2020 CASCADE AWARD RECIPIENTS
THE FIRST EVER VIRTUAL CASCADE AWARDS
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic the Canadian Association of Science Centers (CASC) brought their Annual CASCADE Awards celebration to the digital world! On Thursday, May 28, 2020, in a time of social distancing, over 190 informal science engagement professionals and supporters connected over ZOOM to celebrate their sector and reconnect with their community.
Best Program – Small Institution
Early Explorers Preschool – The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre
The Early Explorers Preschool is a licensed preschool program set within The Exploration Place Museum + Science Centre in Prince George, BC. Children enjoy the only STEAM-based preschool curriculum in Prince George, balanced with circle time, art, songs, fine and gross motor play, and kindergarten readiness, set in a stimulating learning environment like no other in our area.
Best Program – Large Institution
Northern Ontario Science Festivals – Science North
The Northern Ontario Science Festival engages various audiences in a week-long celebration that highlights and celebrates local and global science and technology in the festival locations of Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay and Thunder Bay. Each festival is a result of a collaborative effort of local community partners under the direction of Science North.
Best Exhibit or Show – Small Institution (2 recipients)
Naturoscope – La Maison Léon-Provancher
Upon entering La Maison Léon-Provancher, visitors are put into contact with nature. They discover the living classifications and scientific method. Their visit continues with interactive devices, illustrative elements, naturalized animals and artefacts are combined in a stimulating journey presenting local biodiversity.
Sound, Only Sound! – Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science
Sound, Only Sound! is a traveling exhibition that focuses on sound! Sound is not only heard by the ears. This exhibition proves it by having visitors experience sound through their other senses. Yes! Through touch via hands and body (to feel the vibrations), as well as through sight.
Best Exhibit or Show – Large Institution (2 recipients)
MindWorks – Ontario Science Centre
MindWorks is a thought-provoking bodies-on and minds-on exhibition that encourages visitors to explore and learn about their own minds and how they think, feel and react. Through intriguing and thought-provoking experiences, this exhibition is designed to spark moments of mindfulness, challenging visitors to question themselves and discover answers experientially.
THINK – Science North
Science North completed a major renewal of the 4th level of the science centre in 2019 with a new space for visitors to do hands on tinkering, creation, and innovation. The new THINK (Tinker, Hack, Innovate, Network, and Know) space creates an exciting, interactive area for hands-on exploration and learning.