👨‍🔬🔬 2017 OSC. Inventorium EX. Ontario 150

Wednesday, 26 July 2017 01:00.AM
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Where can you make a simple circuit, create a critter, spin a giant web and take in local history by way of a tree trunk? The Ontario Science Centre, of course! On July 19, to celebrate Ontario 150, the Science Centre officially opened Inventorium, a new hands-on learning space, and unveiled The Maple Leaf Forever Tree, an eight-foot, historically-significant hand-carved wood sculpture that pays tribute to Toronto’s vibrant history.

“There are few things more powerful than creating something yourself – especially when it’s a product of your own imagination,” said Maurice Bitran, Ph.D., CEO, Ontario Science Centre. “These new visitor experiences showcase what’s possible when we combine experimentation, collaboration and critical thinking. Inventorium encourages visitors to flex their creative muscles and bring their ideas to life. And The Maple Leaf Forever Tree illustrates the beauty achievable when taking a collective approach to a creative challenge.”

Created to celebrate Ontario’s sesquicentennial, Inventorium is a dynamic, fun, free-choice learning space for the whole family. Visitors are invited to roll up their sleeves and put their creativity to the test through a variety of hands-on, interactive experiences that continually change and evolve. From building a kinetic sculpture to designing conversation-starting coasters, and from participating in research to making intricate drawings under a stereoscopic microscope, Inventorium offers something for the innovator in everyone.

Supported by Ontario150 funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Inventorium was researched, designed and fabricated by the Ontario Science Centre’s team of scientists, designers, writers and craftspeople.

“Launching this innovative, collaborative and fun space is a fitting way to honour this milestone year,” said The Honourable Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “It is important that government continue to support initiatives like these that use science and art to inspire, empower and engage Ontarians of all ages and – in particular – our next generation of leaders, innovators and engaged citizens.”

To bring this experience to life, the Science Centre collaborated with other organizations in the local innovation ecosystem, including STEAMLabs, The Maker Bean Cafe and Little Inventors, as well as academic partners Brock University, Ryerson University, University of Toronto and University of Waterloo.

The opening of Inventorium on July 19 coincided with the official unveiling of The Maple Leaf Forever Tree. On this day four years ago, Toronto experienced a severe weather event, resulting in the downing of the silver maple that is said to have inspired Alexander Muir to write the song The Maple Leaf Forever in 1867.

The wood was divided up among heritage groups across Canada to create commemorative objects and artworks. Dedicating more than 6,000 volunteer hours of tool-wielding time and care over a three-year period, Ontario Wood Carvers Association members shaped 35 maple leaf-framed vignettes of Toronto’s history – from pre-confederation to modern day. The Maple Leaf Forever Tree will remain on permanent display at the Ontario Science Centre for visitors to enjoy.

“It’s been very rewarding to carve at the Ontario Science Centre,” Tom Gallagher, President, Ontario Wood Carvers Association. “We were given a lot of support from the Science Centre, and we’ve been able to display our dedication to woodcarving to visitors from all over the world.”

On Sundays in August, visitors can join volunteers from the Ontario Wood Carvers Association in Inventorium for a 30-minute You Can Carve activity that allows participants to carve their own take-home wood creation – no experience required!

Inventorium and The Maple Leaf Forever Tree are included with general admission. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

SOURCE: The Ontario Science Centre

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