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Inaugural Science Festival caters to all ages

'The underlying message also is that there are really interesting careers available in high tech, technology right here in North Bay and across the north.' Nicole Chiasson, Director of Education and Northern Programs at Science North.

The inaugural North Bay Science Festival, which ran from November 14-18, wrapped up over the weekend with a free Science Carnival, involving more than 20 exhibitors.

It was an opportunity for children, their parents and the general public to see science in action. 

"It's all about hands-on science and technology, from First League robotics to the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority, to the Canadian Ecology Centre, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and of course Science North which offered a number of exhibits and live shows We've even got a portable planetarium set up," said Nicole Chiasson, Director of Education and Northern Programs at Science North.

The planetarium presented 'Under the Same Stars: Minwaadiziwin'. 

Science North details how  'The First People were scientists and innovators, carefully tracking and moving with the seasons and creating inventions that allowed them to survive in the northern forests. With this close connection to the natural world, the Indigenous People of Canada developed a strong culture, rooted in respect for the environment.'

Science Communicator Ashton Hurst, says the touring planetarium is quite popular. 

"Our show is centred around Indigenous cultural stories as well as their constellations. We might be familiar with Western constellations, such as the big dipper, but the Anishinaabe  which we talk about, have their own group of constellations. They have a long list which includes Odjig , the great fisher, and the Winter Maker, said Hurst.

"We take the planetarium to different schools across the north east and do public presentations at events like the science carnival. The response has been very positive."  

Elizabeth McCarty, brought her three children to play and learn by engaging in the various activities.  

"When I heard Science North was coming here to the university, it was a perfect opportunity to get them to experience science. They love that they can touch everything. My son loves the robotics, my daughter likes biology, she's really into bugs and my little guy who is three, is still learning about all the different things." 

Gryphon Kinney didn't shy away from holding a bug at Entomica: Northern Ontario's Insectarium.

"It was actually really cool because you could see all the shades of green he has on him. It was pretty sick," she laughs."I wasn't nervous at all."

"We have had a really great week," said Nicole Chaisson. " Certainly being in the schools, we've been seeing most of the entire school population through some of these science and technology programs. On Wednesday we showed a great film. It was Science North's IMAX production of Mysteries of the Great Lakes with some wonderful speakers from North Bay who really talked about the importance of water in the area. We had a full theatre of 300 students in the morning and close to 200 in the afternoon, and a show for the general public in the evening. "

The  Director of Education and Northern Programs at Science North went on to say she's seeing more passion for science and technology among young girls.

"There's no doubt that we're starting to see increased interest and participation of girls in engineering programs and science. Clearly there is some very strong government initiatives to get girls interested in science, from the very young, all the way to teenagers. So there are clear efforts and we are seeing girls interested, but there's room for many, many more."

Chaisson says science and technology has plenty to offer males and females alike.  

"The underlying message also is that there are really interesting careers available in high tech technology right here in North Bay and across the north." 

She also sees a future for more Science Festivals in North Bay. 

"Science North is not Sudbury's Science Centre, it is Northern Ontario's Science Centre and these festivals really help us work with partners in the communities.We've been doing one in Sault St. Marie for three years now, we've been in Thunder Bay for five years , so we really hope the one in North Bay is just the beginning of a great success for many years to come."