Nancy Contreras-Alejandre's 1st Post (Adler Planetarium- Chicago, IL)

As an intern at the Adler Planetarium, this week I began my project of scanning historic photographs in order to help improve the Adler’s website,  I was able to view how staff- members preserve the museum’s collections, and I have been able to interact with other teen interns and help with their different projects.
As a result of beginning with my historical digitization project, I have been able to learn about the Adler’s development over-time. This project has allowed me to learn about individuals such as founder Max Adler, and director Joseph Chamberlain. Because I have begun utilizing softwares such as Minisis, I have learned the importance of careful precision, patience, and organization. While learning about the history and preservation of the Adler’s special collections and artifacts, I was also able to learn about individuals such as trustees, donors, and volunteers Roderick S. and Marjorie K. Webster who improved the Adler’s collection of astronomy artifacts. Because of this, I have been able to learn the importance of sharing one’s knowledge to improve their community rather than keeping the knowledge to improve oneself. Finally, while working with the other teen intern groups, I was able to view how the Adler’s Far Horizon’s interns continued their ROV Meteorite Hunt. During this time, I was able to view the steps of the infamous scientific method in process while interns struggled to find the answers to questions, with a guest researcher from the Shedd Aquarium prompted them to continue their search. Similarly, today I helped other groups with their projects. For example, today I helped test games created by interns, including a game that focused on issues such as corrupt politicians and societal issues such as financing. (below is a photograph of a group of teens and me helping with the development of the game President)

Overall, so far I have continued to expand on the SLC’s desire for the diffusion of knowledge. I have begun to see that knowledge appears in many manners, and that everyone has different methods of learning. Therefore, STEM and political topics can be taught to everyone as long as the topics are taught according to the learner’s needs. In all, I continue to be grateful for everything that YAP has taught me during Washington Week and am extremely excited to continue to learn about the importance of STEM and STEM education.


Con Cariño,
Nancy Contreras-Alejandre

Also! learn more about the ROV Meteorite Hunt !!

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