Science North’s ability to deliver new and innovative projects was given a boost last week with a significant commitment of federal funding.
Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe announced more than $2.3 million for Science North to expand programming at its Ramsey Lake site as well as Dynamic Earth.
Calling Science North and Dynamic Earth “such a source of pride for Sudbury,” Lapointe acknowledged they “are both important engines of Sudbury’s tourism sector.”
Lapointe called what the science centres do “pioneering” and captivating.
“They are also leaders in high-quality, interactive education,” said Lapointe. “Teachers speak so highly of the learning here. I so enjoyed bringing my own kids here. Many special memories were made here.
“I look forward to someday bringing their children here and experiencing it all again through fresh eyes.”
Part ($710,000) of the funding will go to increase Sciences North’s visibility in global markets, including Asia, Europe and the UK. Since Science North produces some of Canada’s highest-quality travelling exhibits, this support for creative efforts naturally generates a financial return.
The CEO of Science North, Ashley Larose, said she is delighted for the federal funding. “Their continued support for our projects underscores the importance of fostering Canadian creativity and cultural infrastructure, both locally and on the international stage.”
Additionally, the Nature Exchange – a very kid-based program – will be given an expanded international footprint. Larose said that we all have a natural instinct to collect. “rocks, shells, stories … you earn points and can trade those points for other treasures.”
It creates an observant and connected population who are aware of – and protective – of the natural environment. There are Nature Exchanges all across North America. They are all connected and “that is what we want to grow and leverage. We are enhancing the digital infrastructure to create a more innovative and engaging experience,” said Larose.
Studio NORCAT’s Ed Wisniewski (chief technology officer), and Andrew Kostuik, a designer, developer and director at the Studio, provided more details. Wisniewski highlighted the value of collaboration in building successful digital platforms. Kostiuk added specifics.
“We are working on an app and the biggest thing will be that users will now be able take photos of things they have found in nature,” Kostiuk said. “They can collect images of, say, a bird’s nest without disturbing it. There are things you shouldn’t remove from the environment.
“There will be parental features that allow for managing all the kids in one family. There will be badges, check-ins, challenges like scavenger hunts … there are real incentives, like potentially earning an IMAX ticket. The science centres can determine the rewards.”
The audience included a class from Valley View Public School. Tracy Chenier, a Grade 6 teacher, brought 24 students to the event. “They love Science North. They are enthusiastic. I’ve been coming here for 25 years with my students and, in fact, my first field trip as an elementary school teacher was to Science North.”
“Schools and teachers are an essential part of Science North,” said Amy Henson. Henson has been part of the science centre staff for years and has seen it grow.
“Kids are fascinated by science,” she said. “They are like sponges and science has this amazing idea that anything is possible and there is so much to explore … new species are discovered every day, and there are the deep oceans we have yet to explore.
“There is a myriad of experiences left on our planet. The Nature Exchange gets that inkling of exploration … kids are closer to the ground and to them, everything is new and fresh.”
An ongoing expansion at Dynamic Earth, meanwhile, will get the bulk of the federal funding. The $1.6 million goes towards new visitor experience spaces and immersive experiences. The focus includes more attention to the modern mining world.
“With the expansion at Dynamic Earth, we are not just telling the story of mining, we are showing its vital role in shaping our world and opportunities it holds in the future,” Larose said, adding she believes this will also “encourage younger visitors to consider careers in mining.”
