Science North and Dynamic Earth

Science North is Northern Ontario’s premiere destination attraction and a major educational resource for the region. Since opening in 1984, it has been enjoyed by millions of visitors. It is a well-known and respected member of the international science centre community, with a reputation for its innovative approach to science education, its award-winning theatres and large-format film productions, and its entrepreneurial spirit. The science centre’s ‘Bluecoats’ get visitors involved in science and set high standards for visitor service and satisfaction.

The centre thrives in a relatively small city, with two sites and four main attractions. Between them, the attractions generate between 400,000 and 500,000 admissions each year. In 2005, Science North, in partnership with Laurentian University, began North America’s first post-graduate program in science communication.

The Science North family of attractions includes:

• Science Centre: Housed in the original ‘snowflake’ complex, the science centre boasts exciting exhibits, theatres, and science labs. The centre is configured around science labs, each led by a Staff Scientist whose job it is to involve visitors in scientific activity inside their labs. The labs explore astronomy, biology, physics, robotics, computer science, human physiology and more.

• Dynamic Earth: Located 5 km away from the main site, this facility is one of Canada’s newest science centres. It invites you inside the planet to explore the mighty forces of nature. Dynamic Earth features an underground tour that recreates over a century of mining in Sudbury. Theatres, exhibits, and outdoor interpretive trails engage visitors in the science of geology and the technology of mining. Dynamic Earth is also home to the Big Nickel, a well-known Canadian landmark and the world’s biggest coin.

• Imax Theatre: Science North's 200-seat IMAX Theatre features a 26 metre by 20 metre (72 ft by 53 ft) screen, pictures of extraordinary clarity, 7,600 watts of powerful surround sound, and unobstructed stadium-style seating.

• Virtual Voyages Adventure Ride: Virtual Voyages combines motion simulator technology with high-resolution animation on a 7-metre-by-3-metre (24-foot-by-11-foot) screen. Three six-seat motion platforms move you in synchronization with fast-action adventures.

To see the Science North conference program click here.