Museums and science centres have come a long way in recent years, says Scott Young, manager of science communication and visitor experiences at the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg.
"Most museums really weren't designed for families - they were designed for university students," he says. "Now, if you look at museum staff, you're as likely to find someone with a PhD in science as you are to find someone who majored in drama or journalism."
Gone are the days when museum exhibits were displayed only under protective glass. Gone, too, are the days when just about every science centre exhibit was interactive - whether warranted or not. Today, you'll more likely find a combination of the two because not everybody learns the same way.
"People will learn from something that they do but they will only do something that they enjoy," says Young. "People say they go to a museum to learn but they really go to museums to have a good time. They're learning while they're there, but it's not the driver it used to be."
The Manitoba Museum was the first in Canada to feature dramatic three-screen animation that brings its Ancient Seas exhibit to life. Giant cephalopods stalk their prey and ancient sea scorpions swim across the screens - a far cry from traditional dioramas that depict a moment in time.
Today's museums and science centres are overflowing with family-friendly activities and encourage visitors to look, feel and touch their way through their facilities.
At the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, for instance, the CIBC Discovery Gallery invites aspiring paleontologists to take part in a dinosaur dig and get their hands on a real Hadrosaur leg bone. Youngsters can also try on a variety of costumes, from South Asian saris to armour.
March Break camps at the ROM encourage kids to discover the history and mythology behind 'Dungeons & Dragons' while learning the basics of storytelling and exploring the landscapes their characters traverse. Its 'Eeww & Awe' camp offers ooey, gooey, creepy crawly fun as kids learn about mummification, examine a bat skeleton and get creative with homemade slime.
Visitors to the Telus World of Science in Calgary can journey back in time with Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibit. Upon entrance, each receives a replica boarding pass of an actual passenger aboard the ill-fated ship. They will also press their palms against an iceberg while learning countless stories of heroism and humanity.
It's the centre's last exhibit at its existing facility. It will unveil the country's first new science centre in 30 years this fall, reports spokesperson Cassandra McAuley. "The new science centre will be about more than pushing a button for an outcome and the experience will change every time they return."
In the end, the goal of museums and science centres is to make each visit as fun as it is informative. "Science is something you do, not something you memorize," says Young of the Manitoba Museum. "When we try to get people involved in science, we make sure they do an experiment."
ROM makes a splash with new exhibit
