"Canada in Space" Provides Playful Insights into The Canadian Space Program
VANCOUVER October 27, 2003
Ever wondered how astronauts pee in space? You can be sure that kids have. "Canada in Space" - a new web site launching on October 31st - provides young people with a playful introduction to the International Space Station, space science, and Canada's contribution to space exploration.
"Canada in Space" is an initiative of the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and was developed by SFU's 7th Floor Media. The web site is part of Project NorthStar, a national youth outreach program. "The web site furthers our goal of connecting students with space science and space exploration in a fun and engaging way," says Pauline Landry, School Programs Officer for the Space Centre. "It also allows us to show kids that Canada's participation in space exploration and the space program goes way beyond the 'Canadarm.'"
On the web site, kids can explore the International Space Station, test their skills at the "Astronaut School," experiment with launching rockets, make choices about day-to-day activities aboard a space station, and check scientific hypotheses about the effects of microgravity on the human body. An interactive timeline provides snapshots of Canada's contributions to space exploration. Young people can also explore careers through biographies of real Canadians working in a variety of space-related careers, satisfy their curiosity about space facts, and submit their own questions and view answers from space professionals. The site also includes activities that kids can try on their own off-line or educators can use to connect the Canada in Space experience with hands-on classroom instruction.
Julie Zilber, Co-Director of 7th Floor Media, says, "Kids are fascinated by space and space exploration. This site presents an amazing amount of information in a way that appeals to young people. The fact that staff at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre can easily add new content means that there will always be something new to discover on the site. This has been a great project. We've had fun and learned a lot, and we're sure that young people who use the site will, too."
"The whole concept of space has been captivating people for centuries. Our partnership with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will surely prove educational to children and adult audiences alike," says Jean-Marc Blais, Director General, Canadian Heritage Information Network.
The site is an investment of the Department of Canadian Heritage, Virtual Museum of Canada. It is available online at www.canadainspace.ca.