August 27, 2019

Interactive Learning at Science North and Dynamic Earth in Sudbury

sudbury science north
This summer we spent a couple of days exploring Sudbury in Northeastern Ontario, the famous Big Nickel! When the giant meteorite struck 1.85 billion years ago in the Sudbury region, it had created an ore-bearing impact structure, one of the world's most famous geological features. This is why this region has one of the largest concentrations of mines in the world. We loved exploring two famous attractions, the Science North and Dynamic Earth, as well as other family fun attractions in the area.

sudbury science north
Science North is an attraction dedicated for visitors of all ages to learn all about science through hands-on activities and interactive displays. We like how Science North is designed with a ramp that goes from the first floor to the fourth floor; we can get our steps in without climbing stairs and it is easy for those in wheelchairs and strollers. 
sudbury science north
On the first floor, there is a cute Toddler's Treehouse with a small play area. At the entrance of the second floor there are lots of insects in displays, where the blue coat staff let visitors touch and learn about these amazing insects, this was similar to our experience at Entomica in Sault Ste. MarieWe liked seeing the different insects and learning about them at the Nature Exchange.
sudbury science north
The second floor is home to the F. Jean MacLean Butterfly Gallery, a small space simulating a tropical atmosphere with exotic plants, tropical finches, and butterflies. We weren't able to spot as many different species of butterflies as we expected. The information outside of the gallery taught us fascinating facts about these insects. For example, did you know that butterflies have senses of taste, sight, hearing, and smell, but not in the same way as us. 
sudbury science north
In the third floor, there is a Nocturnal room with bats and access for the animal ambassador Drifter, the beaver that has half a tail as he had lost the other half to frostbite before being brought to Science North. 
sudbury science north
There are other animals related to the Northern Ecosystem of Wetland, Forests, Lakes and Rivers with displays of snakes, turtles, frogs, flying squirrels, animal ambassadors such as Saunders the skunk, and Quillan the porcupine.
sudbury science north
It was really cool to see the bees here, as they were able to go in and out of a tube to collect pollen and come back to their hive which is displayed through a glass so we can take a closer look at them in action. They have organized various scheduled activities at the Forest Lab for visitors to meet the different animals in this floor.
sudbury science north
They have a variety of shows at the Discovery Theatre. We were able to watch a couple of different shows; one about space and the other about flying squirrels. It was our first time seeing a Flying squirrel native to Ontario in action and learn cool facts of these cute and special squirrels. Check this short video to see them in action, they are only about the size of an adult's hand. 
sudbury science north
The Science North has lots of fun exhibits that you will not realize how quickly time goes by, especially in the fourth floor that had opened earlier this year. There are different tools on this floor to spark our curiosity to explore. 
sudbury science north
We loved testing our ideas, learning how things work and challenging ourselves! This floor has different zones about Space, Speed Park, The BodyZone, and Data Base. 
sudbury science north
sudbury science north
The exhibits encourage us to experiment with physical phenomena, engineering challenges, and tinkering. There are experiments involving light and sound, magnetism, math, coding, and building using scientific method, design thinking, and creative approaches to problem-solving, and much more. 
sudbury science north
We can also experience first-hand how the astronauts feel in the human gyroscope. 
sudbury science north
We got to do a few hands on activities such as using a wood burning tool and pixel art to take home.
sudbury science north
Once we passed the tunnel area, we went into the Cavern, where we watched a superb film about forest fires in Ontario and how they are put out. There were special effects as we watched the film in 3D. 

Before coming into check the four floors in the Science North we passed by the IMAX Theatre, the gift shop, the Planetarium, and Elements Food Court. We visited the Special Exhibit Hall where the Body Worlds RX exhibit will be running until the labour day long weekend. 
sudbury science north
When we walked into this exhibit it felt overwhelming because of the visuals of how the human body looks inside, but as we walked further in, we learned a lot of facts about how to keep our bodies healthy and pathways to healthy living including eight secrets to longevity.
sudbury science north
1. Less is more - eat food low in meat and animal fat and eat until 80% full to maintain a daily intake of 1900 calories.
2. Eat a rainbow - diet rich with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants eating vegetables and fruits, fish and seaweed, soy and tofu.
3. Exercise and motion - walking several miles a day, exercising regularly, tending to livestock and vegetable gardens.
4. Life long learning and engaging with the world - social activities and volunteering.
5. Mean something to someone - relationships across generations help with wellbeing.
6. A purposeful life - important roles in the communities doing passionate things and using talents.
7. The curative power of nature - Taking a walk, praying, meditating, and doing other activities to get rid of stress.
8. Optimism - happy go lucky personality and developing coping mechanisms to help with hard things in life.
sudbury science north
On the second day of our trip, we spent about 5 hours at Dynamic Earth, it really showcases how special Sudbury is! We were marvelled by the different minerals found on earth, and the hard work that goes into mining. 
sudbury science north
We learned about how mining works, the tools, types of minerals mined at Sudbury, lots of facts especially about copper and nickel which they mine the most. 
sudbury science north
Nickel is used in coinage throughout the world because it can withstand the minting process that involves melting, casting, rolling, blanking, and striking. Since it is malleable, it can be struck to show fine details. Nickel does not rust, and coins made of pure nickel maintain their brilliance over long periods of time. It is the only metal used in coinage that is magnetic, and because of its high melting point it is difficult to counterfeit. In some coins there is a nickel alloy combination of 75% copper and 25% nickel is used to produce a consistent colour-stable coin at a modest cost; when nickel is mixed with other metals it adds strength and corrosion resistance to the coins. 
sudbury science north
We loved our experience of the underground tour to see the footsteps of Sudbury's Miners. We went down seven storeys, 21 metres or 70 feet, and walked around the demonstration mine with hard hats on to discover the evolution of mining and to learn about how it was done in the 1800s, 1900s, and the present day. 
sudbury dynamic north
sudbury dynamic north
Getting the guided tour of the mine was a really cool experience. We liked seeing how the technology and innovation has changed, where lots of equipment are used for hard and unsafe jobs that were once done by humans. We liked testing out mining equipment simulators and discovering the science of how mining works. 
sudbury dynamic north
The tour lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes. Since the temperature is about 13 degrees Celsius, it is best to wear sturdy footwear and a jacket when going on this tour. While in the elevator going down, we got to see an introduction video. 
sudbury dynamic north
If you want to post something at the underground postbox, purchase a postcard at the Sales Centre. Taking the tour and experiencing being underground in a mine is a memorable experience.
sudbury dynamic north
sudbury dynamic north
sudbury dynamic north
The Big Nickel is a famous "selfie spot". It is an accurate replica of Canada's 1951 five cent coin designed by artist Stephen Trenka and produced by the Royal Canadian Mint to recognize the 200th anniversary of the identification of nickel as an element. Swedish scientist Axel Cronstedt identified nickel in 1751. 
sudbury dynamic north
Canada has been supplying the world's most nickel, and it was an important resource for the Allies in World War II as it was an essential part of the armour plating of every military vehicle from tanks to ships to planes. The reverse side is the portrait of King George VI, the monarch at that time. This replica was built in 1964 by local Sudburian Ted Szilva.
sudbury dynamic north
sudbury dynamic north
Many of the rocks in the Sudbury area used to be light grey, however most of the rocks now have a distinctive black surface as the rocks were stained black by early smelter emissions that contained sulphur dioxide and metal particulate. When moisture in the air mixes with sulphur dioxide it forms acid rain that has corroded the rock, also creating a thin gel like layer that has trapped metal particulate forming the black coating. During early emissions the light grey rocks were protected by soil. 
sudbury dynamic north
The Outdoor Science Park features large-scale exhibits and science themed interactive structures such as large "slag" slide, Scooptram underground loader, climbing structure, Sand Pit Zone, and more where visitors of all ages can have fun. We liked the surrounding view from the top as well.
sudbury dynamic north
The exhibits are interactive with hands-on activities and educational films that are fun and knowledgable.
sudbury dynamic north
sudbury dynamic north
sudbury dynamic north
Science North and Dynamic Earth are two attractions you would want to keep an ample amount of time to visit while in Sudbury!
sudbury dynamic north
Disclosure: This post is created in partnership with Sudbury Tourism. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2019. Please Ask First 

58 comments:

  1. Very interesting place to visit!

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  2. Wow! Sudbury looks like a great place to visit. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

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  3. I love Science North, I haven't been in ages but I learned so much and it was the first place I had seen a live porcupine

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  4. Going on a guided tour of the mine would be fun and very interesting

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  5. It's been many years since I've been there. It looks like there is more to see now. Maybe I should try to go back.

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  6. I would love to visit here and see all the fasinating exhibits I love the way it is set up

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  7. It's been years since I've been to Science North, but I do remember it was a great place and I definitely want to take my kids there

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  8. I like that you can learn all about science through hands-on activities and interactive displays

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  9. Such a great place to visit can't wait to go again hopefully sooner rather then later

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  10. I would love to see the displays of all the different insects

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  11. I would love to take my niece here one day

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  12. This is a great area of Ontario to visit

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  13. I would love to tour the underground mine

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  14. Thank you for sharing and reminding me what a wonderful area this is to visit

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  15. This looks like a fun place to visit. I would especially enjoy seeing the butterflies.

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  16. My son would love the wetlands display. He loves animals.

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  17. Added this to places I would like to visit next year with the kids

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  18. Such a cool place to visit with family!

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  19. It would be nice to take advantage of a tour with your first visit and then go back to explore favourite areas on your own.

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  20. What a great place to visit so many interesting things to see and do in the Sudbury area

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  21. The outdoor exhibit sounds like a fun learning experience

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  22. The mining section would be interesting and really explain the mining industry and it's importance.

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  23. hands on activities are great for my kids, keeps them entertained while learning

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  24. The insect display part where staff let you touch the insects would be fun for kids. I can see my grandchildren enjoying the experience.

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  25. The Nocturnal room would be fun for kids to see what goes on in their world when they are asleep.

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  26. The Bee display would be so interesting to see up close.

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  27. It is nice to see that the museum is accessible so you can take all your family without worrying about getting them inside and around.

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  28. Dynamic Earth looks like a very interesting place to visit

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  29. I would be so cool to watch the bees go in and out of the tube to collect pollen and come back to their hive

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  30. The Body Worlds RX exhibit would be informative and educational.

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  31. The shows at the Discovery Theatre would be quite interesting and very informative.

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  32. I would love to take my kids to Science North, I went when I was younger and had a great time

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  33. I would love to see the butterflies I didnt know that butterflies have senses of taste, sight, hearing, and smell; so fascinating

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  34. I am not really familiar with Flying Squirrels so I would have found that presentation very interesting.

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  35. F. Jean MacLean Butterfly Gallery sounds like a great area, the kids would love it

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  36. The Toddler's Treehouse with the play area would be great as a break area between viewing exhibits. The younger ones especially might need to run off some of their energy.

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  37. My kids would also love the insect exhibit at Science North, especially my younger ones

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  38. It is interesting to hear that butterflies have senses of taste, sight, hearing, and smell, but not in the same way as us. I love learning about things like this when I attend attractions like Science North.

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  39. My son would love the Toddler's Treehouse.

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  40. The different zones about Space, Speed Park, The BodyZone, and Data Base would be fun to experience.

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  41. It would be interesting to experience first-hand how the astronauts feel in the human gyroscope.

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  42. It is sad that Drifter, the beaver only has half a tail due to frostbite before being brought to Science North. It is nice he will live the rest of his life in an exhibit where he will be taken care of.

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  43. This would be a great experience for my son.

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  44. The exhibits that let you use creative approaches to problem-solving would be fun.

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  45. Dynamic Earth looks really interesting, I would love to visit with my family

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  46. The exhibits look amazing and would really engage my kids and me as well. I love that they are learning while having lots of fun

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  47. Such a great place to visit with family

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  48. It would be interesting to experience first-hand how the astronauts feel in the human gyroscope.

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  49. Sudbury area has so many things to do

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  50. Kids would enjoy taking home the pixel art they created while visiting this facility.

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  51. I have never been to Sudbury but sure recognize the famous Big Nickel as one of Canada's landmarks to visit.

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  52. Science North was the first place I have been where I've seen a porcupine

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  53. I found it interesting that butterflies have senses of taste, sight, hearing, and smell, but not in the same way as us.

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  54. The Planetarium would really be fun to visit.

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  55. I enjoyed watching the Flying squirrel video

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  56. This sounds like such a fun place! There is so much to see

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  57. Debbie White-BeattieDecember 13, 2019 at 1:30 AM

    I never knew any information about the meteor or anything else but it's really cool

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Thank you for commenting :)