Ontario Science Centre launches its sesquicentennial celebrations with new installation recognizing Canadian innovation
First 150 kids receive free admission in 2017
TORONTO, Dec. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Celebrate Canada's sesquicentennial at the Ontario Science Centre with Canada 150: Discovery Way, a new installation that recounts the rich stories behind Canadian discoveries and innovations, and with The Energy Show, a new stage presentation that takes the Centre's iconic Electricity Demonstration to a shocking new level. To start its Canada 150 celebrations, the Ontario Science Centre is offering free general admission to the first 150 kids (ages 3-12) on January 1, 2017.
"As a centennial project, the Ontario Science Centre has been celebrating discovery, wonder and curiosity since it first opened its doors," said Dr. Maurice Bitran, CEO and Chief Science Officer, Ontario Science Centre. "During Canada's sesquicentennial, it's natural to reflect on the growing impact that science and technology plays in our lives and how they are shaping our future. Through our diverse offerings in 2017, we will inform, engage and inspire our visitors, demonstrating that science is more than knowledge – it's about action for a better future."
Top ten ways to celebrate Canada's sesquicentennial with science at the Ontario Science Centre in 2017:
1. Take pride in Canadian scientific achievements.
What do insulin, the electric wheelchair and five-pin bowling have in common? From the far reaches of space to common household items, learn about notable Canadian scientific discoveries and innovations and the Canadian trailblazers behind them. The Canada 150: Discovery Way installation inspires through diverse, home-grown stories and uniquely Canadian artifacts. At every step along the way, visitors will be moved by great scientific achievements and may even be inspired to be Canada's next great innovator.
2. Power up at our new electrifying stage show.
Building upon the Science Centre's iconic Electricity Demonstration, The Energy Show delves deeper into the principles and concepts of energy. From solar to geothermal, and from transformation to storage, the show seeks to uncover the world's ultimate source of power. Make hypotheses, conduct experiments, upload data and test very unique equipment, including a seven-foot Tesla coil.
3. Discover how science influences art.
Experience Legacy, a life-sized, anatomically correct killer whale skeleton, carved entirely from reclaimed cedar. Created by award-winning Canadian artist Ken Hall, Legacy demonstrates how science and nature can influence art and how art can expand the appreciation of science, while challenging us to think about our future.
4. Hop on board for the ultimate in railway travel.
Beginning January 9, 2017, relive the age of steam when Rocky Mountain Express returns to our giant IMAX® Dome screen. Take a present-day steam train journey through the breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Rockies, and learn about the extraordinary story of how our nation's first transcontinental railway was laid.
5. See how humans draw inspiration from the innovations of nature.
Find out how all living things, including humans, are machines built to survive, move and discover when Biomechanics: The Machine Inside opens on February 8, 2017. Take a fascinating look at the marvels of natural engineering in an interactive, specimen-rich experience that brings the science of biomechanics and biomimicry to life and explores the exciting promise they hold for the future.
6. Get a fresh perspective on what it means to be an engineer.
Celebrate human ingenuity and innovation when Dream Big opens on February 17, 2017. Using the full power of the immersive IMAX experience, Dream Big showcases the diverse faces of engineering today: people from all walks of life working on creative solutions to improve human life and create a sustainable future for us all.
7. Learn how to milk a sturgeon.
Step into the rescue and recovery efforts of people who dedicate their lives to saving animals when Wildlife Rescue opens in May 2017. From seabirds to turtles and elephants to orangutans, this wildly interactive exhibition explores the innovative ways used to capture, raise and release endangered species back to the wild.
8. Take in Toronto's history by way of a tree trunk.
The Ontario Wood Carvers Association has given new life to the silver maple tree behind Alexander Muir's 1867 song "Maple Leaf Forever." This installation features 35 hand-carved leaves, each depicting a historically-significant event or place in Toronto's history. After more than 10,000 volunteer carving hours, this ambitious project goes on permanent display on July 1, 2017.
9. Celebrate the power of human understanding and ingenuity – from quantum to cosmos.
Explore the incredible ability of the human mind to question, make and innovate when Power of Ideas stops in Toronto from August 23 - September 1, 2017. Designed and developed by the Ontario Science Centre for the Perimeter Institute, this immersive travelling science exhibition highlights cutting edge science, technology and engineering.
10. Maximize your exposure to science in 2017.
There's a lot to see and do at the Science Centre in 2017! A new membership program launches in January 2017 to ensure you make the most out of every visit.
The Ontario Science Centre, a Centennial project, has welcomed more than 51 million visitors since it opened in 1969, implementing an interactive approach now adopted by science centres around the world. Today, the Science Centre is an international leader in free-choice science learning and a key contributor to Ontario's education and innovation ecosystems, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, engaging experiences. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As a publicly assisted organization, the Science Centre relies on generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca.
SOURCE Ontario Science Centre
Media contact: Anna Relyea, Director, Strategic Communications, 416-696-3273 | c: 416-668-1967, [email protected]
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