Opportunities From: TELUS Spark Science Centre

Volunteer: Steven's Lab

A delightful metamorphosis has taken place...
Hold on to your lab coats! The Open Studio Workshop has evolved into Steven’s Lab, a place set out to inspire the next generation of innovators through creative hands-on experiences with real scientific tools. Through live experiments and cutting-edge knowledge, Steven's Lab is where the future of science will come to life.


Dr. Steven Keating was a brilliant mechanical engineer and passionate advocate for patient access to health data. His unwavering curiosity, resilience, and commitment to innovation left a lasting impact. In his honor, the Keating Family has generously funded the creation of Steven’s Lab, inspiring others to push boundaries and have a positive impact on the world.

Volunteer roles in Steven's Lab:
Volunteering in Steven's Lab is a great way to practice your science communication skills with the public. Topics rotate in Steven's Lab every 2 to 3 months, which provides opportunities to learn about various areas of science. Volunteer roles in the lab include signing up guests for time slots, talking to guests about the science behind the experiment, helping guests with experiments, resetting experiments, and cleaning up. Prior lab experience is an asset, but it isn't required. Some experiments involve chemicals and will require chemical safety training before handling.

The Dress Code:

All staff and volunteers in Steven's Lab are required to wear long pants and enclosed footwear for safety reasons. Volunteers will wear a Steven's Lab-branded lab coat while working in the space. When working with chemicals, it is essential to tie long hair back. Any required PPE (gloves, respirators, safety glasses etc.) will be provided.

The Current Experiment: Return of the Crawling Dead. 

Dare to dissect? Step into the world of invertebrate anatomy, explore internal organs up close, and learn how these wiggly creatures function from the inside out.

This lab is suitable for aspiring biologists or those curious about the natural world!

Volunteers can assist us in signing up and talking to guests, helping us reset and tidy the lab, and sharing scientific knowledge. 

Warning: In this lab, you will be in close proximity with dissected worms, which have a strong formaldehyde smell. Sharp instruments including scalpels will be used by staff, volunteers, and guests.

Times:
Sunday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Reporting Manager: Maddie Bemrose and Liz McCracken
Location: 2nd Floor in Open Studio

Program: Interpretive Science Connections

A delightful metamorphosis has taken place...
Hold on to your lab coats! The Open Studio Workshop has evolved into Steven’s Lab, a place set out to inspire the next generation of innovators through creative hands-on experiences with real scientific tools. Through live experiments and cutting-edge knowledge, Steven's Lab is where the future of science will come to life.


Dr. Steven Keating was a brilliant mechanical engineer and passionate advocate for patient access to health data. His unwavering curiosity, resilience, and commitment to innovation left a lasting impact. In his honor, the Keating Family has generously funded the creation of Steven’s Lab, inspiring others to push boundaries and have a positive impact on the world.

Volunteer roles in Steven's Lab:
Volunteering in Steven's Lab is a great way to practice your science communication skills with the public. Topics rotate in Steven's Lab every 2 to 3 months, which provides opportunities to learn about various areas of science. Volunteer roles in the lab include signing up guests for time slots, talking to guests about the science behind the experiment, helping guests with experiments, resetting experiments, and cleaning up. Prior lab experience is an asset, but it isn't required. Some experiments involve chemicals and will require chemical safety training before handling.

The Dress Code:

All staff and volunteers in Steven's Lab are required to wear long pants and enclosed footwear for safety reasons. Volunteers will wear a Steven's Lab-branded lab coat while working in the space. When working with chemicals, it is essential to tie long hair back. Any required PPE (gloves, respirators, safety glasses etc.) will be provided.

The Current Experiment: Return of the Crawling Dead. 

Dare to dissect? Step into the world of invertebrate anatomy, explore internal organs up close, and learn how these wiggly creatures function from the inside out.

This lab is suitable for aspiring biologists or those curious about the natural world!

Volunteers can assist us in signing up and talking to guests, helping us reset and tidy the lab, and sharing scientific knowledge. 

Warning: In this lab, you will be in close proximity with dissected worms, which have a strong formaldehyde smell. Sharp instruments including scalpels will be used by staff, volunteers, and guests.

Times:
Sunday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Reporting Manager: Maddie Bemrose and Liz McCracken
Location: 2nd Floor in Open Studio

Program: Interpretive Science Connections

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Postal Code: T2E 5T2

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Indoor Bluprint: Vortex Simulator- PM Timeslot

  Welcome to Indoor BLUprint!  

BLUprint highlights the connection between the professional trades and STEAM, allowing our guests to experience parts of the job within the skill trades and learning about the science within them. In this opportunity, you will have the opportunity to help facilitate our indoor bluprint space (within open studio) and help ensure the activations run smoothly and guests are using them properly.

Areas include: VR welding, vortex simulator, Masterkidz wall, and rigamajig area. Focus will be primarily on the vortex simulator, but it will be key to rotate throughout the areas.

The vortex simulator allows guests to pick between driving a forklift, crane, or excavator, and is a simulation of the difficulty of operating these machines. 

In this opportunity, you'll have the chance to:

Assist guests with the vortex simulator.Become familiar with each simulation with the vortex simulator so you can better assist guests.How to troubleshoot the various areas and ensure guests get the best experience.Communication and interpretation skills by engaging with guests in the various areas. Learn more about the overlap between the skill trades and STEAM and educate guests on this.IMPORTANT NOTE:

This opportunity will have two time slots available to volunteer for. One between 10 Am and 1 pm and one between 1 pm and 3 pm. The opportunity will state whether it is the AM or PM timeslot, and you can sign up for one or both. 

Reporting Managers: Seb Pon, Maddie Bemrose 

Exhibit Location:  Upper galleries, the area is mainly across from the VR area.

Program: Interpretive Science Connections

  Welcome to Indoor BLUprint!  

BLUprint highlights the connection between the professional trades and STEAM, allowing our guests to experience parts of the job within the skill trades and learning about the science within them. In this opportunity, you will have the opportunity to help facilitate our indoor bluprint space (within open studio) and help ensure the activations run smoothly and guests are using them properly.

Areas include: VR welding, vortex simulator, Masterkidz wall, and rigamajig area. Focus will be primarily on the vortex simulator, but it will be key to rotate throughout the areas.

The vortex simulator allows guests to pick between driving a forklift, crane, or excavator, and is a simulation of the difficulty of operating these machines. 

In this opportunity, you'll have the chance to:

Assist guests with the vortex simulator.Become familiar with each simulation with the vortex simulator so you can better assist guests.How to troubleshoot the various areas and ensure guests get the best experience.Communication and interpretation skills by engaging with guests in the various areas. Learn more about the overlap between the skill trades and STEAM and educate guests on this.IMPORTANT NOTE:

This opportunity will have two time slots available to volunteer for. One between 10 Am and 1 pm and one between 1 pm and 3 pm. The opportunity will state whether it is the AM or PM timeslot, and you can sign up for one or both. 

Reporting Managers: Seb Pon, Maddie Bemrose 

Exhibit Location:  Upper galleries, the area is mainly across from the VR area.

Program: Interpretive Science Connections

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Postal Code: T2E 5T2

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Indoor Bluprint: Vortex Simulator- AM Timeslot

  Welcome to Indoor BLUprint!  

BLUprint highlights the connection between the professional trades and STEAM, allowing our guests to experience parts of the job within the skill trades and learning about the science within them. In this opportunity, you will have the opportunity to help facilitate our indoor bluprint space (within open studio) and help ensure the activations run smoothly and guests are using them properly.

Areas include: VR welding, vortex simulator, Masterkidz wall, and rigamajig area. Focus will be primarily on the vortex simulator, but it will be key to rotate throughout the areas. The vortex simulator allows guests to pick between driving a forklift, crane, or excavator, and is a simulation for the difficulty around operating these machines. 

In this opportunity, you'll have the chance to:

Assist guests with the vortex simulator.Become familiar with each simulation with the vortex simulator so you can better assist guests.How to troubleshoot the various areas and ensure guests get the best experience.Communication and interpretation skills by engaging with guests in the various areas. Learn more about the overlap between the skill trades and STEAM and educate guests on this topic.IMPORTANT NOTE:

This opportunity will have two time slots available to volunteer for. One between 10 Am and 1 pm and one between 1 pm and 3 pm. The opportunity will state whether it is the AM or PM timeslot, and you can sign up for one or both. 

Reporting Managers: Seb Pon, Maddie Bemrose

Exhibit Location:  Upper galleries, the area is mainly across from the VR area.

Program: Interpretive Science Connections

  Welcome to Indoor BLUprint!  

BLUprint highlights the connection between the professional trades and STEAM, allowing our guests to experience parts of the job within the skill trades and learning about the science within them. In this opportunity, you will have the opportunity to help facilitate our indoor bluprint space (within open studio) and help ensure the activations run smoothly and guests are using them properly.

Areas include: VR welding, vortex simulator, Masterkidz wall, and rigamajig area. Focus will be primarily on the vortex simulator, but it will be key to rotate throughout the areas. The vortex simulator allows guests to pick between driving a forklift, crane, or excavator, and is a simulation for the difficulty around operating these machines. 

In this opportunity, you'll have the chance to:

Assist guests with the vortex simulator.Become familiar with each simulation with the vortex simulator so you can better assist guests.How to troubleshoot the various areas and ensure guests get the best experience.Communication and interpretation skills by engaging with guests in the various areas. Learn more about the overlap between the skill trades and STEAM and educate guests on this topic.IMPORTANT NOTE:

This opportunity will have two time slots available to volunteer for. One between 10 Am and 1 pm and one between 1 pm and 3 pm. The opportunity will state whether it is the AM or PM timeslot, and you can sign up for one or both. 

Reporting Managers: Seb Pon, Maddie Bemrose

Exhibit Location:  Upper galleries, the area is mainly across from the VR area.

Program: Interpretive Science Connections

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Postal Code: T2E 5T2

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Take-It-Apart Material Prep Helper

Take-It-Apart Material Prep Helper

Have you ever wondered what it looks like to be a behind-the-scenes helper? In this role, you'll work with the TELUS  Sparks exhibits team to prep electronics for the famous take-it-apart table in Open Studio! 

You'll be disassembling electronics, removing the glass, resistors, and other components, then reassembling them to send out on the floor for guests.

Required PPE for this role: 

Steel-Toe boots (we can give you shoe caps), Safety Glasses (we have some here if needed). Gloves (could get a small cut from sharp materials if not careful

Location: P-Lab 

This opportunity suggests that we have a consistent volunteer come in weekly to meet the demands. 

Program: Spark Operations (Administration, Building and Exhibit Operations)

Take-It-Apart Material Prep Helper

Have you ever wondered what it looks like to be a behind-the-scenes helper? In this role, you'll work with the TELUS  Sparks exhibits team to prep electronics for the famous take-it-apart table in Open Studio! 

You'll be disassembling electronics, removing the glass, resistors, and other components, then reassembling them to send out on the floor for guests.

Required PPE for this role: 

Steel-Toe boots (we can give you shoe caps), Safety Glasses (we have some here if needed). Gloves (could get a small cut from sharp materials if not careful

Location: P-Lab 

This opportunity suggests that we have a consistent volunteer come in weekly to meet the demands. 

Program: Spark Operations (Administration, Building and Exhibit Operations)

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Postal Code: T2B 2Z8

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Pixelarius, The Multi Player VR Experience




Instructing the players in line with what the safety guidelines are.Assisting with loading in and loading out participatesPlease become part of this exciting VR experience, as we educate through play and curiosity.

Training Will be providedReporting Managers: Maddie Bemrose

Program: Interpretive Science Connections




Instructing the players in line with what the safety guidelines are.Assisting with loading in and loading out participatesPlease become part of this exciting VR experience, as we educate through play and curiosity.

Training Will be providedReporting Managers: Maddie Bemrose

Program: Interpretive Science Connections

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Postal Code: T2E 5T2

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Guest Services & Relations

Welcome to Guest Relations

Creating an experience has never been so important as the first 30 seconds when you enter a venue, being able to carry that momentum for the remainder of your experience and beyond. Volunteering with our FOH (Front of House) team is one of our most rewarding opportunities to engage and immerse yourself with the community.

Assisting at the Front of House, you'll take part in the following:

Greet our guests and families as they enter the buildingHelping our team greet and process Spark members and pre-sold admissionsAssisting with wayfinding (Helping our guests navigate around the building and provide information) 

Knowledge of the building can be learned by volunteering here, as the Front of House has become the hub for all the information that is occurring in the building, and where to locate it. If you adore interacting with people from all over the world, you'll love volunteering at FOH.

Training Will be provided *Please wear closed-toed shoes*

Reporting Managers: Kylie Penney

Exhibit Location: Main Floor at the Main Entrance

Program: Guest Relations & Spark Store

Welcome to Guest Relations

Creating an experience has never been so important as the first 30 seconds when you enter a venue, being able to carry that momentum for the remainder of your experience and beyond. Volunteering with our FOH (Front of House) team is one of our most rewarding opportunities to engage and immerse yourself with the community.

Assisting at the Front of House, you'll take part in the following:

Greet our guests and families as they enter the buildingHelping our team greet and process Spark members and pre-sold admissionsAssisting with wayfinding (Helping our guests navigate around the building and provide information) 

Knowledge of the building can be learned by volunteering here, as the Front of House has become the hub for all the information that is occurring in the building, and where to locate it. If you adore interacting with people from all over the world, you'll love volunteering at FOH.

Training Will be provided *Please wear closed-toed shoes*

Reporting Managers: Kylie Penney

Exhibit Location: Main Floor at the Main Entrance

Program: Guest Relations & Spark Store

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Postal Code: T2E 5T2

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Creative Kids Museum – Kids learn and play!

Come learn and play in Creative Kids Museum (C.K.M)

Do you love working with kids? Do you have a desire for Early Childhood Education? The Creative Kids Museum (CKM) is the perfect place for you to build your skills and learn about brain development in our young guests from ages 0-8!

This exhibit space allows our younger guests to explore, craft, and play at a pace that suits them and in an environment designed specifically for their learning needs!  While volunteering in CKM, you will have the opportunity to assist with the following:

Tidying and resetting unused play areas Staffed activation times at the LEGO lab Engaging and playing with guests in the space If you feel confident, you will also have the opportunity facilitate mini-activations with guests!  

Training will be provided.

*Please wear closed toed shoes*  

Reporting Managers: Acacia McClay/ Maddie Bemrose

Exhibit Location: Main Floor behind the front desk, down the hall.

Program: Interpretive Science Connections

Come learn and play in Creative Kids Museum (C.K.M)

Do you love working with kids? Do you have a desire for Early Childhood Education? The Creative Kids Museum (CKM) is the perfect place for you to build your skills and learn about brain development in our young guests from ages 0-8!

This exhibit space allows our younger guests to explore, craft, and play at a pace that suits them and in an environment designed specifically for their learning needs!  While volunteering in CKM, you will have the opportunity to assist with the following:

Tidying and resetting unused play areas Staffed activation times at the LEGO lab Engaging and playing with guests in the space If you feel confident, you will also have the opportunity facilitate mini-activations with guests!  

Training will be provided.

*Please wear closed toed shoes*  

Reporting Managers: Acacia McClay/ Maddie Bemrose

Exhibit Location: Main Floor behind the front desk, down the hall.

Program: Interpretive Science Connections

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Postal Code: T2E 5T2

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Spark Eatery Support

Spark Eatery

We are seeking volunteers to assist at the Spark Eatery. Here are some of the tasks involved:
- Wiping down tables
- Transporting dirty dishes/trays from the tray drop station to the dishwashing area
- Offering basic directions to guests
- Assisting kitchen staff with sorting and other kitchen-related tasks
Additionally, please note the following requirement:
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

*Please wear closed toed shoes*

Feel free to sign up for volunteer shifts that suit your schedule, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Reporting Manager: Robin Rong 
Location: Upstairs beside Sparks business office

Program: Astronaut Café & Spark Eatery

Spark Eatery

We are seeking volunteers to assist at the Spark Eatery. Here are some of the tasks involved:
- Wiping down tables
- Transporting dirty dishes/trays from the tray drop station to the dishwashing area
- Offering basic directions to guests
- Assisting kitchen staff with sorting and other kitchen-related tasks
Additionally, please note the following requirement:
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

*Please wear closed toed shoes*

Feel free to sign up for volunteer shifts that suit your schedule, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Reporting Manager: Robin Rong 
Location: Upstairs beside Sparks business office

Program: Astronaut Café & Spark Eatery

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Postal Code: T2E 5T2

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Open Studio: DIY Parachutes

Build, Test, Assess: Parachute Tube Challenge!

Welcome to Open Studio, the area of Spark where various hands-on exhibits allow guests to explore through inquiry-based learning. The parachute tubes traditionally have pre-made parachutes that guests are able to put in and try. This activity you will get the chance to facilitate an activation where you'll help guests make parachutes out of various materials and test them! Explore creativity and ingenuity in this engineering challenge! 

Volunteering here you will guide guests through parachute creation and provide the following services:

Help guests build and test their own parachutes! Help guests with the idea to keep trying even if it doesn't work the first time!Help facilitate learning by asking open ended questions to provide ways to help change and improve the design.Explain the science behind how parachutes work connecting to air resistance and drag. 

Please come and join us for this opportunity where you can improve your science communication and education skills while helping guests to participate in the iterative design process.

Training will be provided. You will run the activation independently once you feel comfortable.

Reporting Managers: Maddie Bemrose / Paige Martineau

Exhibit Location: Upper level, Open Studio, across from Steven's lab.


Program: Interpretive Science Connections

Build, Test, Assess: Parachute Tube Challenge!

Welcome to Open Studio, the area of Spark where various hands-on exhibits allow guests to explore through inquiry-based learning. The parachute tubes traditionally have pre-made parachutes that guests are able to put in and try. This activity you will get the chance to facilitate an activation where you'll help guests make parachutes out of various materials and test them! Explore creativity and ingenuity in this engineering challenge! 

Volunteering here you will guide guests through parachute creation and provide the following services:

Help guests build and test their own parachutes! Help guests with the idea to keep trying even if it doesn't work the first time!Help facilitate learning by asking open ended questions to provide ways to help change and improve the design.Explain the science behind how parachutes work connecting to air resistance and drag. 

Please come and join us for this opportunity where you can improve your science communication and education skills while helping guests to participate in the iterative design process.

Training will be provided. You will run the activation independently once you feel comfortable.

Reporting Managers: Maddie Bemrose / Paige Martineau

Exhibit Location: Upper level, Open Studio, across from Steven's lab.


Program: Interpretive Science Connections

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Postal Code: T2E 5T2

Allow Groups: No