Calgary Science Centre | Calgary

The Calgary Science Centre, more formally known as the TELUS Spark Science Centre, is a highly interactive science museum located in Calgary, Alberta, that offers a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. Known for its hands-on exhibits and engaging programs, it encourages curiosity about science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

Overview of TELUS Spark Science Centre

Location: TELUS Spark is located at 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, right next to the Calgary Zoo and within the Nose Creek Valley. Its position in the city makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.

History: The Calgary Science Centre originally opened in 1967 under the name Science Centre of Calgary. It was later renamed TELUS Spark in 2011 after a partnership with TELUS, a telecommunications company that helped fund the centre’s renovations. The new facility, designed by architects and incorporating innovative features, was designed to be an immersive and interactive place for science and discovery.

Mission: TELUS Spark aims to ignite a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around us. It strives to offer a variety of exhibits and programs that make science and technology accessible, engaging, and fun for all visitors, particularly families and school groups.

Exhibits and Interactive Displays

TELUS Spark Science Centre is designed to be a highly interactive environment, featuring a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as seasonal events and hands-on activities. Visitors are encouraged to explore, experiment, and learn through direct engagement.

1. The Brainasium (Outdoor Park)

One of the highlights of TELUS Spark is the Brainasium, an outdoor interactive park that allows visitors to engage with science concepts through physical play. The park is designed to inspire exploration of concepts like balance, force, motion, and gravity.

Features: It includes activities like giant-sized games, a zip line, climbing walls, and various interactive installations that engage both children and adults in learning about physics and engineering in an outdoor setting.

2. The Creative Kids Museum

This area of the museum is specially designed for younger children and encourages imagination and hands-on learning through arts and crafts, interactive exhibits, and sensory experiences.

The museum provides a dynamic space where children can participate in activities related to art, engineering, and science, helping to foster creative problem-solving and curiosity in young minds.

3. BodyWorks

The BodyWorks exhibit offers visitors an in-depth look at human biology and the inner workings of the human body. Through interactive displays and models, visitors can explore topics like the nervous system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system.

Key Features: Exhibits in this gallery include detailed body scans, interactive models of organs, and games that show how lifestyle choices affect our health. This is a popular exhibit for school groups to learn about health, anatomy, and how the human body functions.

4. Living Lab

The Living Lab is a unique area where science and technology enthusiasts can participate in real-world scientific research by helping scientists test and validate new concepts and ideas. Visitors can get involved in experiments and offer feedback on cutting-edge projects in a collaborative environment.

Examples of Projects: This includes testing out new technologies, providing input on environmental innovations, and even playing a role in ongoing scientific investigations in collaboration with experts.

5. Energy and Sustainability Exhibits

TELUS Spark focuses on providing visitors with an understanding of how energy works and how it is interconnected with the environment. Visitors can learn about renewable energy sources, the carbon cycle, and climate change through engaging, interactive displays.

The museum also showcases technologies related to solar energy, wind power, and alternative fuels, allowing people to explore sustainable ways of living.

6. The HD Digital Dome Theatre (Planetarium)

The HD Digital Dome Theatre is one of the centrepieces of TELUS Spark, featuring a 360-degree immersive experience. It is often used for astronomy shows, documentaries, and science films, allowing visitors to journey through space and explore topics like the cosmos, black holes, solar systems, and other fascinating aspects of our universe.

The theatre's state-of-the-art technology enhances the experience with stunning visuals and surround sound, making it an ideal venue for learning about the wonders of space.

Programs and Events

TELUS Spark offers a variety of educational programs and events for different age groups, school groups, and families. These programs are designed to engage visitors beyond just the exhibits, offering hands-on experiences and deeper insights into scientific topics.

1. Workshops and Camps

The museum offers workshops for children, teens, and adults to explore scientific concepts in more detail. These workshops often focus on topics like coding, robotics, chemistry, and environmental science, providing participants with an opportunity to experiment and discover through guided activities.

In the summer, the museum runs science camps where kids can participate in themed activities like engineering challenges, robot building, and environmental studies.

2. School Programs

TELUS Spark is an excellent destination for school groups. The museum provides tailored educational programs that align with the Alberta curriculum. These programs often include a combination of interactive exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on experiments designed to teach children about everything from biology to physics.

Teachers can also access resources for pre-visit planning and post-visit follow-up to maximize the educational value of the experience.

3. Public Events and Special Exhibits

Throughout the year, TELUS Spark hosts a variety of special exhibits and public events, such as science festivals, guest speakers, and interactive installations. These events often feature expert talks, hands-on demonstrations, and activities that allow visitors to interact with professionals in the fields of technology, medicine, and engineering.

One popular event is Science in the Cinema, where guests can watch science-themed movies followed by discussions with experts about the topics featured in the film.

Visitor Information

Hours of Operation: TELUS Spark is generally open year-round, though hours may vary seasonally. It is recommended to check the museum’s official website for current operating hours and special holiday hours.

Admission: Admission fees are charged for general entry to the museum, with discounts available for students, seniors, and families. The museum also offers annual passes for frequent visitors.

Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible to people with disabilities, with wheelchair access available to all public areas and facilities.

Location and Parking: The museum is located at 220 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, and there is ample free parking available on-site. Public transit options also provide convenient access to the museum from various parts of Calgary.

Gift Shop and Café: TELUS Spark has a gift shop with a variety of educational toys, books, and science-related merchandise, as well as a café where visitors can enjoy a meal or snack during their visit.

Conclusion

The TELUS Spark Science Centre (formerly the Calgary Science Centre) is a fun, engaging, and educational destination for anyone interested in exploring the world of science and technology. With its hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and wide variety of programs and events, it is a must-visit spot for families, school groups, and anyone with a curiosity about how the world works. Whether you're discovering the wonders of space, learning about human biology, or experimenting with physics, TELUS Spark offers an exciting and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.