Level 4: Space Hall
Section A
Exhibit: Space Shuttle Model
Topic: Earth and Space Science
A1. The astronaut is connected to the Canadarm.
A2. Answers will vary. Possible uses for the Canadarm include supporting astronauts during spacewalks, using cameras for visual inspection of the Shuttle and its payload, building/construction, and repair of solar arrays or telescopes.
Section B
Exhibit: Rocket Chair
Topic: Earth and Space Science
B1. Air expelled by the rockets in the chair pushes down, creating a thrust force. This makes the chair move.
B2. Answers will vary. Examples may include air hockey or flyboards.
B3. The astronaut would need to move the SAFER backward to move forward.
B4. Pushing backward against the ground (the action) propels the skateboard forward (the reaction).
Section C
Exhibit: The Galaxies
Topic: Earth and Space Science
C1. The Andromeda Galaxy is our closest neighbour.
C2. The Andromeda Galaxy is 2.5 million light years away.
Section D
Exhibit: Decoding Starlight
Topic: Earth and Space Science
D1. The Sun is made from all four elements listed here.
Section E
Exhibit: Earth Moon Sun Video
Topic: Earth and Space Science
E1. The Moon orbits Earth 13 times per year. It makes a complete orbit of Earth every 28 days.
E2. Earth’s tilt on its axis causes unequal heating from the Sun across Earth’s surface. This is why seasons differ across the planet.
E3. The Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth.
E4. Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.
Section F
Exhibit: The Cosmic Shower
Topic: Earth and Space Science
F1. Most cosmic rays are atomic nuclei: atoms stripped of their electrons. Cosmic rays also include electrons, positrons and other subatomic particles.
F2. Answers will vary. The chamber contains super-cooled, super-saturated alcohol vapour on the brink of condensation. When a high-energy particle passes through the chamber, it collides with air molecules, leaving a trail of charged particles. These trails may be long and straight or thin and wispy.
F3. Supernovas occur about once every 50 years in our galaxy.
Level 6: The Bruce Poon Tip Living Earth Hall
Section G
Exhibit: Great Lakes Watershed Map
Topic: Biology
G1. A watershed is a network of land and water. It is the area of land where all water under the land or draining off of it goes to the same body of water.
G2. Lake Erie was polluted with phosphates and nitrates from industrial and municipal wastewater, as well as with fertilizers running off from farmland. This caused an overgrowth of algae.
G3. Pollution controls were imposed by Canada and the United States to reduce the amount of phosphate allowed in detergents. The government also began diverting sewage to new treatment plants.
Between Level 5 and 6: Carbon Display
Section H
Exhibit: Carbon Display
Topic: Chemistry
H1. Answers will vary. Students could mention:
- Both substances can be used as fuel sources.
- Whale oil, which comes from blubber, and kerosene, which is derived from petroleum, were both once used to light oil lamps.
- Both substances are rich in hydrocarbons.
H2. Answers will vary. Students may choose plastic, petroleum, lanterns, musical instruments, film, backpacks or medicine.
H3. Answers will vary.
H4. Answers will vary.
