Science North will officially have a permanent location at the North Bay Museum.
The launch of the new THINK hub took place this morning at the local museum on Ferguson Street in downtown North Bay.
The THINK Hub, which stands for Tinker, Hack, Innovate, Network, and Know, combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and encourages hands-on experimentation with real tools, materials and processes.
"You are going to see a cool experience that allows you to play with a variety of objects and things to make stuff," said Guy Labine, Science North CEO describing the new hub.
"You can make a chain reaction, you can make something that may not be successful but the key is you are allowed to invent, make and innovate and that is the key part of the THINK concept is to allow visitors to explore, self-develop and be comfortable with trying something and for it to fail and try it again and make it better to work collaboratively with the team."
North Bay is one of six northern locations for the THINK Hubs which were launched last May.
See related: Science North unveils interactive exhibit at North Bay Museum
Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli attended the launch along with some local students who tried out the new equipment.
Rota says FEDNOR injected $1.7 million into the project while Fedeli noted that the province injected $1 million.
"It is important for children as it allows them to see science in action, and play with it and learn more about science,” said Rota.
“It really enhances Science North throughout the entire North,” said Fedeli.
Science North officials believe the project will expand Science North’s reach and depth of engagement with audiences of all ages and backgrounds in STEM fields, including creating inclusive spaces for specific groups underrepresented in computer science and engineering fields, such as girls and women.
