schedule details

Most activities are being held at the Montréal Science Centre

Wednesday, May 5^th, 2010

3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m : Registration

1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m : Pre-conference workshop (E)

How are we doing? Understanding the impact of our exhibits

Where: Espace Bernard Lamarre

Engaging visitors in a learning experience is a fundamental objective for science centres. Assessing the effectiveness of exhibits and related programs is imperative for informing best practices and for understanding the impact of these activities on our visitors.

Learning is an active process of making meaning in the context of personal prior knowledge and prior experience, motivation and interest. Understanding the process and evidence of learning is the key to assessing the effectiveness and impact of our exhibits. In this workshop, Chantal Barriault from Science North will introduce participants to a few research methods and evaluation frameworks that are based on current research in free choice learning environments. Participants will gain practical evaluation techniques that can be adapted for use within their own centres.

Speaker :
Chantal Barriault, Co-Director, Science Communication, Senior Scientist, Research and Evaluation, Science North, Sudbury

With the support of:

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m : Welcome Reception at the Montréal Science Centre

Présenté par:

Thursday, May 6^th, 2010

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m : Registration

8:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m: Trade Show in the Panoramic Hall

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m: Opening Keynote Speaker

Chantal Petitclerc
She has defied her physical circumstances to set new world records, capture gold medals and become an inspiration to all Canadians. She is the epitome of determination, perseverance and discipline!

Présenté par:

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m : Health Break

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m: Concurrent Sessions

Strategic Planning (E)

Where: Room 1

The world has changed dramatically over the past few years, and science centres have had to shift their strategic approach to address changing demographics, shifting travel patterns and volatile economic conditions. In order to survive, many science centres have undertaken the review of their current strategic direction, structure and operations, and developed detailed business plans to achieve organizational success.

This session will review the business planning process recently undertaken by three different institutions to achieve strategic goals and raise their operations to a new level. Learn about the challenges, setbacks and successes of organizations that are embracing change.

Leader/speaker :
Jim Marchbank, Chief executive officer, Science North, Sudbury

Speakers:
George Smith, Chief executive officer, Telus World of Science, Edmonton
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Chief executive officer, Nature and Science Museum, Sherbrooke

Présenté par:

Changing the system from inside: how science centres have shaped school curricula (E)

Where: Room 2

This session will present three case studies where science centres have been involved in projects with Departments of Education and school boards which have helped shape the curriculum taught in schools.

Science centre representatives from New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario will talk about their experiences, both positive and negative, and discuss how science centres have the ability not only to motivate and excite students in our centres, but also in the schools - by shaping the actual curriculum, training teachers and embracing current educational research.

Leader/speaker :
Michael Edwards, Director of Programming, Science East, Fredericton

Speakers:
Karen Matheson, Director of Education, Science East, Fredericton
Danielle Waltenbury, Senior Scientist, Education & Northern Programs, Science North, Sudbury
Roger Roy, Project Manager, Éclairs de sciences, Montréal Science Centre

Videoconferencing: Connecting Museums, Science Centres and Heritage Sites with Schools (T)

Where: Perspective 235

In the Fall of 2006, Environment Canada's Biosphère in Montreal began delivering live and interactive educational videoconferences to schools and organizations across Canada. Parks Canada also began testing the learning potential and general appeal of videoconferencing. These videoconferences offer access to the Biosphere's environmental expertise and Canada's national parks, historic and remote heritage sites to classrooms via the internet. In collaboration with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board in Ontario, numerous videoconference programs have been delivered and evaluated for educational outcomes and developing awareness and emotional connections with students. This conference session will offer insight into videoconference experiences. We will show how your own institution can create strong learning environments and enhance student appreciation and connection delivered...virtually!

Leader/speaker :
René Brunet, Environment Canada's Biosphère, Coordinator Distance Learning/Videoconferencing, Montreal.

Speakers :
Michael White, Senior Research Analyst, New Media, Public Information and education Branch, Parks Canada
Colin Jagoe, Instructional Leadership Consultant - Science & Technology and Outdoor Education Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
Jeffrey B. Brown, Instructional Leadership Consultant: Technology and Learning Resources, District e-learning Contact, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m : Trade Show Luncheon

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m : Concurrent Sessions

Screening and Selection for Strategic Success: Starting a Social Enterprise (E)

Where: Room 1

Despite the fact that often an excessive amount of potential ideas are brainstormed for new earned income ventures, often it’s just one or two that really are worth considering. This interactive workshop will demonstrate the process of how a science centre finds the strongest and most promising idea for its future sustainability through earned income.

Attendees who would benefit most are senior-level managers and executives looking to develop social enterprises within their existing science centres. The audience will leave with a solid framework from which to develop enterprise ideas, screen those ideas, and move forward with those ideas with the most potential. Other skills and lessons will revolve around general discussions of what criteria to screen for; thus, there will be considerable focus on what makes a social enterprise effective and successful. The lessons will be supplemented with cases and examples of real life scenarios. Moreover, participants will be taken through an example process, derived from audience ideas, input, and experience. The session will be highly reflective and interactive.

Leader/speaker :
John Baker, CEO, Aperio, Toronto

Speaker :
Chad Martin, Consultant, Aperio, Toronto

Letting Go: Changing the role of science centre educators (E)

Where: Room 2

Science centre educators have traditionally acted as authorities in designing and delivering educational experiences for the public. However, we are beginning to question and challenge this model, and asking ourselves, ‘Might there be value in letting go of control over these experiences?’ This interactive session will allow participants to explore and discuss differing approaches to our role in educational experiences, as well as learn how this new philosophy may be successfully applied at their own science centres. Experiences from TELUS World of Science – Calgary will also be presented as a case study. A diverse audience is welcome – be prepared for hands-on fun, thought-provoking discussion, and valuable take-away ideas!

Speaker :
Brandi Chuchman, Public Programs Coordinator, TELUS World of Science, Calgary

Provocation or reflection? (T)

Where: Perspective 235

What is a controversial exhibition? Why do some institutions decide to present them? Four panelists discuss the reasoning behind why their institutions made this decision, explaining both their doubts and their certainties. See how they prepared their teams and their visitors to think about topics as controversial as personality, sexuality, life and death, and beauty and ugliness.

Through the exhibitions Body Worlds, Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition, Who am I? and a planned exhibition on minerals from asbestos mines, you will discover that the primary goal of these exhibitions is not to attract visitors through provocation, but rather to lead visitors to the heart of a debate that raises questions, prompts reflection, and brings about changes both within the institution itself and the public it serves.

The presentation will be followed by a discussion period between panelists and audience.

Leader/speaker : Carol Pauzé, Director of Exhibitions, Montréal Science Centre

Speakers:
Armelle Le Gouic, Collections and Programming Manager, Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines
Marie-Claude Letarte, Project Manager, Science Production Centre, Musée de la nature et des sciences, Sherbrooke

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m : Health Break

3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m : Concurrent Sessions

Thriving in French in a sea of English: the audacity of being small (E)

Where: Room 1

Canadian science centres that work or would like to work in Canada's two official languages are invited to this session that illustrates the challenges and advantages of offering exhibitions, programming, special events and website content in French. Explore the challenges of offering French in a largely anglophone environment, from making a persuasive business case and assessing needs and opportunities, to determine the best and most efficient ways of utilizing your resources in order to provide the highest quality of French content. Panel members will discuss personal experiences meeting these challenges and provide examples of work from recent exhibitions. Audience members will also be invited to take part in a discussion regarding the "state of French offerings" at Canadian Science Centres where they can provide input and suggestions.

Leader/speaker :
Marici Dillon, Science Writer/Editor French Language, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto

Speakers:
Jacques Bourgeois, Promotion and Marketing, Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre.

Outreach - Getting to them from the outside! (E)

Where: Room 2

This panel discussion will allow session participants to understand the variety of programs and experiences that are being delivered to audiences outside the science centre. Learn more about the why, the what, the who, and the how much. Panelists will share their strategies and challenges. During the last 30 minutes of the session members of the audience will be invited to meet with two of the panelists at smaller tables to answer questions and expand and share information.

Leader/speaker : Nicole Chiasson, Director of Education and Northern Programs, Science North, Sudbury

Speakers :
Jo-Ann Coggan, Community Science Celebration Lead, TELUS World of Science, Vancouver
Kelsey Armstrong, Director, School Programs, TELUS World of Science Edmonton
Michael Edwards, Director of Programming, Science East, Fredericton

Daring to Change (T)

Where: Perspective 235

The time of museums and science centres operating in a navel-gazing vacuum is over. For our institutions—both because of rationalization and in order to embark on daring initiatives—today’s reality dictates that we focus on cooperation, partnership, sharing and mutual assistance. Sandra Corbeil will present concrete examples that have helped foster collaboration among the three components of the Canada Science and Technology Museum in developing projects that achieve common goals while maintaining each institution’s independence. Benoît Légaré will present Montréal City of Glass, a Tale of Innovation, a huge, innovative Montréal-wide project he initiated involving the participation of 26 museums, galleries, artisans and other partners. This huge international event, jointly organized by the Montréal Science Centre and the Board of Montréal Museum Directors, will take place from February to December 2010. How were they able to work together? What are the advantages and shortcomings of such initiatives?

Leader/speaker :
Sandra Corbeil, Manager, Education Programs and Events, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Ottawa

Speaker : Benoit Légaré, Vice-president and Director, Montréal Science Centre

3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m :

Geology and architecture walking tour with the Cœur des sciences de l’UQAM (F)

Where: The bus is waiting for you in front of the Science Centre at 2:45 p.m.

Did you know that there are fossils and garnets on our streets? On this geology and architecture walking tour of Sherbrooke Street, you will discover the deep-seated secrets hidden in the cut stone (limestone, granite, sandstone, etc.) used in buildings. The tour is led by two geology and urban planning consultants.

Led by :
Jeffrey Vaillancourt and Yona Jebrak, Cœur des sciences de l’UQAM

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm : Cocktail at the Cœur des sciences de l’UQAM, Downtown Montréal

Friday, May 7^th, 2010

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m : Annual General Meeting

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m : Health Break

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m : Concurrent Sessions

Exhibit Design - On the Boards (E)

Where: Room 1

Exhibit design needs to respond to the issues that are most relevant to us today. What global themes are emerging in science centres? How are these themes being addressed? What are the implications for us as we move forward with planning our institutions? Presentations will include a range of project types and budgets.

• 10 minute synopses from our panel of different science centres projects outside of Canada
• 10 minutes reflection on common themes and media
• 20 minutes discussion of implications of these trends on Canadian science centres
• 10 minutes discussion of actions we can take to take advantage of global trends

Leader/speaker :
Phil Aldrich, Principal Aldrich/Pears, Vancouver

Speakers :
Stehen Petri, Principal, Reich and Petch
Julie Moskalyk, Staff Scientist, Science North
Ian McLennan, Principal, Ian McLennan Consulting
André Bilodeau, Président, Design + Communication Inc .

Présenté par:

Feeding the Beast: 2 different angles on continuous exploration in fund development maximization (E)

Where: Room 2

Join us for a session on how two different ends of the fund development spectrum (membership sales and sponsorships) stay dynamic and effective by employing new ideas and taking bold steps. What works best? Beauty or the beast? Money or premiums? Cookies or carrots? What to do when the inevitable recession hits? This session will focus on how membership and sponsorship programs can be whipped into growth by continuously questioning and fine tuning all aspects of sales and marketing operations. Examples, ideas and results from over a decade of unsuppressed curiosity will be shared. Feel free to bring your own examples of surprising data that helped strengthen your science centre's fund development programs.

Leader/speaker :
Pierre Harvey, Nature and Science Museum, Sherbrooke

Speaker:
Lene Rosenmeier, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto

PECHA KUCHA (T)

• Developing interdisciplinary programming to empower teachers in a changing world
• The Wide World of GAME FOR SCIENCE
• UrbanQuest.com: Adding Adventure to your Museum
• Lego Robotics
• The Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan: Innovaion and Daring
• Joining Media Arts with Science

Developing interdisciplinary programming to empower teachers in a changing world

Where: Espace Bernard Lamarre

Living in a world which is constantly changing and increasingly interdependent, there is a need for collaboration across various disciplines to find solutions to new challenges. Science centres can play a role by developing new interdisciplinary programming, which allows us to target new teachers/audiences. One example of this approach is a bioinformatics workshop where expertise in biology and mathematics is required to design algorithms to mine data from the GenBank database. New combinations that could attract teachers from other disciplines to come to the science centre may be business studies and technological education, climate change and economics, or health education and media.

Leader/speaker :
Bhavleen Kaur, Science Educator, Ontario Science Centre

Speaker:
Stewart Craven, Teacher (Science School, Ontario Science Centre), Ontario Science Centre (seconded from Toronto District School Board)

The Wide World of GAME FOR SCIENCE

Where: Espace Bernard Lamarre

GAME FOR SCIENCE is a virtual world focusing on the sciences, aimed at young people 9 to 16 years old, enjoyed by young and old alike all over the world. As entertaining as it is educational, it gives participants a chance to learn about different areas of human knowledge through play. There is so much to do at GAME FOR SCIENCE: players can handle rare objects, conduct virtual experiments using sophisticated equipment, measure their knowledge against that of other players, consult multimedia scientific content, and visit thematic “islands” such as Genomia (a miniature world of genomics). Join members of the CREO Studios team specializing in production and scientific popularization on a lively guided tour of the many thematic islands of GAME FOR SCIENCE. You’re sure to catch the travel bug yourself.

Speaker :
Geneviève Lajeunesse, Development Manager, CREO, Montréal

UrbanQuest.com: Adding Adventure to your Museum

Where: Espace Bernard Lamarre

UrbanQuest.com is a company that specializes in designing treasure hunt type experiences within different environments including museums, that allow patrons to interact with the content of the museum in a unique, new way. The program is set up free of charge, is static in design (so that anyone can enjoy it at any time), will generate new customers (as the quests are sold on UrbanQuest.com), and has been heralded by high school teachers as a great new interactive way to engage students. The museum can also create a new revenue source by selling the Quest within the gift shop at the museum. This presentation will explain the program and how to get started.

Speaker :
Anthony Woods, President, UrbanQuest, Ottawa

Lego Robotics

Where: Espace Bernard Lamarre

This session will explore how Lego Education provides students aged 6 and up with the opportunity to explore and discover science, technology, engineering, and math using an exciting, engaging, and hands-on approach. Lego has produced three different platforms for robotics (WeDo, NXT, and Tetrix) which target a wide spectrum of levels and abilities. Students will be challenged to build and program smart robots by utilizing step-by-step instructions and simple drag and drop programming. Students are able to eventually come up with their own innovative ideas and challenges.

Leader/speaker :
Wayne Langdon, National Sales Director, Spectrum Educational Supplies Ltd.

Speaker: Matthew Thompson, Secondary Science Catalogue Director, Spectrum Educational Supplies

The Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan: Innovation and Daring

In 2012, the Montréal Planetarium will move to a new space in an innovative and original building constructed at the foot of the Olympic Stadium, opposite the Montréal Biodome and next door to the Botanical Gardens and the Insectarium. The arrival of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will turn this site into the largest natural science museum complex in Canada.

The presentation will feature the architectural concept of the future planetarium, the bold nature of its astronomy programming, and the various experiences offered to visitors.

Leader / Speaker:
Pierre Chastenay, Astronomer, Montreal Planétarium

Joining Media Arts with Science

Increasingly in Canada and world-wide, museums and science centres are developing partnership projects to exhibit the work of artists in the field of media arts. Creating art for these exhibition settings presents stimulating challenges for artists and science museums alike, and such partnerships help to broaden target audiences and to combine innovative media arts projects with science and technology. Come see the partnership projects produced by Molior and presented at the Montréal Science Centre.

Speaker:
Andrée Duchaine, Le groupe Molior, General Manager

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m : Lunch (lunch not provided)

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m : Concurrent Sessions

Community Science Celebrations – Collaborating with Communities to Discover the Science all Around Them (E)

Where: Room 1

"Discover the Science all around you” is the theme of Science World’s Community Science Celebrations. This outreach program includes a week of community-based science and technology activities that culminates in a free community science event at a local community college, school or recreational centre. This fun-filled family event includes and involves the entire community. How are Community Science Celebrations different from traditional outreach programs? Through an interactive presentation, we will discuss:

• The program model “how to” and set-up
• Advantages and disadvantages of this approach to outreach
• What we have learned from five years of program delivery—our challenges to enable community leaders to continue hosting Community Science Celebrations without our support.

Leader/speaker :
Jo-Ann Coggan, Manager Community Outreach, Science World, Vancouver

Speaker: Paris Gaudet, Project Manager, Mid-Island Science, Technology & Innovation Council (MISTIC)

Shared Services - Identifying Economies of Scale and Leveraging Others (E)

Where: Room 2

Like the broader business world, science centres face continual pressure to create efficiencies and reduce duplication - while providing increased value to members and the community. Within this context, we will discuss ways of partnering with others and explore best practices. Many organizations have discovered that the most appropriate area to partner is in non-core activities. These include: administrative support, human resource management, legal support, supplies and services, and financial services. This workshop will cover the basics, but also delve into case-based analyses, including coverage of issues specific to attendees.

Leader/speaker :
John Baker, CEO, Aperio, Toronto

Speaker :Chad Martin, Consultant, Aperio, Toronto

Messages in Motion: New Technology and Science Communication (T)

Where: Espace Bernard Lamarre

From traditional static copy panels to digital signage, immersive technology and “mobile media-based" exhibits, the options for communicating science to visitors have increased ten-fold over the last few years. What type and form of communication speaks best to a particular audience? Is high-tech necessarily better? How can you and your institution best leverage your content assets to reach as many audiences as possible? And what pressures do these new types of content place on staffing and skill-sets? This session will examine recent and emerging developments in the various media available for science communication both inside and outside your walls. Case studies and examples will be presented and participants will take part in a brainstorming exercise to explore options for future exhibitions.

Leader/speaker :
Meiko Bae, Senior Exhibit Designer, 2D, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto

Speakers:
Carol Pauzé, Director, Exhibitions Department, Montréal Science Centre
Michael White, Senior Research, Analyst – New Media, Public information and education branch, Parks Canada

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m: Health Break

3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m: Concurrent Session

Working with Outside Experts (E)

Where: Room 1

We all rely on outsiders for help. Working with volunteers, advisers or community group members who are experts offers significant benefits, but also carries risks. We will discuss tested and innovative techniques to bring the right outsiders into your organization, how to work with them effectively, and how to cultivate them if they don't yet exist.

Leader/speaker :
Katherine Ziff, Exhibit Developer, New Science Centre 2011 Project, TELUS World of Science, Calgary

Speakers:
Carly DeBoice, Program Developer, New Science Centre 2011 Project, TELUS World of Science, Calgary
Dana Schloss, Exhibit Developer, New Science Centre 2011 Project, TELUS World of Science, Calgary

Citizen Science: A Tool for Engagement (E)

Where: Room 2

Public participation in ecological and scientific monitoring initiatives, as well as onsite public archaeology programs, provides. hands-on field experience that helps people gain an understanding of environmental processes, technologies such as GPS, scientific research, and protection of important areas. Environment Canada's Biosphere, the Ontario Science Centre and Parks Canada have been working to facilitate the implementation of these hands-on programs in urban areas, national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas across the country.

This session will focus on the issues and challenges faced by staff, the scientific community, and the public in the creation and implementation of these programs from the Science Centre and institutional perspective. Examples from Adopt a River, Biokits, Nature Watch, public archeology programs, and OSC programs will be drawn from in this session. A facilitated discussion will follow on how similar citizen science programs might be adapted for implementation at other science centres.

Leader/speaker :
Tammy Clarke, Lead Specialist, Public Outreach Education, Parks Canada

Speakers :
Elizabeth Kilvert, Educational Specialist, Environment Canada, the Biosphere Canadian Centre for National Expertise in Environmental Education and Engagement
Sara Poirier, Researcher/Programmer, Astronomy & Space Sciences, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto

3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Geology and architecture walking tour with the Cœur des sciences de l’UQAM (E)

Where: The bus is waiting for you in front of the Science Centre at 2:45 p.m.

Did you know that there are fossils and garnets on our streets? On this geology and architecture walking tour of Sherbrooke Street, you will discover the deep-seated secrets hidden in the cut stone (limestone, granite, sandstone, etc.) used in buildings. The tour is led by two geology and urban planning consultants.

Led by :
Jeffrey Vaillancourt et Yona Jebrak, Cœur des sciences
and Ross Stevenson, professor of geology from UQAM

6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m : Awards Gala at the Montréal Science Centre

Presented by: