Activity heads lead the activities that the kids will be participating in. Your enthusiasm is essential in keep the kids engaged and excited about the science and engineering they are about to experience!

Detailed Job Description and Instructions

General Information

  • Each activity should have fun and intellectually challenging content with a difficulty that is appropriate for the age group
    • The children are split into the following age ranges:
      • Grades 3-4
      • Grades 5-6
      • Grades 7-8
  • Arrange to meet with their assigned crew and train them on activity prior to the Dry Run
  • Run the activity both at the Dry Run and the Event Day
  • Ensure the activity is adequately supplied and runs smoothly for each rotation
  • Oversee activity cleanup at the end of the Dry Run and Event Day

 

Requirements

  • A STEM related hands-on activity that lasts 50 minutes
  • Must have a PowerPoint or similar presentation that explains the activity in its entirety including both the objective and instructions
  • Ensure activity materials are requested and acquired
  • Complete the crew evaluation via Qualtrics once it has been distributed

 

Activity Crew Management

  • Lead and direct the Activity Crew to ensure a successful activity during each of the three rotations
  • Activity Heads will serve as the main point of contact for all Activity Crew and are responsible for training them in their specific roles

 

Dry Run

  • The Dry Run is intended to be a full dress rehearsal of PSD and takes place one week before the Event Day, usually on a Friday evening
  • The Activity Head must train their crew prior to the Dry Run
  • Attendance at the Dry Run is required
    • Contact Activity Crew before Dry Run to ensure full attendance and report any issues to the Assistant Director of Activities
  • Activity must be fully functioning by the Dry Run and will be demonstrated for all in attendance

 

Supplies

  • Verify all supplies are in place by the end of the Dry Run so they are ready to go for the Event Day
    • If any new needs arise during the Dry Run, please be sure to report them to the Assistant Director of Activities so they may be obtained prior to the Event Day
  • If extra supplies are needed on the Event Day, please contact the Assistant Director of Activities who will work with Mission Control to get them delivered to you

 

Mission Control is your backup

  • They are stationed at an information table in ARMS and is the first resource for lost and found and other general information
  • Any latecomers will be checked in at MC and then be brought to the group wherever they are on campus
  • First Aid kits are readily available, and Mission Control can bring them to you

Group Leaders and Group Commanders guide the participants to each of their events safely. Group Leaders will have the most time with any set of kids and have the ultimate job of keeping their kids pumped up and excited throughout the day. Think you have what it takes?

Group Commander Job Description

General Information

  • In addition to the Group Leader responsibilities listed below, the Group Commander's job is to coordinate the Group Leaders for one of the 24 groups of children:
    • Assign 4-6 students to each Group Leader
    • Oversee homeroom Check-in and Check-out
    • Coordinate creation of group poster
    • Group Commanders will serve as main point of contact for all Group Leaders and are responsible for training them

Group Leader Job Description

General Information

  • Children attending the program are enrolled in grades 3-8 and are split into the following groups with each group having one Group Commander and five Group Leaders:
    • Grades 3-4: 9 groups of approx. 30 children
    • Grades 5-6: 9 groups of approx. 30 children
    • Grades 7-8: 6 groups of approx. 30 children
  • The Group Leader's job is to be in charge of one of the 24 groups of children
    • Lead them from homeroom to the astronaut presentation
    • Escort them from each activity session and homeroom period
    • Ensure their safety while on campus
  • Group Leaders act as role models, so please make sure they have a great day and leave with positive impressions
  • Group Leaders are responsible for the children the entire day with the exception of the lunch period
  • Mission Control is your backup
    • They are stationed at an information table in MSEE and is the first resource for lost and found and other general information
    • Any latecomers to the event day will be checked in at Mission Control and brought to you
    • First Aid kits are readily available, and Mission Control can bring them to you
  • You will be given a roster of your children which is FINAL
    • Do not add any children to your group
    • Any changes in enrollment can only be done by the PSD Coordinator
    • This is a safety issue and is NOT NEGOTIABLE

Contact with Parents

  • Remind parents when they drop off their child to your homeroom that this is the only room they will be able to check in and check out their child for the remainder of the day - NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Remind parents of when they will need to be there to pick up and drop off their child for lunch and final dismissal
  • Ensure all children are signed out at lunch and at the end of the day - NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Parents are allowed to stay with their children throughout the day, so please accommodate them
  • Some rooms may not be able to accommodate all of the parents along with children so you may ask them to wait outside the room
  • Some parents may try to take over tasks during the activates, so please gently point out that the activity is for the child and the child will benefit the most from doing the activity themselves
    • Some children may have special needs and will be the exception to this rule

Bathroom Breaks

  • Fit in plenty of bathroom breaks throughout the day
    • Even more important for the younger children
    • Make sure you have a bathroom break before the astronaut presentation since it is an hour long
  • Escort all children to and from the bathroom following approved protocols

Lost Children

  • DO NOT WAIT TO SEE IF THEY 'TURN UP'
  • CONTACT THE DIRECTOR OF GROUPS OR PURDUE POLICE IMMEDIATELY

Lost Property

  • Make sure that the children take their belongings with them with each move
  • Any lost property must be taken to Mission Control

Behavioral Issues

  • Do not tolerate bad behavior such as verbal or physical aggression
  • Do not tolerate children who leave the group
  • Give a verbal warning that this will not be tolerated. If this issue persists, please contact the Director of Groups.
    • A decision between the Director of Groups and the PSD Coordinator will then be made regarding punishment - this may range from a timeout to expulsion

Group Posters

  • Group posters are used as a rallying point and will be made from poster board (supplied) with the name of the group and relevant art work. Be as colorful and creative as possible.
  • Each group is named in conjunction with the theme for the year. Please work with the Assistant Director of Groups to ensure you have all the details regarding your group name.
  • Both sides of the poster board to be covered - this is how your children will see you.
  • The best poster will be recognized at the Wrap Party at the end of the day.

Homerooms

  • Each group has a Homeroom where each group will:
    • Start the day - check in begins at 8:00 am and parents will bring their kids to you to check in
    • Receive their goody bag and nametag - all materials will be in your homeroom when you get there
    • Return from Activity Session 1 for lunch
    • Start again after lunch for Activity Session 2.
    • Please remind children fill out the online evaluation forms
  • Have an activity for them to do during downtimes.
    • You may show them age appropriate videos about space - all homerooms have computers and projectors available for use

Goody Bags

  • The kids will be given a goody bag and nametag during their first homeroom period
  • These bags are pre-assembled and will be labeled and waiting for you upon arrival
  • They will contain:
    • Activity Booklet with details about the event, activities, evaluation form, and some fun extras
    • PSD pencil or pen
    • Autographed photo of the VIP astronaut (please do not allow other crew or children to ask for their autograph since they will already be receiving it)
    • Nametag which includes information regarding the child's name, group, homeroom, chaperone, and emergency contact information

Group Leader Clipboards

  • Group Leaders will be provided clipboards at the beginning of the day that will contain the following:
    • Sign in/sign out sheets
    • Group roster that lists the details of each student along with their parent and chaperone contact information
    • Cell phone tree that lists all phone numbers for the Executive Board, Mission Control, PSD Coordinator, Group Leaders and Activity Heads
    • Seating chart for Loeb Playhouse
    • Campus map
    • Agenda
  • The information contained on the clipboards will also be provided in electronic form

Inclement Weather

  • Parents are told to bring appropriate clothing for their children for the event day. We do NOT have a rain location, so PSD continues rain or shine.
  • Make sure the children do not forget their coats or umbrellas in their homerooms, activity locations, etc.

Emergencies

  • In the event of an emergency, please follow the directions of emergency services and remember your safety training from the Dry Run (which you are required to attend)

"Houston we have a problem." You are Houston...

Mission Control Job Duties

  • Set up all signage in MSEE and directional signs for homerooms
  • Maintain all lost and found property
  • Handle any issues with parents, misbehaving children, lost children and contact PSD Coordinator and Directors with major problems
  • Facilitate the morning check-in process and direct all parents and children to their respective homerooms
  • Run the merchandise sales throughout the day and work with Treasurer to ensure proper cashbox management
  • Serve as the main point of contact for parents throughout the day
  • Ensure late arrivals are taken straight to Loeb Playhouse
  • Work with Activity Heads to deliver any needed extra supplies
  • Maintain, deliver, and administer any First Aid as requested
  • Serve as food liaisons during mealtimes and ensure lunch and the wrap party are setup and cleaned up

The activity crew is the life blood of Space Day. They directly help the activity heads prepare the activities for the kids and interact with the kids throughout the event. The kids love college students, and you never know who you will inspire just by volunteering.

Activity Crew Job Description

  • Assist the Activity Head in running the activity as requested and needed
  • Attend meetings with the Activity Head and other crew to go over the activity
  • Participate in the Dry Run
  • Engage the activity participants to ensure each child has a good experience
  • Look for any child that may be struggling with the activity or being left out and engage them
  • Help clean up at the end of each session
  • Clean up the activity area at the end of the day and assist in the return of supplies to the storage closet
    • A good rule of thumb is to leave the area in better condition than you found it
  • Attend the Wrap Party at the end of the day to get your group photo with the VIP astronaut
  • Complete the crew evaluation via Qualtrics once it is sent out
  • HAVE FUN!!!

Photographers capture the moments when kids get inspired.

Photographers Job Description

  • Responsible for photographing all activities, events, and special moments throughout the Event Day
  • Follow expectations of providing clear and defined shots of both the chlidren and the Crew
  • Create a photo-journal suitable for presentation on the PSD website and social media
  • Ensure all photos and video are submitted in a timely fashion so they may be posted to the website and social media ASAP
  • Note: We will NOT be providing camera equipment, you will be expected to bring your own.