Science World (Vancouver) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Science World

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Former name	Telusphere (2005) Telus World of Science (2005–2020)
Established	1989 (1989)
Location	1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Type	Science museum
Visitors	1,009,583 (2019)
Architect	Bruno Freschi
Public transit access	Main Street–Science World

Science World is a super cool science centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It's run by a non-profit group called ASTC Science World Society. You can find it right at the end of False Creek. Inside, there are tons of fun, hands-on exhibits that stay there all the time. Plus, they have special displays that change throughout the year, so there's always something new to explore!

Before it became Science World, the building was called Expo Centre. It was built for a big event called Expo 86, which was a world's fair. After Expo 86 ended, the building was turned into a science centre. Science World officially opened its doors on May 6, 1989. For a while, from 2005 to 2020, it was known as Science World at Telus World of Science because of a sponsorship deal. But now, it's back to its original name, Science World!

History of Science World

How Science World Started

The idea for Science World began in 1977 with Barbara Brink. She created "Extended I," which were mobile, hands-on science exhibits. These exhibits traveled all around British Columbia's Lower Mainland.

Later, a temporary place called the Arts, Sciences & Technology Centre opened in downtown Vancouver. That was on January 15, 1982. Over 600,000 people visited it! Also, about 400,000 more people learned from the centre's special programs that went to different parts of the province.

The Expo 86 Building

Vancouver was chosen to host the 1986 World's Fair, which was all about transportation. For this event, a special building was designed. It was a round, dome-shaped building, inspired by a famous architect named Buckminster Fuller. The chief architect for Expo, Bruno Freschi, designed it.

Building the dome started in 1984 and finished in early 1985. After Expo 86 closed in October 1986, many people worked hard to get this landmark building. They wanted to move the "Arts, Sciences and Technology Centre" into the dome and turn it into Science World.

Becoming Science World

With a lot of help from the government, the dome was given to the Science World project. Then, a huge fundraising effort began. Different levels of government, private companies, and individuals donated $19.1 million. This money was used to add more space to the Expo Centre, redesign the inside, and create new exhibits.

In 1988, before the official opening, over 310,000 visitors came to see the new building during a special preview. A year later, a large 400-seat Omnimax theatre opened in the top part of the dome. This theatre was an upgrade from the 3D IMAX theatre that was built in 1986 for Expo's "Transitions" film series.

In 1996, the Omnimax Theatre was renamed the Alcan Omnimax Theatre. This was part of a sponsorship deal with a company called Alcan Inc.. Later, Alcan decided to support Science World in other ways, and the theatre went back to being called the Omnimax Theatre.

The Ken Spencer Science Park shortly after it opened in 2012.

Name Changes and Updates

In January 2005, Science World's building was officially renamed "Telusphere." This happened because Telus donated $9 million for the right to have their name on the building. However, this new name wasn't very popular. So, in mid-2005, the science centre's name was changed to "Science World at the Telus World of Science." Other science centres in Calgary and Edmonton also used the "Telus World of Science" brand. The naming agreement with Telus ended in 2020, and Science World went back to its original name. The nearby Main Street–Science World SkyTrain station kept its name throughout these changes.

During the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Science World hosted "Sochi World." This was a special area representing Russia, which was going to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. Science World closed for a short time in January 2010 to get ready for this, and then reopened in March. After the 2010 Olympics, Science World had some renovations. The indoor updates were finished by mid-2012, and the outdoor Ken Spencer Science Park opened in late 2012.

On July 29, 2020, the leaders of Science World announced that Tracy Redies would become the new CEO. She started her role on September 14, 2020. In 2021, Dr. Bonnie Henry, a well-known public health official, was recognized as a "Friend of Science World."

In January 2022, Science World started a long-term partnership with Acuitas Therapeutics. This company helps develop important medical technologies. In September 2022, Teck Resources donated $650,000 to Science World. This money helps teach people about how copper can stop germs. Because of this donation, copper layers were added to many exhibits, door handles, and counters at Science World.

Fun Activities at Science World

Science Outreach Programs

Science World offers many amazing programs that reach out to communities all over British Columbia. Here are some examples:

• Scientists and Innovators in the Schools: This program connects volunteer scientists and innovators with students. They give interactive presentations in classrooms to get students excited about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
• On the Road: Science World staff travel far and wide across the province. They put on workshops and science shows in schools and communities. This is great for places that don't have their own local science centre.
• Super Science Club: Science World educators lead after-school programs in schools that need extra support. Their goal is to inspire kids to love learning about science and technology for their whole lives.

Learning About Vaccines

In July 2021, Science World received a $50,000 grant from the Government of Canada. This money was used to create a series of programs about vaccines. The grant was part of a program to help more people understand and accept COVID-19 vaccines across Canada.

How Science World Works

Who Supports Science World?

Science World gets its funding from people and organizations who donate to the ASTC Science World Society. They also get support from partners who help with their programs. Many different groups help Science World continue its mission.

Some of the supporters for the 2021/2022 year included:

See also

• List of museums in British Columbia