Level 4: Space Hall
Section A
Exhibit: Space Shuttle Model
Topic: Space
A1. Answers will vary. See image for reference.
A2. The Canadarm was used to transfer payloads in and out of the space shuttle. Paired with another device, it could inspect the exterior of the shuttle for damage to the thermal protection system.
Section B
Exhibit: Rocket Chair
Topic: Space
B1. The jets need to blow backwards. This will create an opposing pushing force that makes the chair move forward.
B2. Like the rocket chair, without friction, the astronaut would continue to move in the same direction if they slipped while walking. The tether prevents the astronaut from floating away from the spacecraft. It also supplies the astronaut with oxygen and electrical power.
Section C
Exhibit: Gravity Surfer
Topic: Space
C1. Answers will vary. Some challenges students may mention include: launching too early or too late, predicting where the spacecraft will be at launch and managing both objects while they are travelling at different speeds.
Section D
Exhibit: Earth, Moon and Sun
Topic: Space
D1. The moon circles Earth 13 times per year.
D2. As the Moon moves around Earth, different parts of it are illuminated by the Sun.
D3. During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth.
D4. During a lunar eclipse, Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.
Section E
Exhibit: Moon, Mars and Meteorites
Topic: Space
E1. Answers will vary. Students may note:
- The rocks are dark in colour. They have a blackened outer crust known as a fusion crust.
- The rocks have shallow depressions (i.e., they appear dimpled).
- The rocks contain some shiny or metallic spots.
Level 6: Forest Lane
Section F
Exhibit: Nature Nook
Topic: Biodiversity
F1. (i.) A; (ii.) D; (iii.) C; (iv.) B
F2. You might hear the great horned owl or American toad at night.
Level 6: Cohon Family Nature Escape
Section G
Exhibit: Urban Forest
Topic: Biodiversity
G1. Answers will vary. This space includes both coniferous and deciduous trees, as well as some shrubs. Some of the species are labelled. Students can compare leaf shapes or needles, leafing patterns (i.e., opposite or alternate), bark appearance and tree size, among other characteristics.
Level 6: Weston Family Innovation Centre
Section H
Exhibit: Vertical Wind Tunnel
Topic: Flight
H1. Answers will vary.
H2. The shape of the “wings” on either side of the seed causes the seed to spin. This spinning slows the seed’s descent, allowing more time for the wind to carry it. This structure allows the wind to disperse more maple seeds.
H3. Answers will vary. See image for reference.
Level 6: The Bruce Poon Tip Living Earth Hall
Section I
Exhibit: Frog Calls
Topic: Biodiversity
I1. The green frog sounds like the plucking of a rubber band.
I2. The northern leopard frog sounds like the revving of a car engine.
I3. Answers will vary.
I4. Answers will vary.
I5. Answers will vary.
I6. Answers will vary. Students may mention that frog predators would starve or have less to eat, while frog prey might increase in population. This could affect many other parts of the ecosystem. For example, an increase in insects could have a detrimental effect on some plants, which would then affect other animals in the ecosystem.
