Level 4: Space Hall
Section A
Exhibit: Space Shuttle Model
Topic: Form, Function and Design of Structures
A1. The computers and other machinery in the cockpit radiate a great deal of heat. The cargo bay doors must be opened to allow the heat to escape.
A2. An airplane would not need similar protection, because it flies more slowly and at significantly lower altitudes than a spacecraft at re-entry.
A3. When the space shuttle is orbiting Earth, it is in freefall. Although the mass of the Canadarm remains constant, in zero gravity, it is weightless.
Level 6: Forest Lane
Section B
Exhibit: Get a Whiff of the Woods
Topic: Interactions in the Environment
B1. Answers will vary.
B2. Flowers produce scents to attract pollinators.
Section C
Exhibit: Arctic Willow
Topic: Interactions in the Environment
C1. Answers will vary.
C2. The growing season in the Arctic is very short, so the plant is small. It grows low to the ground to limit evaporation caused by the cold, dry wind.
C3. There is very little soil on the cliff’s edge, and the plants that grow here cannot permeate the rocks. Similarly, Arctic soil is lacking in nutrients and the permafrost is impenetrable. There are also harsh, drying winds in both environments. Together, these factors result in plants that are small for their age.
Level 6: Weston Family Innovation Centre
Section D
Exhibit: Infrared Thermometer
Topic: Heat in the Environment
D1. Hand temperatures will vary but should be lower than normal core body temperature of 37 °C.
D2. Most objects should be close to room temperature. Body parts or items that were close to the body before taking a measurement will be warmer. Some objects, such as a water bottle filled with cold water, may be cooler.
D3. Room temperature should be around 22 °C. Most of the items measured should be around this temperature.
D4. Our body makes its own heat. That heat transfers to objects close to the body (e.g., clothing, items from pockets, etc.). Electronic items, such as computers or cell phones, also produce heat.
Section E
Topic: Form, Function and Design of Structures
E1. The internal forces acting on the tower are tension and compression. The external forces are gravity and the structure’s weight. If there were people or objects in a life-sized version of the model, they would also comprise an external force.
E2. Answers will vary.
E3. Answers will vary.
E4. The structure will become more stable if the centre of gravity is moved closer to the ground.
Level 6: The Bruce Poon Tip Living Earth Hall
Section F
Exhibits: The TELUS Rain Forest, The Cave
Topic: Interactions in the Environment
F1. Temperature: Warm all year. Humidity: High. Level of Sunlight: High all year; however, the heavy canopy prevents sunlight from reaching the understory. Soil Type: Thin and low in nutrients, with very few or no leaves on the ground.
F2. Temperature: Cool in summer, cold in winter. Humidity: Moderate. Level of Sunlight: Little to none. Soil Type: None in the Ontario Science Centre Cave. In a real cave, the floor may be covered in bat droppings and/or debris that washes in from outside.
Level 6: Science Arcade
Section G
Exhibit: Flywheel Momentum
Topic: Form, Function and Design of Structures
G1. Answers will vary.
G2. Answers will vary. The flywheel with the larger mass should spin longer.
G3. Answers will vary.
G4. Answers will vary. Generally, the wheel that is wider and heavier will spin longer. It may be a close match if the contest is between a heavy flywheel with a small diameter and a light flywheel with a large diameter.
G5. The bicycle with the steel frame would be harder to stop, as the frame is heavier and the wheel connected to the pedals has a larger diameter.
