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Bring STEM learning to life at Science North!
At Science North, every school visit is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create memorable “a-ha!” moments for students. Each class visit includes up to two hands-on, curriculum-linked school programs delivered by our knowledgeable Bluecoats, giving students meaningful opportunities to explore, problem-solve, communicate, and think critically through engaging STEM experiences connected to the Ontario Science and Technology Curriculum.
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PROGRAM DIRECTORY
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SCIENCE NORTH
| GRADE LEVEL | STRAND A: Coding / STEM Skills | STRAND B: Life Systems | STRAND C: Matter and Energy | STRAND D: Structures and Mechanisms | STRAND E: Earth and Space |
| Kindergarten | Code with Cubetto Shape Up! |
Nature's Family Sounds of the Human Body We Are Animals |
N / A | N / A | N / A |
| Primary (Grades 1–3) |
BeeBots | Extreme Animals It's a Bug's World |
Food Scientists Mix it Up! |
Brick Builders Academy Toying with Science |
Seasons: Will it Rain or Will it Snow? |
| Junior (Grades 4–6) |
BuddyBit Coding Patterns |
Creatures Classified Human Organ Systems Incredible Insects Predator or Prey? |
Let's Get Electric! Rainbows and Laser Beams |
Balance and Motion Bricks and Gears Pushing and Pulling |
Our Place in Space |
| Intermediate (Grades 7–8) |
AI in Space Microscope Mysteries |
What is a Concussion? | N / A | N / A | Water in the Environment Weather and Climate |
| High School (Grades 9–12) |
Video Game Dissection | Neuroscience Northern Ecosystems Reptiles at Risk |
Chemical Reactions It's Electrifying! Optics and Mirrors |
N / A | Climate Experiments Spaced Out |
Not finding the program you’re looking for? Click HERE for our additional school programs at Dynamic Earth.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Kindergarten programs are 30 minutes in length. All other programs are 50 minutes unless otherwise stated.
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Programs can be booked on weekdays from September to June every hour between 9am and 1pm.
KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- CODE WITH CUBETTO
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Coding / STEM Skills
- Students will embark on an exciting journey with Cubetto, a wooden robot designed to introduce young learners to the fundamentals of computer programming through hands-on exploration. Together, they will create coded paths and activities inspired by each season.
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- NATURE'S FAMILY
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Life Systems, Indigenous Ways of Knowing
- Students will meet live animals, move their bodies and learn about Mother Earth, Grandmother Moon and other members of our natural family. This program includes an interpretive reading of poems from Meet Your Family: Gikenim Giniigi'igoog, written by David Bouchard, and illustrated by Kristy Cameron.
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- SHAPE UP!
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Coding / STEM Skills
- Shapes are the building blocks of the world around us. This program offers students the chance to investigate and compare two-dimensional shapes using hands-on tools and technology. They will experiment with these shapes, while identifying and creating colourful patterns.
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- SOUNDS OF THE HUMAN BODY
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Life Systems
- Hiccups, burps, and farts … oh my! Students will discover the reasons why the human body make certain sounds by exploring the organs that make these sounds. They will make observations by listening using a specialized medical instrument, by manipulating preserved organs, and by measuring features of organs (i.e. length, width, number of heart beats).
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- WE ARE ANIMALS
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Life Systems
- In this interactive program, students will learn about different groups of animals. They will meet an animal ambassador and participate in interesting experiments to discover what kind of animals humans are. Can your students solve the mystery?
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PRIMARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- BEEBOTS
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Coding / STEM Skills
- Students will learn how honey bees communicate with the waggle dance while programming a robotic honey bee. Students will also learn about the honey bee life cycle and how they change over their life span.
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- BRICK BUILDERS ACADEMY
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Structures and Mechanisms
- This hands-on, inquiry-based program takes students on an exciting journey to explore the concept of structures using LEGO® bricks. By building, testing, and evaluating their creations, students will learn what makes a structure strong and functional.
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- EXTREME ANIMALS
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Life Systems
- Ever wonder how living things can survive in extreme environments? Shrink into the microscopic world of tardigrades, survive harsh deserts, and dive to the depths of the ocean to find life in complete darkness. Students will meet some living creatures and even compete to build the tallest tubeworm in this brand new program.
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- FOOD SCIENTISTS
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Matter and Energy
- Students will use refractometers to analyze the sugar content of different beverages. Additionally, using scales, students will compare the nutritional profiles of various foods, gaining deeper insights into the science behind making healthy food choices.
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- IT'S A BUG'S WORLD
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Life Systems
- What are bugs? What roles do bugs play in our lives? How can we learn more about bugs in our own backyards? This workshop will include live-insect demonstrations and a bug scavenger hunt on the 2ᴺᴰ floor.
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- MIX IT UP!
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Matter and Energy
- In a series of hands-on activities, students will use scientific tools and methods to investigate the properties and interactions of various solids and liquids.
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- SEASONS: WILL IT RAIN OR WILL IT SNOW?
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Earth and Space, Indigenous Ways of Knowing
- This program is all about the seasons and the properties of liquids and solids as the seasons change. Students will learn how the Earth’s tilt creates different seasons, the names of the seasons in Anishinaabemowin, and learn about Anishinabek life through the seasons. Additionally, the program has connections to the math curriculum as students better understand the seasons through repeating patterns and numbers.
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- TOYING WITH SCIENCE
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Structures and Mechanisms
- Your students will discover the terms "work" and "load" as they look at the basic principles of simple machines. They will experience a multitude of mechanical devices that have changed the way we play.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- BALANCE AND MOTION
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Structures and Mechanisms
- Using the key concepts of force, balance, symmetry and motion, students will build a frame structure that includes a pulley in order to complete a challenge.
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- BRICKS AND GEARS
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Structures and Mechanisms
- Discover the power of gears in this hands-on LEGO® engineering program. Using LEGO® Technic, students will explore how gears are used to change direction, speed and torque. Through fun challenges, they’ll develop problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of gears through the use of LEGO®.
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- BUDDYBIT
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Coding / STEM Skills
- Students will create their own AI robot companion that they will be able to play and interact with. They will teach a Micro:bit, a small computer with a variety of functions, to recognize their movements using learning AI. Then, by using coding blocks, they will code their Micro:bit to express itself on a small OLED screen when it reacts to motions, inputs and other factors using extensions from the Smart home kit.
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- CODING PATTERNS
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Coding / STEM Skills
- Using a PyBadge and block-based coding students will have the opportunity to build a curious and complicated system with parts that create patterns, move, and replicate. Students will be able to explore and interact with the code they’ve edited to create unexpected new patterns and compare them with what we see in nature.
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- CREATURES CLASSIFIED
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Life Systems
- Students will discover the importance of classification systems using real-world examples. While working with a dichotomous key, students will identify different animal specimens. During the program, students will meet an animal ambassador and have the opportunity to discuss how invasive species impact habitats and communities.
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- HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS
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Life Systems
- The immune system is a complex and fascinating system that defends our bodies against pathogens. Students will learn and examine some of the organs of the immune system and discover how it works together with vaccines to protect us against germs.
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- INCREDIBLE INSECTS
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Life Systems
- Camouflaged moths, almost-microscopic wasps, and huge Hercules beetles; there's so much biodiversity in the world of insects! In this program, students will learn how insects adapt to their ecosystems, meet live-insects, and "build your own bug"!
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- LET'S GET ELECTRIC!
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Matter and Energy
- In order to explore concepts of electrical energy and energy conservation, students will construct circuits using a variety of tools.
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- OUR PLACE IN SPACE
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Earth and Space
- From the Sun to Neptune, immersive activities will let your students discover how Earth fits into the solar system and cosmos. They will experiment with tools and techniques scientists use to learn about all the planets (and dwarf planets) in our solar system.
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- PREDATOR OR PREY?
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Life Systems
- Can you tell the difference between a predator or prey by looking at a skull? In this hands-on program students will learn about the adaptations that predators and prey have, and how they are interconnected.
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- PUSHING AND PULLING
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Structures and Mechanisms
- Find out how pulleys can give you superhuman strength. Using tools and technology, students will build and investigate different types of pulley systems and evaluate how pulleys affect the amount of force required to lift a load.
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- RAINBOWS AND LASER BEAMS
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Matter and Energy
- Through a series of experiments that incorporate the properties of light, students will discover which wavelengths of light are the most energetic, learn about different light sources, and examine how light can cause physical changes in relation to sun safety.
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INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- AI IN SPACE
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Coding / STEM Skills
- Prepare your students for a future driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Through learning about Canada's role as a leader in autonomous space robotics, students will be introduced to real-world applications of AI. They will use AI to complete challenges, learn its capabilities and limitations and discuss the ethical implications of AI in space and on Earth.
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- MICROSCOPE MYSTERIES
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Coding / STEM Skills
- This program will allow students to explore interesting phenomena on a microscopic scale. Using a variety of tools, they will have the opportunity to magnify and observe many every day items. Students will learn about different forms of microscopy and get to create their own micro-drawings.
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- WATER IN THE ENVIRONMENT
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Earth and Space
- In this program, students will use scientific tools (chlorine meter, pH strips and titrets) and their own curiosity to solve the question , "Which water is which?", all while learning about the unique properties of water and why it's important to living things.
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- WEATHER AND CLIMATE
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Earth and Space
- What makes the weather? How is our climate changing? What can we do about it? In this program, students will conduct experiments to understand the effects of heat and water sytems on Earth's climate and weather patterns while exploring some BIG questions!
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- WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
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Life Systems
- What happens to a human brain when it is concussed? Students will manipulate a preserved brain to learn the effects of concussions. They will also try out concussion-simulation goggles and test helmet materials using an egg drop experiment.
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HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- CHEMICAL REACTIONS
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Matter and Energy
- If your students love chemistry, this is the program for them! Students will have a hands-on opportunity to follow lab procedures while refining their skills. They will be able to take measurements while exploring exothermic, endothermic reactions, acids, bases and more!
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- CLIMATE EXPERIMENTS
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Earth and Space
- What determines our climate and how it changes? Students investigate natural and human factors that influence our climate and climate change, including the greenhouse effect and heat transfer through air and water.
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- IT'S ELECTRIFYING!
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Matter and Energy
- Let’s get electric as your students explore the different aspects of electricity: properties of static and current electricity, sources of electricity, and the practical use of electricity in our daily lives. Hands-on activities will give your students a better understanding of static electricity and electrical circuits.
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- NEUROSCIENCE
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Life Systems
- Are we getting on your nerves? Students will explore the nervous system by examining a preserved brain and evaluating their own nervous systems through a series of tests, including two-point discrimination, reaction time and reflexes. Students will also be able to see an experiment where the action potential of one individual will be used to control another person’s arm!
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- NORTHERN ECOSYSTEMS
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Life Systems
- Play the role of a conservation scientist and evaluate the health of a Northern Canadian ecosystem. In different hands on activities, students will explore how climate change impacts the dynamic equilibrium of an ecosystem, and explore different sustainable methods of maintaining ecosystem health, including Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
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- OPTICS AND MIRRORS
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Matter and Energy
- Time to reflect on mirrors and how they work. Students have the opportunity to investigate properties of light and geometric optics. In this program, students explore their powers of critical thinking through a series of inquiry-based challenges.
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- REPTILES AT RISK
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Life Systems
- Meet a live turtle and learn how to help them cross a road. Meet a venomous rattlesnake and find out why they are important to the ecosystem. Ontario is home to many reptiles at risk, and this is your chance to find out how you can help endangered species in your own backyard.
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- SPACED OUT
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Earth and Space
- Through engaging hands-on activities, students will explore the Big Bang theory and its implications on the structure and evolution of the universe, along with the characteristics and properties of the celestial objects visible in the night sky.
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- VIDEO GAME DISSECTION
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Coding / STEM Skills
- Students will create a 2D video game using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade’s block-based coding, then dive into its inner workings to explore how the variables, parameters and logic shape gameplay. As they gain confidence, they’ll transition into Python and transform the original game into a personalized project.
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SHOWS AND THEATRE EXPERIENCES
- Object Theatre and Discovery Theatre shows are included at no extra cost as part of a Regular Field Trip.
- Planetarium and IMAX® shows are included at no extra cost as part of Ultimate One or Two-Day Field Trips.
- The Planetarium can be added onto a Regular Field Trip for $5.50 per student.
- The Planetarium can be added onto a Regular Field Trip for $7 per student.
- The Planetarium and IMAX® can be added onto a Regular Field Trip for $12 per student.
OBJECT THEATRE
- ALL GRADES — CLIMATE ACTION SHOW
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Earth and Space
- Join Sheepy and his niece, Felicity, in the Climate Barn, where you’ll enjoy an interactive, fast-paced science journey that prepares you with the knowledge and inspiration to join an active network of change agents. Along with Sheepy and Felicity, artificial intelligence agent Bo, and a cast of global and local agents, you will discover the science of climate change, hear from change agents, and prepare yourself to champion climate change action in your life and community.
- PRIMARY AND JUNIOR — READY, SET, MOVE!
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Life Systems
- Help Anna get her family out of a fog. Children will be part of an adventure by interacting with displays that appear on the floor and at the same time discover how moving together can keep us healthy and get us out of a "fog".
- INTERMEDIATE AND HIGH SCHOOL — BETWEEN THE STARS
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Earth and Space
- This multimedia experiential theater makes the exciting but complex subject of dark matter comprehensible and entertaining to students of all ages. Through special effects, the otherworldly, animated narrator Stringman leads the class on a wild ride through space where we learn why we know dark matter exists, then deep underground into Sudbury's SNOlab, where we hear from real scientists who are searching for dark matter.
DISCOVERY THEATRE
- ALL GRADES — SCIENCE EVERYWHERE
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General Science
- Exciting demonstrations will have your students amazed by the world around them. This program allows students to keep an eye out and be inspired by science in unexpected places.
- ALL GRADES — SCIENCE WONDERS
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General Science
- Through exciting and surprising demonstrations, this show will capture your young students interest and have them wonder what in the world isn’t science!
- JUNIOR — FLIGHT
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Structures and Mechanisms
- How does that 400,000 kg aircraft fly in the air!? Through awe-inspiring demonstrations, your students will learn all about the physics of air and flight.
- JUNIOR — MACHINES AND MOVEMENT
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Structures and Mechanisms
- Explore! Investigate! Move! Your students will gain a better understanding of forces and movement through a series of dynamic demonstrations.
- INTERMEDIATE — FLOW OF SCIENCE
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Matter and Energy
- What is a fluid? What are fluids made of? With the help of our scientists’ explosive demonstrations, students investigate the different properties of fluids.
IMAX®
Suitable for all grade levels
* Available in French
- BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS (3D) *
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Life Systems
- Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D takes viewers on a journey of a lifetime to explore the world of the magnificent blue whale, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction.
Length: 44 minutes
- HORSE POWER
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Life Systems
- Embark on an epic and heartwarming journey across the globe celebrating the extraordinary abilities of horses and their inseparable bond with humanity. Join the unlikely pair of Julaa, an inspiring eight-year-old girl and her Mongolian foal who work together to push their endurance to the limit in the race of a lifetime. Narrated by Josh Brolin.
Length: 42 minutes
- JANE GOODALL – REASONS FOR HOPE (3D) *
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Life Systems
- Drawing on decades of work by the world’s most famous living ethologist and environmentalist, Jane Goodall – Reasons for Hope, is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that will inspire people to make a difference in the world around them.
Length: 43 minutes
- SEA OTTERS: A WILD FAMILY ADVENTURE
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Life Systems
- Sea Otters: A Wild Family Adventure takes you on the captivating coming-of-age journey of a sea otter pup, Finn. Under the dedicated care of first-time otter mum Bella, Finn has only 8 months to prepare for a life of his own on these rugged coasts.
Length: 45 minutes
- SUPERHUMAN BODY: WORLD OF MEDICAL MARVELS
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Life Systems
- Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels explores the inner workings of the human body and the incredible breakthroughs in science and bioengineering that are changing the course of human health. Narrated by Matthew McConaughey.
Length: 42 minutes
- T. REX (3D)
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Life Systems
- For over a hundred years, dinosaurs have inspired and thrilled audiences, commanding blockbuster status in museums and at the box office. But among them towers a king—a tyrant lizard king. With leaps in CGI wizardry and revolutions in tyrannosaur paleontology over the past twenty-five years, the time has come to revisit Rex. Narrated by Sir Sam Neill.
Length: 45 minutes
- WILD ASIA: LIFE AT EXTREMES *
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Life Systems
- Wild Asia: Life at Extremes is a giant screen immersive experience for all ages featuring amazing biodiversity, never-seen-before animals, and heartwarming behaviours across spectacular landscapes and mesmerizing seas.
Length: 40 minutes
PLANETARIUM
All titles also available in French
- ALL GRADES — UNDER THE SAME STARS: MINWAADIZIWIN
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Earth and Space, Indigenous Ways of Knowing
- The First People were scientists and innovators, carefully tracking and moving with the seasons and creating inventions that allowed them to survive in the northern forests of our country. With this close connection to the natural world, the Indigenous People of Canada developed a strong culture, rooted in respect for the environment. This special presentation helps students learn about the Indigenous worldview and sit at the fire with two people who are connected to the traditional ways.
Length: 50 minutes
- ALL GRADES — WILFRED BUCK'S STAR STORIES
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Earth and Space, Indigenous Ways of Knowing
- Experience Indigenous astronomy in this immersive 21-minute planetarium show. Renowned Ininew (Cree) astronomer Wilfred Buck shares four traditional star stories that teach navigation, Earth's cycles, and how to live a good life. Students will discover a unique perspective on the night sky and learn that the stars are our oldest relatives.
Length: 21 minutes
- PRIMARY — SEASONS
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Earth and Space
- Travel to space to observe how the movement the Earth around the Sun creates daily and seasonal changes. Includes the film Earth, Moon & Sun, which explores the relationships between our planet and our most familiar celestial neighbours with the help of Coyote, an amusing character who has a few misconceptions!
Length: 50 minutes
- JUNIOR AND INTERMEDIATE — EXPLORE SPACE
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Earth and Space
- Students will explore the night sky seen from our own backyard, as we travel through space from Earth to the edges of our solar system in this fully immersive bluecoat-lead experience.
Length: 50 minutes
- JUNIOR AND INTERMEDIATE — MOONBASE: THE NEXT STEP
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Earth and Space
- Moonbase: The Next Step is the story of this human endeavour, pushing scientific and technological advances to the limit. Travelling the 250,000 miles and surviving the hostile and alien conditions of reduced gravity, extreme temperatures and toxic lunar dust, we explain the science and technology for this brave mission to happen. Follow our story filled with awe, danger, trepidation and share the wonder of the lunar environment made for 360° Fulldome format. Prepare for a hostile and breath-taking lunar experience!
Length: 20 minutes
- SECONDARY — SOLAR SYSTEMS AND BEYOND
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Earth and Space
- What lies in outer space beyond our own backyard? Explore space as we travel through our solar system and beyond! We will view our place in space, and discover the history of the universe from the Big Bang to the present day.
Length: 50 minutes
