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Special Places
Bert Edwards Science and Technology School (BEST)
KamloopsCity.com
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Why is it called the BIG Little Science Centre?
When
the Science Centre originated in February 2000, it was located in a single
classroom at David Thompson Elementary. It was obvious from the
start that young people really enjoyed the 'hands-on' displays. After a few
school visits, it was decided the centre should be given a name. The Centre had
very little space, but it was 'BIG' with the kids so why not call it
BIG
Little Science Centre?
This was supposed to
be a temporary title, but the name somehow 'stuck'. It seemed somehow
appropriate. The name is also incorporated into the title of our society, the
BIG Little Science Centre Society.
Are we allowed to touch things?
Of course! At our Science Centre you are expected to 'touch
things'. What makes the BIG Little Science
Centre unique
is the large number of stations (over 120) where the visitor has to do something
with the equipment.
Why are most visitors elementary students?
Most classes visiting the
BIG Little Science
Centre
are
in grades K to 7. The reason for this is that elementary
teachers have some flexibility in scheduling activities for
their classes. Secondary students have up to eight different
teachers, and their time with a science teacher is tightly
scheduled. It is difficult for a secondary science teacher
and his or her class to travel to and from the Science
Centre and still have time for a reasonable visit, when the
total time allotted for science on that day might be 75
minutes.
Is the Science Centre appropriate for secondary students?
The displays at the
BIG Little Science
Centre are very well suited to secondary science students.
The Operator was, in fact, a secondary science and physics teacher
for many years. On the rare occasion that a junior secondary
science class has visited, students have thoroughly enjoyed
the experience. A Physics 12 class once visited, and they had
a great deal of fun relating the displays to what they have learned in five years of secondary school science.
Who else might enjoy the BIG Little Science Centre?
The Centre has hosted adults on several occasions: workshops
for Kamloops School District teachers, visits by staff of a
private school, and visits by members of a child care association.
Over 30 physics teachers from all over the province came as
a group and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. At every Open House
there has been visitors from pre-school to pensioners.
The BIG Little Science Centre is a 'fun place' to visit, no matter what
your background or age is. We have hosted Girl guides, Brownies,
Beavers and Cubs. We have had a visit from the Boys and Girls Club,
from Japanese and Chinese educators, and from Quebec exchange
students. An entire school from the small community of Canoe
Creek spent part of an evening with the Centre. We have also
entertained students and teachers from TRU.
What's happening at the BIG Little Science Centre?
There are now 2 rooms filled with 'hands-on' stations, demonstrating
simple physics principles in mechanics, fluids, electricity,
magnetism, heat, light, and sound. During a visit, youngsters
can explore the 'hands-on' displays, and then enjoy and/or participate
in demonstrations of topics such as static electricity, magnetism,
air pressure, forms of energy, simple machines, chemical and
physical changes, or light and colour.
How do I arrange a visit for my class?
To arrange a visit, please phone Gord Stewart at 554-BLSC
(2572). Leave a message if necessary,
giving your name, school, grade level(s), and a phone number
where you can be reached at school or home, as well as a
'best time'. You may also Email
Gord.
How Do I Get to the Science Centre?
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BIG Little Science Centre
FAQ