Needs From: United Way of South Texas

IMAS is looking for enthusiastic and outgoing volunteers to assist at the Mysterious Cosmos Family Fun Night event on December 18th, 2025 from 6 PM – 8:30 PM. This free admission event welcomes visitors to enjoy a variety of galaxy and star themed hands-on activities and presentations. Visitors are also welcome to view the night sky through telescopes, provided and supported by UTRGV Center of Excellence in STEM Education.

*Volunteers will be placed in activity areas based on priority needs and volunteer registration. *

Shifts: (2.5 hr. shifts)
- 6 am – 8:30 pm (8)

- Galaxy Spin Topper Assistant:

Spin into the Art Studio with visitors. Volunteers will assist the IMAS Educator in the Galaxy Spin Topper activity. Visitors will learn more about the movements of galaxies and the different types as they paint and design their own spiral galaxy onto a wooden spin topper. Volunteers will assist by providing supplies to paint and help clean and keep a tidy area for incoming visitors.

- Multiwavelength Bingo Facilitator:

Facilitate NASA Multiwavelength Bingo in the Art Galleries. Volunteers will provide timed sessions for Multiwavelength Bingo by calling cards and sharing information about the different ways space observatories capture images of galaxies through different wavelengths. After winning cards are confirmed, volunteers will provide winners with a small prize.

- Paper Circuits:

Light Up Exploded Stars Assistant: Learn about circuits and star life cycles in this hands-on activity. Volunteers will assist visitors in this simple circuit activity by distributing materials and assisting with instructions. After visitors create their light up exploded star cards, they may need to adjust positive and negative endings.

- Galaxy Scratch Art Station Facilitator:

There are three main types of galaxies in the universe. In this activity volunteers will distribute scratch art sheets to visitors and encourage visitors to draw galaxies, planets and star inspired art.

Please, print the waiver and bring it with you.

IMAS is looking for volunteers to assist in the prep and packing of gingerbread kits and frosting bags that will be used during the annual Gingerbread House Challenge.

Volunteers will work together to prep Ziploc baggies with provided food materials that will be used in each
gingerbread house and fill frosting bags. IMAS Education will provide a workspace at IMAS with all supplies needed to create kits.

Please, print the waiver and bring it with you.

IMAS is looking for outgoing and engaging volunteers to facilitate the annual Gingerbread House Challenge. Volunteers will check in visitors after they have paid for the workshop and provide them with their gingerbread kits. Volunteers will also provide assistance if needed and help clean up the areas as visitors leave and re-set for the next session.

Please, print the waiver and bring it with you the day you plan to volunteer.