zone, Level 2: Try out crafts, games,
and experiments about science and nature.
Tykes Peak, Expedition Health, Level 2: Multisensory experiences, such as
shadow play and testing your heart beat, get kids' bodies moving.
Wildlife Halls, Levels 2 & 3: Count baby animals, hunt for colors, and visit the
new kid-sized statues of black bear cubs and a fur seal pup in Bears and Sea
Mammals Hall.
Camp PaleoPals, Prehistoric Journey, Level 3: Puppets, books, puzzles, and
real fossils on display get kids excited about our ancient world.
VOLUNTEER SERVICES PERSONNEL CHANGES
Dear Museum Volunteer Team,
In the past two weeks, we've had some personnel changes in Volunteer Services.
David Piemontesi, the Coordinator of Volunteers for Temporary Exhibits, has moved
back to Virginia Beach to spend time with his family. His last day was Wednesday,
March 26th. We will miss his great sense of humor and strong work ethic. David
arrived home on Saturday and is doing well.
Rachel Mullen, whom many of you have met, has been promoted into the Coordinator
of Volunteers for Temporary Exhibits position. Rachel's first day as a member of the
Volunteer Services staff team began just a month ago on March 3rd as the Volunteer
Services Administrative Assistant. Her incorporation into the team has been seamless
and praise worthy. She approaches her work with a keen eye and creative spirit. Rachel
brings a passion for volunteer management, coupled with strong organizational skills,
to the position. Please take a moment to congratulate and welcome her.
We are in the process of hiring an Administrative Assistant and will send you more
information as we make our way through that process. In the meantime, if you have
any questions please don't hesitate to contact anyone in the Volunteer Services
Department. Please share this information with members on your teams who may not
receive email.
Thank you for dedicating your time, energy and knowledge to the Museum.
Best regards,
Jacqueline
SCIENCE ON THE FLY DEBUTS IN NEW ATRIUM
"Science on the Fly" is a brand new Museum experience geared toward families in the
Science Atrium of the Morgridge Family Exploration Center. Guests will enjoy a daily
"high point" experience that features spectacular science and visuals as we gear up for
a daily "Science Parade".
Science on the Fly uses a talent show format to pit performers against one another to
try to lead the DMNS Parade of Flight. They try to imitate a flying squirrel, a bee and a
parrot in order to win the competition and become the new parade leader. Audience
members help out the performers by learning how these animals fly and then showing
off their stuff using props and an innovative interface with our Science and Art
Imagination screen.
After the show, guests will enjoy three Exploration Stations in order to "go deeper"
with content. They will explore how flight works and the many different kinds of
fliers---both animal and man-made---in our world. From jaw-dropping education
collections to a wind tunnel and build-your-own flyer stations to test out aerodynamics,
guests will get to follow their own interests as they explore flight.
This show will be happening at 3:00 every weekday and at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM
every weekend. To keep the buzz going about this show (pun intended) we need your
help! Please come see the show and spread the word!!!
DMNS LECTURE SERIES INFORMATION
RESERVATION INFO
Volunteers may attend some lectures for free on a space available basis. You must
contact Adult Programs at 303.370.6303 or email adultprograms@dmns.org to find out
if an event or lecture qualifies for free admission and to add your name to the list to
attend.
For other programs, like Science Lounge, volunteers may have to pay the member
price to attend, please call Reservations, 303.370.6000 to reserve your seat or for more
information.
Click here for Evening Lectures
Click here for Museum IMAX information
Click here for Museum Planetarium Information
Click Here to Learn About the New Morgridge Family Exploration Center
volunteer enrichment committee
Click here for more information about VEC events:
http://volunteers.dmns.org/events/
Or see the bulletin board in the Volunteer Lounge for more info.
Dave Blumenstock
Coordinator of Volunteers for Space Science
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
dblumenstock@dmns.org
Phone 303.370.8344
Fax 303.370.6005
Join the Museum's Online Community
www.dmns.org