Science North
Template:Short description Template:Infobox museum
Science North (Template:Langx) is a science museum in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.<ref name="loverseed">Template:Cite news</ref> It contains object theatres, an IMAX theatre, a planetarium, and exhibition halls across four levels with a variety of hands-on permanent exhibits focused on technology, ecology, geology and the geography of Northern Ontario.
History
The plans for what was to become Science North were unveiled in 1980, and the centre opened in 1984.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The plans were designed by architect Raymond Moriyama in association with Townend, Stefura, Baleshta and Nicholls.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It received the Governor General’s Medal for Architecture in 1986.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Science North opened on June 19, 1984 with an official opening ceremony held in October that was presided by Elizabeth II during the 1984 royal tour of Canada.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Exhibits and attractions
.jpg){kind=link}
Science North consists of two snowflake-shaped buildings on the southwestern shore of Ramsey Lake.<ref name="loverseed" /> The buildings are connected by a rock tunnel, which passes through a geological fault.<ref name="loverseed" /> This fault line was not known to be under the complex when the site was originally selected, and was only discovered during construction. Inside the main starwell, a 20-metre fin whale skeleton, recovered from Anticosti Island, hangs from the ceiling.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
.jpg){kind=link}
The F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery is located on the second level. The gallery is a glass-enclosed butterfly house containing approximately 400 butterflies from 30 different tropical species. The third level covers the ecosystems of Northern Ontario, with displays covering regional ecology. The exhibits include aquariums and enclosures with frogs, turtles, snakes, porcupines and flying squirrels.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The third level previously housed beavers as 'animal ambassadors', including Drifter from 2004 until 2020 and Kash from 2016 until 2023.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The fourth level covers technology, housing displays on astronomy and the human body.
Outdoors
The Jim Gordon Boardwalk connects Science North to Bell Park along the western shore of the Ramsey Lake.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The William Ramsey cruise boat departs from the dock at the boardwalk, and runs from June to September.<ref name="boat">Template:Cite news</ref> Formerly called the Cortina, it was renamed the William Ramsey in 2014 for the surveyor for whom the lake was named.<ref name="boat" />
Auditoriums
Science North houses an IMAX Theatre with laser projection, opened in 1994.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The theatre was converted to 3D in 2009. Within the rock tunnel is the Vale Cavern auditorium. The auditorium is used for temporary exhibits, press conferences, film screenings, and other events.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In June 2009, an 8-metre dome planetarium with 36 seats was installed. The Discovery theatre, located in the centre of the third and fourth levels, hosts live science shows cover topics ranging from fire to sound. The Climate Action Show, narrated by Rick Mercer, opened in 2003 and was updated in 2022.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Education
Science North employs a team of science communicators known as 'Blue Coats' for their blue lab coat uniforms. Blue Coats provide interpretive and educational experiences for visitors, present shows at the Discovery Theatre, and lead events and tours.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Science North Production Team produces object theatres, multi-media presentations and large format film productions for science museums and educational facilities around North America. The team's productions include the 2023 documentary film Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which won a Canadian Screen Award for sustainable production at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards in 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Science North has worked with Laurentian University on scientific and environmental research, including as a partner in the university's graduate program in science communication. Science North runs science education day camps for children throughout the year in several Northern communities covering a wide range of scientific topics.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Science North engaged in several programs to promote COVID-19 vaccines to youth, families and young adults.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The museum received a $50,000 CAD grant in July 2021 from the Government of Canada for a project titled “Promoting Vaccine Confidence across Northern Ontario.”<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was awarded through a grant program called “Encouraging Vaccine Confidence in Canada” jointly administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Science North also received a $500,000 grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada's Immunization Partnership Fund to target vaccine hesitant individuals through virtual and in-person activities including podcasts, webinars, digital content and events, museum exhibits and workshops.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
See also
References
External links
Template:City of Greater SudburyTemplate:ONGovDept Template:Zoos of Ontario