CASCADE 2011 National Award Winners

 

At their 9th annual Awards Gala held in Sudbury, Ontario, on June 11, the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) announced the 4 institutional and 2 individual winners of the CASCADE Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in science and technology engagement by its members.  Congratulations, winners!

Outstanding Career Achievement:  2011 CASCADE Winners

Phil Aldrich and Ron Pears

Aldrich Pears Associates

In 1979 Ron Pears and Phil Aldrich combined their backgrounds in education, planning, and architecture to create their own design firm. Over the past three decades, AldrichPears Associates, known as  APA, has grown into an internationally recognized, award-winning firm specializing in planning and designing museums, interpretive centres, zoos, parks, museums and science centres. Over their thirty years as partners, Ron and Phil have demonstrated leadership in business, in informal learning, and commitment to the growth of their industry, leaving an indelible mark on science centres in Canada and abroad.  

Contact: Amanda Leier, Marketing Coordinator, Aldrich Pears Associates, Vancouver, BC. 604.669.7044 aleier  [at ] aldrichpears.com

Best Onsite Program:  2011 CASCADE Winner

“Intergenerational Landed Learning”

By the Okanagan Science Centre  

Intergenerational Landed Learning partners community volunteers with elementary school children to grow food crops, learn science, and care for the environment in the Xerinidipity Garden at the Okanagan Science Centre. Participants meet ten times during the school year to plant, care for, harvest and enjoy the foods they grow.    

Contact: Sandi Dixon, Executive Director, Okanagan Science Centre, Vernon, BC 250-545-3644, s.dixon [ at] okscience.ca

Best Exhibit or Show – Large Institution: 2011 CASCADE Winner

“Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition”

By the Montreal Science Centre

Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition is a 500 m2 interactive exhibition that conveys a positive image of sexuality. It responds to young people’s questions and concerns and helps them explore what science has revealed about sexuality. The exhibition, presented from April 2010 to March 2011, is an original production by the Montréal Science Centre and will also be travelling to other institutions in Canada.

Contact: Carol Pauzé, Director of Exhibits, Montréal Science Centre, Montréal;, 514-496-6640, cpauze[at ]vieuxportdemontreal.com

Best Exhibit or Show – Small Institution: 2011 CASCADE Winner

“Glacier Exploration Station”

By the Jardin des glaciers

 “A boreal adventure 20,000 years under the ice” – this is what visitors get at the Glacier exploration station! A show where sound, image, light and multimedia technology carry you into the middle of the three themes of glaciers, people of the ice, and climate change.

Contact: Karine Savard,  Le Jardin des glaciers,Baie-Comeau, 418-296-0177 #22 k.savard[at ]jardindesglaciers.ca

Best Outreach Program: 2011 CASCADE Winner

“Water and Our World”

By the Discovery Centre

 

Water and Our World is an interactive educational program focusing on water use as a scientific and social issue. Examining water’s role in ecosystems and Earth sciences, this hour long workshop consists of four hands on activities and is based on curriculum outcomes for grades seven through nine.

Contact: Rebecca McKenzie, Manager – External Learning Programs, Discovery Centre, Halifax, NS 902-492-4422 ex. 242. bmackenzie[at ]discoverycentre.ns.ca

About CASC and Canada’s Science Centres

The Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) builds capacity for its members to inspire a creative and prosperous Canada through science and technology engagement.  More than 8 million people, nearly a quarter of Canada's population, visit member centres of the Canadian Association of science centres each year. Forty-five organisations comprise the full and developing membership of the association, including science centres and museums, children's museums, nature centres, planetariums and outreach organisations.  Affliate members include organisations such as consultants, suppliers, outreach, government and industry organisations that support the interests and mandate of the association.

Contact: Tracy Ross, Executive Director, CASC  www.canadiansciencecentres.ca