#STEM Attractions & Events Learning Program
Developing Innovations will be taking small groups of young students out to exciting S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related attractions, events and business, in order to promote and create interest in the wonderful world of S.T.E.M.
Scheduled to be at:
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Science Centre
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Winter Habitat Walk
Saturday November 14th 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy. 48, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
Description of Event: Learn how animals, insects and birds prepare for winter. Build a feeder box or birdhouse to take home.
Some of the attractions & events they will be visiting:
Brooks Farms:
Brooks Farms started in the mid 1800’s when Edward Brooks, a bright-eyed London bobbie decided to bring his family from England to Canada. After spending a few years closer to the town of Uxbridge. Edward moved the family a little further west towards Mount Albert, and set up home base at our current location.
Brooks Farms runs regular school tours during the weekdays, throughout the spring (May & June) & fall (September & October) seasons. They also offer Sugar Bush tours from Mid-April-March, along with programs for specials needs and seniors. All their teachings comply with Ontario’s educational curriculum for Science & Technology as well as health and physical activity. Brooks Farms delves into the exploration of the growing cycle which provides an opportunity for children to learn about growing fruits, grains, and vegetables on the farm. The farmer will explain the importance of each season (Spring/Planting, Summer/Growing, Fall/Harvest, Winter/Rest).
Children will learn about grain seeds and their everyday uses. Farm animals and their habits will be explored with a walking tour of the animal pens. Lastly a wagon/train ride gives visitors a look at the whole farm operation, which includes an apple orchard, various fruit, vegetable and grain fields, the sugar bush and the opportunity to pick their own fruit or vegetables. Older children will explore a comparison of rural and urban life based on the unique perspective of farmers and farm life in the 21st century. As well, they discuss the vast technology changes in farming over the years and investigate environmental issues such as climate change and its immense impact on growing food and healthy living.
David Dunlap Observatory (DDO):
The David Dunlap Observatory is a large astronomical observatory that is managed by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre. Its primary instrument is a 74-inch (1.88 m) reflector telescope, at one time the second largest telescope in the world, and still the largest in Canada. Several other telescopes are also located at the site, which formerly included a small radio telescope as well.
FFL Regional Robotic Championships:
The FIRST LEGO League (also known by the acronym FLL) is an international competition organized by FIRST for elementary and middle school students (ages 9–14 in the USA and Canada, 9–16 elsewhere). In September each year, a new challenge is announced that focuses on a different real-world topic related to the sciences. Each challenge within the competition then revolves around that theme. The robotics part of the competition revolves around designing and programming Lego Mindstorms robots to complete tasks. The students work out solutions to the various problems they are given and then meet for regional tournaments to share their knowledge, compare ideas, and display their robots.
FIRST Lego League is a partnership between FIRST and the Lego Group. It also has a scaled-down robotics program for children ages 6–9 called Junior FIRST Lego League.
Teams in different parts of the world have different times allotted to complete the construction of the robot, due to the varying date of qualifying tournaments. They go on to compete in FLL tournaments, similar to the FIRST Robotics Competition regionals. In the 2006–07 season, nearly 90,000 students on 8,846 teams from around the world competed. Each team has to compete in a local/regional qualifying tournament before advancing to the state/provincial tournaments.
Kortright Centre:
The Kortright Centre for Conservation is Ontario’s premier environmental and renewable energy education and demonstration centre. Situated 10 minutes north of Toronto, on 325 hectares of pristine woodlands, Kortright Centre combines a natural oasis with some of the most leading edge sustainable education programs and events in Canada. The centre hosts 135,000 visitors annually and offers over 50 environmental education programs for schools and 30 sustainable technology workshops for the public, trades and professionals.
Since 1982, the Kortright Centre has been a centre of excellence in the field of sustainable technology. The sustainable technology education programs are anchored around The Power Trip Trail, a 1.6 kilometre trail which links a variety of demonstrations on renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste water treatment and sustainable building design.
The Kortright Centre works with individuals and communities to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices by providing educational programs, demonstrations and partnerships:
- to instill an awareness and appreciation of the natural world;
- to develop an understanding of the relationships between healthy ecological systems and our lifestyles;
- to demonstrate practical, relevant and leading edge sustainable technologies and practices;
- to motivate and support individuals, organizations, government and business to adopt sustainable options and actions; and
- to develop leaders, champions, projects and programs in the community that accelerates the transformation of the Toronto region into the most sustainable community in the world.
Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre’s mission is to delight, inform and challenge visitors through engaging and thought-provoking experiences in science and technology. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 48 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for Science Centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet.
Ripley’s Aquarium:
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a 135,000 square-feet incredible family attraction with more than 1.5 million gallons of water with marine and freshwater habitats from around the world.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is an unforgettable learning destination for children, youth and adults. Their mission is to provide a top quality, world class aquatic life facility that will foster environmental education, conservation, and research, while simultaneously providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.
They provides students and guests of all ages with a wide selection of quality environmental education programs that will enhance their visit experience. Their suite of school programs offers a range of interactive and exciting options that are designed to meet Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum standards and provide participants with a deeper understanding of the aquatic world and the importance of environmental protection and conservation.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM):
The ROM is a museum of world culture and natural history based in Toronto, Canada. It is one of the largest museums in North America, with more than six million items and forty galleries, the museum’s diverse collections of world culture and natural history are part of the reason for its international reputation. The museum contains notable collections of dinosaurs, minerals and meteorites. It also houses the world’s largest collection of fossils from the Burgess Shale with more than 150,000 specimens.
Toronto Zoo:
The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, encompassing 287 hectares (710 acres), located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain. Some animals are displayed indoors in tropical pavilions and outdoors in what would be their naturalistic environments, with viewing at many levels. It also has areas such as the Kids Zoo, Waterside Theatre, and Splash Island. The zoo has one of the most taxonomically diverse collection of animals on display of any zoo, is currently home to over 5,000 animals (including invertebrates and fish) representing over 450 species.
York Regional Forest Walks & Events:
York Region Forestry runs a number of great outdoor events throughout the year, where experts in the field pass on their immense knowledge of the forest and its inhabitants. Events include: A Winter Night Owl Prowl; Showshoe Stroll; Animal Tracking; Spring Forest Festival; Migratory Bird Day; Forest Photography Walk; Forest Herbs and Flowers Walk; Forest Bug and Butterfly Hunt; Fall Forest Festival; Forest Fungi Walk; A Look Inside A Forester’s Toolbox
Recently Developing Innovations Team has taken a small group of young students to:
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Forest Fungi Walk
Saturday October 3rd 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Brown Hill Tract, 4389 Ravenshoe Road, Town of East GwillimburyDescription of Event: Explore the forest in prime mushroom time. Learn how mushrooms are one of our best recyclers.
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Fossil Realm: “Open House”
Jim & Peter Lovisek
Sunday Sept 20th Fossil Realm
Description of the Event: With over 30 years of experience collecting and dealing fossils, minerals and other unique science items. They are very open about sharing their passion for natural history by educating and providing inspirational pieces to the public. They unveiled their newest museum quality specimens.
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Maker Faire “Toronto Mini Maker Faire”
Sunday August 3rd 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – The Toronto Reference Library, right at Yonge and Bloor.
Description of Event: Toronto Mini Maker Faire
Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers. They are of all ages and backgrounds. The aim of Maker Faire is to entertain, inform, connect and grow this community. Toronto Mini Maker Faire is local celebration of makers and the things they make. It’s a two day festival held each year where makers gather to show off their creations to the public – with an emphasis on hands-on experiences for all. Show & Tell happens at each exhibitor table, plus there are talks, workshops, lots of opportunities to get involved!
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Fossil Realm: “Open House”
Jim & Peter Lovisek
Sunday June 7th Fossil Realm
Description of the Event: With over 30 years of experience collecting and dealing fossils, minerals and other unique science items. They are very open about sharing their passion for natural history by educating and providing inspirational pieces to the public. They unveiled their newest museum quality specimens.
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Spring Forest Festival & Tree Planting
Saturday May 30th 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – North Tract, 17054 Hwy. 48, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
Description of Event: Celebrate spring by planting trees! Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, hold slithering snakes, see birds of prey, take home a tree seedling to plant and much more. Learn about the Region’s Greening Strategy and our forest partners. Don’t forget your work gloves and shovel!
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York Regional Forest Walks & Events: “Earth Week Walk”
Saturday April 25th 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Description of the Event: Celebrate Earth Week and discover the many health benefits from walking in the forest. Learn tips to decrease your impact on the wild places you love.
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Fossil Realm: “Open House”
Jim & Peter Lovisek
Sunday February 22nd Fossil Realm
Recap of the Event: With over 30 years of experience collecting and dealing fossils, minerals and other unique science items. They are very open about sharing their passion for natural history by educating and providing inspirational pieces to the public. They unveiled their newest museum quality specimens.
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York Regional Forest Walks & Event: “Winter Night Owl Prowl”
Saturday January 17th 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Explore the forest after dark and use both your eyes and ears to identify owls. Learn about owl behaviour, habitat, migration patterns and folklore!
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Fossil Realm: “Open House”
Jim & Peter Lovisek
Sunday December 14th Fossil Realm
Recap of the Event: With over 30 years of experience collecting and dealing fossils, minerals and other unique science items. They are very open about sharing their passion for natural history by educating and providing inspirational pieces to the public. They unveiled their newest museum quality specimens.
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First Lego League Robotics “York Region FLL Qualifying Tournament”
Saturday December 13th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Description of Event: FIRST Lego League (FLL)
Introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.
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Maker Faire “Toronto Mini Maker Faire”
Sunday November 23rd 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Description of Event: Toronto Mini Maker Faire
Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers. They are of all ages and backgrounds. The aim of Maker Faire is to entertain, inform, connect and grow this community. Toronto Mini Maker Faire is local celebration of makers and the things they make. It’s a two day festival held each year where makers gather to show off their creations to the public – with an emphasis on hands-on experiences for all. Show & Tell happens at each exhibitor table, plus there are talks, workshops, lots of opportunities to get involved! Mini Maker Faire Toronto has been held twice, once in 2011 at the Evergreen Brickworks, and once in 2013 at Wychwood Barns. We’re super excited to returning again in 2014 at the largest venue yet: the Toronto Reference Library, right at Yonge and Bloor.
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Ontario Science Centre “Robots Rule”
Saturday & Sunday November 15th,16th
Description of Event: Robots take over the Science Centre!
Come see and try robots of all shapes, sizes and capabilities at Canada’s largest public gathering of robots for all ages!
Explore the latest innovations in robotics science and technology, try hands-on some cool new robotic devices and chat with leading robot experts including:- Mars Curiosity X-Ray Spectrometer developers/researchers from University of Guelph
- The “Get your Bot on” hackathon groups building robots
- The new Jade Robot for STEM education featuring a working spectrometer
- FIRST Robotics Canada showcasing their FIRST Lego League (FLL) challenge for elementary schools and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) challenge for high schools
- Robotics developers from universities – University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson University, McMaster University – with their latest efforts
- RoboGals Club from York University showcasing their youth robotics programs
- hitchBOT, the first robot to hitch-hike across Canada (and its developers)
- HONDA Canada demonstrating their latest robotics innovations
- Icewire Maker group with their youth scratch programming of Jade Robots and 3D printer demos
- The Kropserkel group with the “Iconic Metropolis – Maria” robot and other sci-fi robots
- Toronto Police Services demonstrating one of their ETF robots
- Canadian Forces military robot demonstrations and information
- Logics Academy with their robotics programs for STEM education
- Several try-it robotics areas for youth and adults
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York Regional Forest Walks & Event: “A Look Inside A Forester’s Toolbox”
Saturday November 8th 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. They will meet a York Region forester and try out the tools used to manage the forest. They will also get a crash course in GPS and learn how to measure tree height, diameter, age and more.
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Impact Centre: “Techno Showcase”
Wednesday November 5th 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Created in 2010, Techno is the Impact Centre’s elite entrepreneurship training program for scientists and engineers who are serious about building technology-based companies.
Description of Event: Entrepreneurs trained at the Impact Centre add value to society by commercializing ideas that create jobs, help clean the environment, diagnose diseases and improve the quality of life in Canada and around the globe – all done through knowledge and ideas rooted in the physical sciences and engineering.This year, we celebrate 5 years of successes with a showcase of Techno companies demonstrating their innovations in a hands-on setting. Take this opportunity to mix and mingle with technology entrepreneurs who are creating real objects with real impact. Whether you are a student, government, investor, large, or small company, or are simply interested in learning about cutting-edge technologies generated from university research, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with us.
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David Dunlap Observatory Event: “Life in The Cosmos”
Dr. Michael Reid (Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of Toronto)
Recap of Event: For thousands of years people have wondered whether, in the vastness of the cosmos, life exists anywhere other than on Earth. The presentation described the recent discoveries of hundreds of potentially habitable planets orbiting stars other than our Sun, and how scientists are tantalizingly close to answering this question. The scientists that are looking for these planets and even the moon that are out there are making to two main assumptions. They are assuming a close connection between water and life, plus if the distance from their main star is similar to that of Earth’s distance to our sun there is a potential for there to be some form of life as we know it. We learned about recent discoveries about bacteria living in rocks, and other areas that were thought to be too toxic for living things to survive. Because of these discoveries scientist are even more optimistic that there might be some form of life inhabiting a planet or a moon.
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Markham Organic Home Gardens Event: “Composting”
Recap of Event: We learned about how compost is the ultimate ingredient for building fertile soil that helps grow strong healthy plants. We also learned that there are a number of different ways to compost and that it didn’t matter if you had a small or a large space, have money to spend or not, there was a method to turn organic waste into compost.
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Markham Event: “Green Energy Doors Open”
Recap of Event: We learned about all the great things the City of Markham is doing to produce green energy and how they are using technology to reduce energy consumption. A couple of interesting things that we learned about were, the CO2 sensors that are being used in the council chamber to control the air flow and that the city sells their solar power back to the grid.
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David Dunlap Observatory Event “A Closer Look at Apollo 11”
Randy Attwood ( Executive Director, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada)
Recap of Event: 2014 marks the 45th anniversary of the first manned landing on the moon. The presentation described the landing, the landing site and the first moonwalk, along with how Neil Armstrong ended up being the first human to walk on the moon. Unfortunately the skies were not clear after the talk, so we were unable to look through the large telescope, but we were lucky to catch a glimpse of some of the planets through a smaller telescope before the talk started.
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David Dunlap Observatory Event: “What Exactly are UFO’s?”
Dr. Michael De Roberts (Professor of Physics & Astronomy, York University)
Recap of the Event: The vast majority of “Unidentified Flying Objects” (UFO’s) can be attributed to celestial and weather-related phenomena. The presentation discussed whether UFO’s which don’t have a straightforward explanations provide evidence for existence of an Extraterrestrial Intelligence.
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Fossil Realm: “Open House”
Jim & Peter Lovisek
Saturday September 28th Fossil Realm
Recap of the Event: With over 30 years of experience collecting and dealing fossils, minerals and other unique science items. They are very open about sharing their passion for natural history by educating and providing inspirational pieces to the public. They unveiled their newest museum quality specimen, a giant 70 million year old mosasaur skull measuring 4.75 feet in length.
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David Dunlap Observatory Event: “New Eyes on Our Origins: The Atacama Large Array”
Star Talk with Dr. Rachel Friesen (Dunlap Fellow, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of Toronto)
Recap of the Event: With 66 radio dishes operating as a single telescope high on the Chanjnantor plateau in northern Chile, the ALMA observatory was designed to probe the fundamental questions about our universe. The presentation discussed how ALMA works and some of ALMA’s exciting new discoveries. We also got to see inside the actual David Dunlop Observatory that houses the largest telescope in Canada and hear about it’s history. Unfortunately the weather outside was cloudy and we didn’t get a chance to look through the telescope.
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York Regional Forest Walks & Event: “Forest Bug and Butterfly Hunt”
Recap of the Event: The presentation in the field discussed the good and bad about the insects that make the fields and forests their home. We got to hunt for insects using our nets. Once captured we observed and learned about the insects from an insect specialist and then released them back to their habitat.
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