TELUS World of Science, Edmonton
Encyclopedia
The Telus World of Science - Edmonton is a broad-based science centre in Edmonton
, Alberta
, Canada
, operated by the Edmonton Space & Science Foundation. The centre is located on the southwest corner of Coronation Park in the neighbourhood of Woodcroft
.
The centre first opened in 1984, as a replacement for the Queen Elizabeth Planetarium located to the east that had operated as Edmonton's Planetarium since 1960 but had become limited by its 65 seating capacity. The City of Edmonton selected the Edmonton Space Sciences Centre as the City's flagship project commemorating the Province of Alberta's 75th Anniversary. The original building was designed by architect Douglas J. Cardinal. When first opened, it was called the Edmonton Space Science Centre and then later it was changed to the Edmonton Space and Science Centre. In 2001, after a 14-million dollar expansion to the original building, the name was changed again to the Odyssium. On May 2, 2005, the center was renamed to the Telus World of Science - Edmonton after a $8.2 million, 20-year partnership with Telus
. The centre attracts over half a million visitors a year and has Canada's largest planetarium dome theatre (the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre).
There are currently plans in the works for another expansion that would see the center triple in size. The expansion would include a new DVT (Digital Visualization Theatre), new galleries, a restaurant and, through a partnership with the University of Alberta, a research facility that would allow ideas to be tested and modified.
Discoveryland
An interactive gallery that is designed to interest children between the ages to two and eight years. It consists of four main areas: WaterWorks, the Construction Zone, Discovery Den and Potters Corner. Some of the highlights include a giant piano, which you play by walking on the keys, a multi-level water table and a multitude of blocks.
Environment Gallery
The Greens' house highlights ecology, conservation, alternative energy and weather. Highlights include a greenhouse which demonstrates how hydroponics work, a 3D model of the Earth that shows real time weather patterns and a green screen where geusts can make their own weather report. Sometimes, live critters such as a tiger salamander, hissing cockroaches or fire belly toads are on display by a staff member as well.
Forensics Gallery
Mystery Avenue demonstrates how crimes are solved by the scientific examination of clues. The gallery consists of a self guided mystery in which guests must collect clues, view and analyze evidence and then report their findings to make a conviction. There is also a display on the history of the Edmonton Police Service
.
Health Gallery
The Body Fantastic room is an interactive carnival-style exhibition about the anatomy
and physiology
of the human body. Highlights include a multi-axis trainer and the Gallery of the Gross, which houses specimens of earwax
, urine
and other substances that the human body produces.
Robotics Laboratory
The Lego Mindstorms Centre is a 45 minute guided program in which guests program pre-built robots to perform various tasks and missions. It is only open to the general public during weekends and holidays. During the week it is used by school groups.
Space Gallery
The Space Place introduces visitors to astronomy
and astronautics
. Highlights include an actual moon rock, on long-term loan from NASA
, that was collected during the Apollo program, a radio control
led replica of the Mars Pathfinder
rover and a computer program that turns your face into an alien.
Explorer Gallery
This hosts temporary travelling exhibits. Currently, the gallery features the LEGO: Wheels Wings and Waves will exhibition. Examples of past exhibits include Da Vinci - The Genius, Art of the Brick, Sultans of Science and Body Worlds 1.
A 275-seat theatre showing current educational movies shot in high resolution IMAX
film reel. Telus World of Science features the original IMAX Theatre - the first one in western Canada. Images enhanced by a custom designed six-channel, multi-speaker sound system are projected onto a 13m x 19m screen. Admission to the IMAX theatre is not included with general admission.
Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre
The 250-seat large dome theatre that used to be used for laser show, and star shows. It was the largest one in Canada when the centre opened in 1984. In 2008 the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre changed its projection system and educational content to a full dome immersive video experience. The Telus World of Science Edmonton was the first planetarium and science centre in Canada to showcase this new technology for domed theatres. Admission to shows in the Star Theatre is included in general admission.
Science Stage
The Syncrude Science Stage features a staff member demonstrating science, typically involving flammable
gases, dry ice
, or electricity
. A child from the audience will often be called upon to assist the demonstrator with an activity. The demonstrations are included with general admission.
Amateur Radio Station
The amateur radio station
opened during the summer of 1995 and is located between the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre exit and the Chemistry Lab. Licensed amateur radio operator
s work within this area to share information about this hobby and the science behind amateur radio
.
DOW Computer Lab
This computer lab opened in August 1995 and relocated to its new location in April 2001 beside the Telus Robotics Lab. The DOW Computer Lab has various electronic teaching tools available - the computerized white board and the latest in software - and a high speed internet connection to each workstation. However, the computer lab can still be rented for special events and is used during the summer months for computer camps.
Observatory
There is an observatory outdoors, separate from the main building. It is free of charge, but is only open if the weather permits, and closes if the temperature is below -15°C. It is equipped with seven telescopes, including a Meade 16" LX200
, a 7-inch Starfire refractor, and three solar telescopes all provided by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
(Edmonton Centre).
Cafe and Gift Shop
The cafe sells a selection of fast food and sandwiches and has a concession for the IMAX theatre that sells popcorn and other snacks. The cafe provides catering services for functions. The gift shop is near the main entrance in the lobby of the building. It contains various science related toys as well as telescopes and as astronomy-related products.
Science in Motion
Science in Motion is a feature at Telus World of Science-Edmonton that brings science programs and presentations to schools that are more than 100 km from the centre. Through experiments, demonstrations and hands-on activities Science in Motion makes science fun, dynamic and easy to understand. Science in Motion is a resource that meets the learning objectives set out in the Alberta science curriculum.
TransAlta Science Lab
The TransAlta Science Lab is a fully equipped, hands-on, laboratory giving students
an approach to science experiments that is both engaging and meaningful.
, CHIN
, and Virtual Museum of Canada
.
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
, Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, operated by the Edmonton Space & Science Foundation. The centre is located on the southwest corner of Coronation Park in the neighbourhood of Woodcroft
Woodcroft, Edmonton
Woodcroft is a neighbourhood located in north west Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Coronation Park and the Telus World of Science are located in the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is surrounded by a mixture of residential neighborhoods and light industrial subdivisions...
.
The centre first opened in 1984, as a replacement for the Queen Elizabeth Planetarium located to the east that had operated as Edmonton's Planetarium since 1960 but had become limited by its 65 seating capacity. The City of Edmonton selected the Edmonton Space Sciences Centre as the City's flagship project commemorating the Province of Alberta's 75th Anniversary. The original building was designed by architect Douglas J. Cardinal. When first opened, it was called the Edmonton Space Science Centre and then later it was changed to the Edmonton Space and Science Centre. In 2001, after a 14-million dollar expansion to the original building, the name was changed again to the Odyssium. On May 2, 2005, the center was renamed to the Telus World of Science - Edmonton after a $8.2 million, 20-year partnership with Telus
TELUS
Telus is a national telecommunications company in Canada that provides a wide range of telecommunications products and services including internet access, voice, entertainment, video, and satellite television. The company is based in Burnaby, British Columbia, part of Greater Vancouver...
. The centre attracts over half a million visitors a year and has Canada's largest planetarium dome theatre (the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre).
There are currently plans in the works for another expansion that would see the center triple in size. The expansion would include a new DVT (Digital Visualization Theatre), new galleries, a restaurant and, through a partnership with the University of Alberta, a research facility that would allow ideas to be tested and modified.
Exhibits Galleries
An interactive gallery that is designed to interest children between the ages to two and eight years. It consists of four main areas: WaterWorks, the Construction Zone, Discovery Den and Potters Corner. Some of the highlights include a giant piano, which you play by walking on the keys, a multi-level water table and a multitude of blocks.
Environment Gallery
The Greens' house highlights ecology, conservation, alternative energy and weather. Highlights include a greenhouse which demonstrates how hydroponics work, a 3D model of the Earth that shows real time weather patterns and a green screen where geusts can make their own weather report. Sometimes, live critters such as a tiger salamander, hissing cockroaches or fire belly toads are on display by a staff member as well.
Forensics Gallery
Mystery Avenue demonstrates how crimes are solved by the scientific examination of clues. The gallery consists of a self guided mystery in which guests must collect clues, view and analyze evidence and then report their findings to make a conviction. There is also a display on the history of the Edmonton Police Service
Edmonton Police Service
Edmonton Police Service is the municipal police force for the City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.-Organization:The current head of the EPS is Roderick Knecht....
.
Health Gallery
The Body Fantastic room is an interactive carnival-style exhibition about the anatomy
Anatomy
Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...
and physiology
Physiology
Physiology is the science of the function of living systems. This includes how organisms, organ systems, organs, cells, and bio-molecules carry out the chemical or physical functions that exist in a living system. The highest honor awarded in physiology is the Nobel Prize in Physiology or...
of the human body. Highlights include a multi-axis trainer and the Gallery of the Gross, which houses specimens of earwax
Earwax
Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals. It protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water...
, urine
Urine
Urine is a typically sterile liquid by-product of the body that is secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra. Cellular metabolism generates numerous by-products, many rich in nitrogen, that require elimination from the bloodstream...
and other substances that the human body produces.
Robotics Laboratory
The Lego Mindstorms Centre is a 45 minute guided program in which guests program pre-built robots to perform various tasks and missions. It is only open to the general public during weekends and holidays. During the week it is used by school groups.
Space Gallery
The Space Place introduces visitors to astronomy
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
and astronautics
Astronautics
Astronautics, and related astronautical engineering, is the theory and practice of navigation beyond the Earth's atmosphere. In other words, it is the science and technology of space flight....
. Highlights include an actual moon rock, on long-term loan from NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
, that was collected during the Apollo program, a radio control
Radio control
Radio control is the use of radio signals to remotely control a device. The term is used frequently to refer to the control of model vehicles from a hand-held radio transmitter...
led replica of the Mars Pathfinder
Mars Pathfinder
Mars Pathfinder was an American spacecraft that landed a base station with roving probe on Mars in 1997. It consisted of a lander, renamed the Carl Sagan Memorial Station, and a lightweight wheeled robotic rover named Sojourner.Launched on December 4, 1996 by NASA aboard a Delta II booster a...
rover and a computer program that turns your face into an alien.
Explorer Gallery
This hosts temporary travelling exhibits. Currently, the gallery features the LEGO: Wheels Wings and Waves will exhibition. Examples of past exhibits include Da Vinci - The Genius, Art of the Brick, Sultans of Science and Body Worlds 1.
Facilities
IMAX TheatreA 275-seat theatre showing current educational movies shot in high resolution IMAX
IMAX
IMAX is a motion picture film format and a set of proprietary cinema projection standards created by the Canadian company IMAX Corporation. IMAX has the capacity to record and display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film systems...
film reel. Telus World of Science features the original IMAX Theatre - the first one in western Canada. Images enhanced by a custom designed six-channel, multi-speaker sound system are projected onto a 13m x 19m screen. Admission to the IMAX theatre is not included with general admission.
Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre
The 250-seat large dome theatre that used to be used for laser show, and star shows. It was the largest one in Canada when the centre opened in 1984. In 2008 the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre changed its projection system and educational content to a full dome immersive video experience. The Telus World of Science Edmonton was the first planetarium and science centre in Canada to showcase this new technology for domed theatres. Admission to shows in the Star Theatre is included in general admission.
Science Stage
The Syncrude Science Stage features a staff member demonstrating science, typically involving flammable
Flammability
Flammability is defined as how easily something will burn or ignite, causing fire or combustion. The degree of difficulty required to cause the combustion of a substance is quantified through fire testing. Internationally, a variety of test protocols exist to quantify flammability...
gases, dry ice
Dry ice
Dry ice, sometimes referred to as "Cardice" or as "card ice" , is the solid form of carbon dioxide. It is used primarily as a cooling agent. Its advantages include lower temperature than that of water ice and not leaving any residue...
, or electricity
Electricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
. A child from the audience will often be called upon to assist the demonstrator with an activity. The demonstrations are included with general admission.
Amateur Radio Station
The amateur radio station
Amateur radio station
An amateur radio station is an installation designed to provide radiocommunications in the amateur radio service for an amateur radio operator. Radio amateurs build and operate several types of amateur radio stations, including fixed ground stations, mobile stations, space stations, and temporary...
opened during the summer of 1995 and is located between the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre exit and the Chemistry Lab. Licensed amateur radio operator
Amateur radio operator
An amateur radio operator is an individual who typically uses equipment at an amateur radio station to engage in two-way personal communications with other similar individuals on radio frequencies assigned to the amateur radio service. Amateur radio operators have been granted an amateur radio...
s work within this area to share information about this hobby and the science behind amateur radio
Amateur radio
Amateur radio is the use of designated radio frequency spectrum for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication...
.
DOW Computer Lab
This computer lab opened in August 1995 and relocated to its new location in April 2001 beside the Telus Robotics Lab. The DOW Computer Lab has various electronic teaching tools available - the computerized white board and the latest in software - and a high speed internet connection to each workstation. However, the computer lab can still be rented for special events and is used during the summer months for computer camps.
Observatory
There is an observatory outdoors, separate from the main building. It is free of charge, but is only open if the weather permits, and closes if the temperature is below -15°C. It is equipped with seven telescopes, including a Meade 16" LX200
Meade LX200
The Meade LX200 is a family of commercial telescopes produced by Meade Instruments launched in 1992 with 8″ and 10″ schmidt-cassegrain models on computerized mounts.Rod Mollise - The Past, Present and Future of the Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope , . 12" and 16" models quickly followed...
, a 7-inch Starfire refractor, and three solar telescopes all provided by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is a national, non-profit, charitable organization devoted to the advancement of astronomy and related sciences. At present, there are 29 local branches of the Society, called centres, located in towns and cities across the country from St. John's,...
(Edmonton Centre).
Cafe and Gift Shop
The cafe sells a selection of fast food and sandwiches and has a concession for the IMAX theatre that sells popcorn and other snacks. The cafe provides catering services for functions. The gift shop is near the main entrance in the lobby of the building. It contains various science related toys as well as telescopes and as astronomy-related products.
Programs
Science in Motion is a feature at Telus World of Science-Edmonton that brings science programs and presentations to schools that are more than 100 km from the centre. Through experiments, demonstrations and hands-on activities Science in Motion makes science fun, dynamic and easy to understand. Science in Motion is a resource that meets the learning objectives set out in the Alberta science curriculum.
TransAlta Science Lab
The TransAlta Science Lab is a fully equipped, hands-on, laboratory giving students
an approach to science experiments that is both engaging and meaningful.
Affiliations
The Museum is affiliated with: CMACanadian Museums Association
The Canadian Museums Association is a national organization for the promotion of museums in Canada.The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for the advancement of the Canadian museum sector, representing Canadian museum professionals both within Canada and internationally. The...
, CHIN
Canadian Heritage Information Network
The Canadian Heritage Information Network is a Canadian government-supported organization that provides a networked interface to Canada's heritage, largely through the World Wide Web. It aims to give access to Canada's heritage for both Canadians and a worldwide audience, by supporting the...
, and Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada
The Virtual Museum of Canada is Canada's national virtual museum. With a directory of over 3,000 Canadian heritage institutions and a database of over 600 virtual exhibits, the VMC brings together Canada's museums regardless of size or geographical location.The VMC includes virtual exhibits,...
.
See also
- Telus World of ScienceTELUS World of ScienceTelus World of Science is a "brand" for a number of science centre, planetarium, and space centre facilities in Canada sponsored by Telus, a Canadian telecommunications company...
- Telus World of Science, CalgaryTELUS World of Science, CalgaryThe Telus World of Science – Calgary is a science museum with interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and educational demonstrations in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. There are three traveling exhibits every year and more permanent exhibits that are designed on-site. The Discovery Dome Theatre...
- Telus World of Science, Vancouver