The mission of Science Hack Day is to get excited and make things with science! A Hack Day is a 24-hour- all night event that brings together designers, developers, educators, scientists, tinkerers, science enthusiasts, and the generally curious in the same physical space for a brief but intense period of collaboration, hacking, and building "cool stuff" with science! Hack Days were originally created by Yahoo! in 2005 and soon after became a worldwide trend. By collaborating on focused tasks during this short period, small groups of hackers are capable of producing remarkable results.

FAQs

Where can I see project ideas that people are bringing?

All participants are strongly encouraged to share the their ideas the Science Hack Day Chicago Hack Dash.

How much does it cost to participate?

Science Hack Day Chicago is a free event. If you cannot make it after you sign-up please do us the courtesy of letting us know by emailing hackdays@adlerplanetarium.org.  

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Science Hack Day Chicago is open to any interested participants.  Participants under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent of guardian.  Participants under 18 years of age may only join the overnight portion of the event if accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

We encourage you to utilize Chicago's excellent public transit system to reach the Adler.  You can find more detailed directions here .

Parking lots on Museum Campus are run by Standard Parking.  Overnight parking WILL NOT be available.  

What's the deal with food and drinks?

We will be providing lunch and dinner on Saturday and a light breakfast on Sunday.  Snacks and beverages will be available throughout the event.  Feel free to bring some of your own snacking favorites.

What can/can't I bring to the event?

Bring your talent, ideas, enthusiasm, and your computer (if applicable).  If you plan to spend the night we'll have a place where you can store a sleeping bag.  Please don't bring alcohol, illegal things, or cats.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Nope.  Upon entering the Adler Planetarium through the Leffman Education Center (street level to the right of the main entrance) you will be directed to a registration desk.

Adler Hack Day Code of Conduct and Anti-Harrassment Policy:

All Adler Planetarium Hack Day events will abide the National Day of Civic Hacking's Civic Hacking's Code of Conduct.  By registering and participating in this event you agree to abide.

Hack Days at the Adler Planetarium:

1. Are a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

2. Are a place where people are free to fully express their identities.

3. Presume the value of others. Everyone’s ideas, skills, and contributions have value.

4. Don’t assume everyone has the same context, and encourage questions.

5. Find a way for people to be productive with their skills (technical and not) and energy. Use language such as “yes/and”, not “no/but.”

6. Encourage members and participants to listen as much as they speak.

7. Strive to build tools that are open and free technology for public use. Activities that aim to foster public use, not private gain, are prioritized.

8. Prioritize access for and input from those who are traditionally excluded from the civic process.

9. Work to ensure that the community is well-represented in the planning, design, and implementation of civic tech. This includes encouraging participation from women, minorities, and traditionally marginalized groups.

10. Actively involve community groups and those with subject matter expertise in the decision-making process.

11. Ensure that the relationships and conversations between community members, the local government staff and community partners remain respectful, participatory, and productive.

12. Provide an environment where people are free from discrimination or harassment.

The Adler Planetarium reserves the right to ask anyone in violation of these policies not to participate in  events or network activities.

This anti-harassment policy is based on the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers.

This policy is based on several other policies, including the Ohio LinuxFest anti-harassment policy, written by Esther Filderman and Beth Lynn Eicher, and the Con Anti-Harassment Project. Mary Gardiner, Valerie Aurora, Sarah Smith, and Donna Benjamin generalized the policies and added supporting material. Many members of LinuxChix, Geek Feminism and other groups contributed to this work.

Adler Planetarium is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, skillset, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of staff, presenters, and participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any event, including talks. Anyone in violation of these policies may expelled from Adler Planetarium hack day events or network activities, at the discretion of the event organizers.

Harassment includes but is not limited to: offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; unwelcome sexual attention; unwarranted exclusion; dismissiveness or insults of skill level; and patronizing language or action.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from Code for America events and network activities.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a Civic Hack Day organizer immediately: Kelly Borden (kborden@adlerplanetarium.org  (312) 542-2200). Organizers will be happy to help participants contact /venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.

If you cannot reach an organizer and/or it is an emergency, please alert any Adler staff member  and/or remove yourself from the situation.