Editing Science North

{{Short description|Science centre in Sudbury, Canada}}
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{{Infobox museum
| name            = Science North
| native_name     = Science Nord
| native_name_lang = fr
| logo            = Science North Logo.svg
| image           = Science north building in 2007.jpg
| image_size      = 200px
| caption         = The Science North main building
| alt             = 
| map_type        = 
| map_relief      = 
| map_size        = 
| map_caption     = 
| map_dot_label   = 
| coordinates     = {{coord|46.4706|-80.9963|type:landmark_region:CA-ON|display=inline,title}}
| established     = {{Start date|1984|6|19|df=yes}}
| dissolved       = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}} -->
| location        = 100 Ramsey Lake Road<br />[[Greater Sudbury|Sudbury]], [[Ontario]]<br />P3E 5S9
| type            = [[Science centre]]
| accreditation   = 
| key_holdings    = 
| collections     = 
| collection_size = 
| architect       = {{unbulleted list|[[Moriyama & Teshima]] | [[Bélanger Salach Architecture|Townend, Stefura, Baleshta and Nicholls]]}}
| visitors        = 
| director        = Ashley Larose, CEO
| president       = 
| curator         = 
| owner           = [[Government of Ontario]]
| publictransit   = 
| car_park        = 
| parking         = 
| network         = 
| website         = {{URL|https://www.sciencenorth.ca/}}
}}
'''Science North''' is an interactive [[science museum]] in [[Greater Sudbury|Sudbury]], [[Ontario]], Canada.<ref name=loverseed>Helga Loverseed, "Impressive science museum symbolizes the new Sudbury". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', May 9, 1987.</ref>

The science centre, which is [[Northern Ontario]]'s most popular tourist attraction, consists of two [[snowflake]]-shaped buildings on the southwestern shore of [[Ramsey Lake]], just south of the downtown core,<ref name=loverseed/> and a former [[ice hockey]] arena which includes the complex's entrance and an [[IMAX]] theatre.<ref>"Sudbury IMAX". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', May 4, 1994.</ref> The snowflake buildings are connected by a rock tunnel, which passes through a billion-year-old [[geologic fault]].<ref name=loverseed/> This fault line was not known to be under the complex when the site was originally selected, and was discovered only during the construction of the building in the early 1980s. Where the walkway reaches the larger snowflake, the Vale Cavern [[auditorium]] is frequently used for temporary exhibits, [[press conference]]s, film screenings, and other gala events by Science North and the wider community.<ref>Pam Hobbs, "Face to face with nature at Science North". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', August 11, 1984.</ref>

Inside the main building, a 20-metre [[fin whale]] skeleton, recovered from [[Anticosti Island]], hangs from the ceiling.<ref>"Museum to show whale skeleton". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', September 29, 1983.</ref>

The science centre is well-known for its team of science communicators, called 'bluecoats' for their blue lab coat uniforms. Bluecoats provide interpretive and educational experiences for visitors, present shows at the Discovery Theatre, and lead events and tours.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Migneault |first=Jonathan |date=June 19, 2024 |title=Science North celebrates its 40th anniversary |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/science-north-sudbury-40-years-1.7238602 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240619163720/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/science-north-sudbury-40-years-1.7238602 |archive-date=June 19, 2024 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |work=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

The complex also features a boat tour, the William Ramsey, which offers touring cruises of the scenic Ramsey Lake.<ref name=boat>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/sudbury-s-cortina-cruise-boat-now-called-the-william-ramsey-1.2657878 "Sudbury's Cortina cruise boat now called 'The William Ramsey'"]. [[CBCS-FM|CBC Northern Ontario]], May 29, 2014.</ref> Formerly known as the Cortina due to its corporate sponsorship by the city's Cortina Pizza restaurant chain, it was renamed the William Ramsey in 2014 in memory of the surveyor for whom the lake was named.<ref name=boat/> The [[Jim Gordon (politician)|Jim Gordon]] Boardwalk also extends from the facility to the city's [[Bell Park (Sudbury)|Bell Park]] along the western shore of the lake.<ref>Laura Stradiotto, "Boardwalk is Sudbury's 'piazza'". ''[[Sudbury Star]]'', June 23, 2005.</ref>

Opened in 1984,<ref>Wallace Immen, "Science centre an open laboratory". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', June 20, 1984.</ref> the facility was designed by architect [[Raymond Moriyama]] of Moriyama & Teshima Architects.<ref>Wallace Immen, "Canadian North to be centre theme; Nickel mine, wildlife to be shown". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', May 9, 1987.</ref> Local architecture firm [[Bélanger Salach Architecture|Townend, Stefura, Baleshta and Nicholls]] also contributed to the project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilhula |first=Vicki |date=February 17, 2021 |title=Memory Lane: From predicting your height to the trading post, Science North is written on our brains |url=https://www.sudbury.com/memory-lane/memory-lane-from-predicting-your-height-to-the-trading-post-science-north-is-written-on-our-brains-3434354 |access-date=March 20, 2024|website=[[Sudbury.com]]}}</ref> It had its official opening in October 1984, at a ceremony presided over by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] during her royal visit.<ref>Zena Cherry, "Queen opens Science North at Sudbury fete". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', October 5, 1984.</ref>

An agency of the provincial government of Ontario, Science North is overseen by the provincial [[Ministry of Culture (Ontario)|Ministry of Culture]].

==Facilities==

===First level===
* '''IMAX With Laser''' - Science North has a 3D [[IMAX with Laser]] theatre. The theatre opened in 1994, and was converted to 3D in February 2009.
* '''Planetarium''' - In June 2009, Science North added a planetarium. It has an 8-metre dome and 36 seats.
* '''Vale Cavern''' - Event Space
* '''TD Canada Trust Toddler's Treehouse''' - A children's educational play area.

===Second level===
* '''[[Nature Exchange]]''' - Visitors collect and research natural items from the wild and are swapped for points in a database. The points can be used to "purchase" other natural artifacts from around the world (i.e.: Rocks, sea shells, fossils, etc.)
* '''Lapidary Lab''' - Moved to Dynamic Earth
* '''F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery''' - A glass-enclosed [[butterfly house]] home to more than 400 butterflies from 30 different tropical species.

===Third level===
The exhibits on the third floor are divided into four main areas:
* '''Northern Forests''' - This area focuses on animals who live in northern forests. Some of the animals ambassadors for the Northern Forest include Maple the porcupine and Saunders the skunk. Other notable animals include the Northern Flying Squirrels, the Grey Rat Snake and the Big Brown bats. One of the biggest improvements to the third floor include a nocturnal room, allowing people to see active nocturnal animals during the day and better equipment habitats for the animals and for visitors. Also, there is an intricate [[bee]] hive, behind a plate glass window, which allows visitors to see into the hive.
* '''Lakes and Rivers''' - In this area, animals that live in rivers and lakes are featured. The animals ambassadors on this floor include the Common Snapping Turtle, the Northern Water Snakes and local fish found in Northern Ontario Lakes. This sections allow people to get a better understanding of the aquatics systems that surround Northern Ontario and the difficulties and challenges these systems are currently facing. As well, the stream table (also known as the sand table) shows people what is erosion and how erosion can shape the landscape around us.
* '''Wetlands''' - The wetlands area teaches about the complex wetlands ecosystems. With Lilly creek situated right beside Science North, people are able to go on Lilly Creek tours (weather permitting) and get a personal look of what makes wetland such an important landmass for our ecosystems. Some of the animal ambassadors include Northern Ontario frogs (including Green Frogs, Wood Frogs, Tree Frogs and Bullfrogs), American Toads, The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and the [[painted turtle]]. This section also houses the SO2 monitor, which measures the sulphur dioxide levels in Sudbury. There is also an interactive computer that displays the current reading of other sulphur dioxide monitors located throughout the Greater Sudbury region.
* '''Discovery Theatre''' - The discovery theatre is located in the centre of the third and fourth levels of Science North. Here, live science shows cover topics ranging from fire to sound. A daily schedule, located in front of the theatre and on the LCD screens around the Science Centre, is kept up to date and people can schedule their day around the shows they want to see. Usually, upbeat music will be played two minutes before the show starts to allow people to know the show is about to begin. Wheelchair accessibly is offered on the first, and third level of the discovery theater.
* '''The Northern Garden''' - The Northern Garden is located outside of the science centre. This gives people the opportunity to learn about native plant species in Northern Ontario, plant growth and general garden maintenance.

===Fourth level===
* '''BodyZone''' - BodyZone teaches about DNA and how it makes people unique, and how bodies work. There are also many exhibits allowing visitors to measure their performance, such as the race track. The Club Genome object theatre entrance is also in BodyZone.
* '''Racetrack''' - Build a race car and run it on two circular track. This area has a [[K'Nex]] table.
* '''Space Place''' - This lab focuses on astronomy and space exploration. Exhibits include a {{convert|6|ft|m|adj=on}} gravity well, a microgravity drop tower, exhibits on [[SNOLAB]], and information on Canadian space exploration. The entrance to the "Between the Stars" object theatre is also found in Space Place. This show explores the topic of dark matter - why we know it exists, and how we are trying to detect it. Between the Stars opened in June 2010 and is designed to appeal to all age ranges with a cartoon character named String Man narrating the story of a topic that is quite complex.
* '''TechLab''' - Technology and engineering area where visitors can create circuits, take apart old electronics, and play with pulleys and gears.
* '''DataBase''' - Computer based technology areas where visitors can learn how we can use computers and coding in our everyday lives.

===Object theatres===
Special film and video exhibits which change over time; current exhibits include
* '''The [[Global warming]] Changing Climate Show''' -- Narrated by [[Rick Mercer]], the show was updated and reopened in March 2011.
* '''Between the Stars''' -- Addresses the evidence for dark matter, what it might be, and how scientists are trying to detect it at [[SNOLAB]].
* '''Ready, Set, Move!''' -- Advocates and demonstrates healthy living through an interactive experience.

===Outdoor grounds===
* '''Polaris Boulevard''' - is a line which reaches from a large sundial right up the side of the building which points directly at Polaris (the north star).
* '''Terra''' - Visited stand on this one-millionth scale world model, outdoors near Science North's main entrance. At sunset and sunrise, the Earth's shadow moves across Canada. The benchmark at the centre of Terra is:  46° 28' 12.00" N and 80° 59' 45.70" W.
* '''A sculpture''' honouring local [[bush plane]] pilot [[Rusty Blakey]].
* '''Lily Creek''' - a marsh located opposite to the centre, Lily Creek is home to many species of creatures.
* '''The Northern Forest''' - This outdoor exhibit features many of the tree species grown in northern Ontario that Domtar relies on for its sawmills and for the manufacture of pulp and paper at the Espanola mill.

==Other activities==
Science North, which was opened in 1984, also owns and operates Sudbury's [[Dynamic Earth (Ontario)|Dynamic Earth]] facility, an earth sciences exhibition which is home to the [[Big Nickel]], one of the city's most famous landmarks. From January 22, 2001, to May 10, 2003, the Big Nickel was temporarily located on the primary Science North grounds while Dynamic Earth was under construction.

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 most noted production to date has been the 2023 documentary film ''[[Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope]]'',<ref>Craig Lemoult, [https://www.wgbh.org/culture/film-and-tv/2023-10-03/despite-environmental-challenges-jane-goodall-says-there-are-reasons-for-hope "Despite environmental challenges, Jane Goodall says there are reasons for hope"]. [[WGBH Educational Foundation|WGBH]], October 3, 2023.</ref> which won several national awards including a special [[Canadian Screen Award]] for sustainable production at the [[12th Canadian Screen Awards]] in 2024.<ref>Etan Vlessing, [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/devery-jacobs-lamar-johnson-canadian-screen-awards-1235865866/ "Devery Jacobs, Lamar Johnson to Receive Honorary Canadian Screen Awards"]. ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', April 4, 2024.</ref>

Science North's former science director, [[Alan Nursall]], later became a correspondent for the Canadian science newsmagazine series ''[[Daily Planet (TV series)|Daily Planet]]'', which aired on [[Discovery Channel (Canadian TV channel)|Discovery Channel]] and [[CTV Television Network|CTV]].<ref>Brian Gorman, "Nursall takes science to the street". ''[[Sudbury Star]]'', May 20, 2010.</ref> The institution's first science director, [[David Pearson (scientist)|David Pearson]], returned to the position in 2007.<ref>"Pearson returns to Science North". ''[[Sudbury Star]]'', August 25, 2007.</ref> He was succeeded by Jennifer Pink from 2008 to 2017,<ref>[https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/long-time-science-north-director-to-retire-next-year-471860 "Long-time Science North Director to retire next year"]. ''[[Sudbury.com]]'', November 23, 2016.</ref> and Julie Moskalyk from 2017 to 2024.<ref>[https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/longtime-science-north-bluecoat-julie-moskalyk-retiring-8384694 "Longtime Science North bluecoat Julie Moskalyk retiring"]. ''[[Sudbury.com]]'', March 1, 2024.</ref>

Science North has also worked extensively with the city's [[Laurentian University]] on scientific and environmental research and as a partner in the university's graduate program in [[science communication]].

Science North runs science education [[day camp]]s for children in the summer, autumn, and winter.<ref>"Discovery Camp coming". ''[[Timmins Daily Press]]'', July 10, 1999.</ref>

=== COVID-19 ===
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario|COVID-19 pandemic]], Science North engaged in several programs to promote [[COVID-19 vaccine]]s to youth, families and young adults.<ref>"Sudbury series to discuss COVID-19 misinformation". ''[[Sudbury Star]]'', January 12, 2021.</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>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-26 |title=Encouraging vaccine confidence in Canada - Competition Results |url=http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-CRSNG/FundingDecisions-DecisionsFinancement/2021/Vaccine_eng.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220115100237/https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-CRSNG/FundingDecisions-DecisionsFinancement/2021/Vaccine_eng.asp%23tphp |archive-date=2022-01-15 |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=[[Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada]] (NSERC)}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-03 |title=NSERC - Encouraging vaccine confidence in Canada |url=https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Promoter-Promotion/VaccineConfidence_eng.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105180543/https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Promoter-Promotion/VaccineConfidence_eng.asp |archive-date=2022-11-05 |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=[[Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada]]}}</ref>

Science North also received a $500,000 grant from the [[Public Health Agency of Canada]]'s Immunization Partnership Fund to target [[Vaccine hesitancy|vaccine hesitant]] individuals through virtual and in-person activities including [[podcast]]s, [[webinar]]s, digital content and events, museum exhibits and workshops.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[[Public Health Agency of Canada]] |date=2022-10-12 |title=Immunization Partnership Fund |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization-vaccine-priorities/immunization-partnership-fund.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104154209/https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization-vaccine-priorities/immunization-partnership-fund.html |archive-date=2022-11-04 |access-date=2022-11-04 |website=[[Government of Canada]]}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of science centers]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.sciencenorth.ca/ Science North]
*[http://www.sciencecommunication.ca/ Science Communication]
*{{YouTube|u=sciencenorth|{{PAGENAMEBASE}}}}

{{ONGovDept}}
{{Zoos of Ontario}}

[[Category:Museums established in 1984]]
[[Category:Museums in Greater Sudbury]]
[[Category:Crown corporations of Ontario]]
[[Category:Science museums in Canada]]
[[Category:Raymond Moriyama buildings]]
[[Category:Butterfly houses]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in Ontario]]