Museum of Science and Industry

Opportunities

U-505 Facilitator

Would you like to guide guests through the history of World War II? The Museum's new 35,000-square-foot U-505 Submarine exhibit is the ideal volunteer opportunity for those with a passion for history, submarines and world-class exhibits. Volunteers move through the gallery, answering questions on artifacts, naval technology and the sub's capture and journey to Chicago.

Great Train Story Exhibit Facilitator

Escort guests on a trip from downtown Chicago to Seattle, Washington at the Great Train Story model exhibit. Built in HO scale, The Great Train Story contains 34 running trains, 1400 feet of track and more than 500 scale structures and custom-made buildings. Volunteers are provided resources and materials to lead informal mini-tours, challenge guests to "spy" numerous spots through the layout and facilitate a cart activity to explain the differences in past and present rail cars.

U-505 "Cartifacts"

Imagine handing someone a piece of a historical war memorial. U-505 Cartifacts volunteers lead a cart presentation designed to explain the history and uses of artifacts found on board the submarine. These artifacts include a sonar sensor, a firearm magazine, a torpedo gyroscope and the binoculars from the conning tower.

Collections "A La Carte"

Science and industry have come a long way over the years and "A La Carte" volunteers are here to prove it. This unique activity cart promotes hands-on learning and out-of-the-box thinking as guests are asked to examine objects no longer in use and determine how many years ago they were thought of as "cutting-edge technology."

Science Connections

Science Connection facilitators incorporate hands-on activities to further examine the science found throughout our exhibits. Current Science Connections topics include genetics, space, naval technology, flight and microscopy.

Museum Sci-Finders

Sci-Finders engage guests within exhibits and facilitate science learning on a more personal level. Sci-Finders should actively approach guests, ask inquisitive science questions and escort them to their destination.

Special Interests

Are you interested in a specific area? Do you possess expertise in something not covered in our current volunteer program? Please let us know and we can look into matching you with the appropriate Museum area.

How To Become a Volunteer

Call the Volunteer Coordinator at (773) 753-1382, e-mail rachel.carter@msichicago.org or download and complete the volunteer application. You will be notified about orientation dates once your application has been received and processed by the Volunteer Office staff.