Update - May 14, 2008
My previous communications have focused on the 5SCWC as a unique gathering held triennially to promote international collaboration and inspire and motivate industry leaders. Today, I want to say something about your host, the Ontario Science Centre (OSC).
Since its establishment in 1969 as one of the world’s first interactive science museums, the Ontario Science Centre has been inspiring a passion for science and discovery. In 2000, we determined that our well established brand of “interactive engagements” was no longer sufficiently leading edge or unique. Against this backdrop, we developed the Agents of Change initiative which has dramatically transformed our model of visitor engagement, changed our processes for creating experiences and allowed us to reach out to broader audience segments. The project was our greatest leap forward since 1969, revitalizing more than 40% of our public spaces and pioneering a new approach to visitor engagement. Read more in the link below.
http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/aoc/assets/
Your.New.Ontario.Science.Centre.pdf
The centerpiece of our transformation is the Weston Family Innovation Centre. It fosters the attitudes, skills and behaviours that underlie a culture of innovation and was designed to appeal specifically to youth and young adults (14 to 24). The Science Centre’s in-house project team envisioned thousands of ideas for experiences, developed prototypes and pilot tested them with over ten thousand visitors. Over 50 unique experiences were ultimately built in our on-site production shops. By involving visitors directly in the process of science and innovation – tackling real world issues, interacting with scientists, engaging in trial and error experimentation and much more – the OSC is sparking curiosity, nurturing innovation skills, and growing the next generation of science confident citizens.
During the “behind the scenes” tour on June 17, Congress delegates will experience all aspects of our transformation: KidSpark with a focus on science and early innovation skills for children 8 and under, the outdoor exploration plaza TELUSCAPE, which is a critical 24/7 resource to the local underserved community as well as our visitors, and three new commissioned art installations which illustrate the strong connections between art and science: FunTain by Steve Mann, Lotic Meander by Stacy Levy and Cloud by David Rokeby.
The Ontario Science Centre is a leading creator of interactive exhibitions – for itself, for clients around the world and to travel. Delegates will experience Facing Mars: Would You Survive the Journey?, which opens to the public on June 9, 2008. The exhibition, developed and created by the Centre’s own scientists and craftspeople, focuses on the challenges to be overcome if we are to send humans to Mars.
Since opening its doors to the public in 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed millions of visitors. We use science as the lens to inspire and actively engage people in new ways of seeing, understanding and thinking about themselves and the world.
Please register online at www.5SCWC.org and experience our exciting transformation first hand as just one part of your World Congress experience.
Lesley Lewis
Chair, 5SCWC, CEO, Ontario Science Centre
Read Lesley Lewis' other Congress updates: