Calgary Science Centre Society

we serve these populations

  • children and youth
  • immigrant newcomers
  • indigenous communities

we need help with:

  • education
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • science and research

Requesting $9600.00

charity
non profit

Description of Need

The science centre typically serves 40,000 students between March and June. Teachers and parents rely on the science centre for programs they know kids will love. The need for help with science education at home is now urgent and getting more pressing. Last week, 3000 students tuned in for a live 90-minute program. We urgently need help to quickly edit and package the much-loved science programs for online delivery. This is not a skill we have in house as it has not been required before.

 

Our Story – Why We Exist

TELUS Spark is a place for people of all ages, abilities and cultures to explore and discover science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). We are a key charging station for young learners in Southern Alberta, and a unique place where adults are inspired to learn and build the skills for innovation.

Since 1967, we have promoted curiosity, innovation and collaboration and encouraged children and youth to pursue higher education and careers in science and technology.

In 2011, we opened the doors to our reinvented science centre, a place that’s much more than a science centre. Our space is a place to explore and get your hands on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).

At TELUS Spark we are a role model and force for innovation that drives positive change, we strive to see a community transformed by a culture of curiosity, risk-taking and problem solving.
 

Our Impact – What We Do

TELUS Spark is Calgary’s Science Centre. Facilitators fuel curiosity. Exhibits and programs ignite a sense of wonder and excitement. Award-winning education programs for children and adults encourage people to discover answers through a hands-on approach. Spring and Summer Camps spark the STEAM interest in a playful way. Conferences and events act as a catalyst for innovation and new ideas.

Our 2018 Highlights:

  • In 2018 we welcomed over 370,000 visitors to TELUS Spark.
  • Our Community Access program of 48 partners representing a cross-section of social needs brought more than 12,500 visitors to Spark.
  • Canoo (formerly known as Cultural Access Program) provided access to 3,591 new Canadians.
  • More than 72,500 students and teachers participated in various workshops, semester long prototype projects and one-week science intensives.
  • Our Shift Lab program for educators enabled participants of 9 school divisions from Alberta and neighbouring provinces to prepare their students for creative problem-solving. Shift Lab generates effective, long term collaborations beyond the classroom between educators, content experts, students and external partners from the community.
  • Completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the City of Calgary’s  Climate Change Education Plan.
  • Partnered with the City of Calgary to launch the first Autonomous Vehicle available to the public with a ridership of over 4,500 guests over 22 days of operation.
  • 2019 Cascades Award Finalist for Junkyard Playground.

Here’s what some of our guests have said about us:

This is my third year returning for the sensory wonders program. Each year it has been great, ties into the curriculum really well. [Program] Leaders have been very knowledgeable and good with the kids”. – Program Participant

 It’s great having such an amazing and well-connected supporter in the community. The importance you place on SHIFT Lab gives us a positive reminder of how important our job is and how it’s always evolving.” – Nikki, Junior High School Science Teacher

 I would [participate in the Prototype Project] again because it was a great experience and it was amazing how it all just comes together… this has definitely made my interest for science a lot bigger and I want to get more involved with things like mechanics and robotics.”   – Student

“This place is amazing! Our group consisted of 2 grandparents, 4 parents and 4 children aged from 4 to 8. There were exhibits that appealed to every person in our group. The exhibits are wonderfully interactive and engrossed even our youngest. Even the outside play area follows the same theme – learning is fun. […]”  – Comment on TripAdvisor, April 2017
 

Our Programs – How We Do It

At TELUS Spark we are a role model and force for innovation that drives positive change, we strive to see a community transformed by a culture of curiosity, risk-taking and problem solving.

Experience our galleries. Get hands on with exhibits and experiments in our galleries or lay your eyes on Calgary’s only Dome Theatre, featuring live planetarium shows. For even more fun for the brain, check out The Brainasium – our outdoor adventure space for play and risk-taking.

  • Creative Kids Museum
  • Energy & Innovation, Earth & Sky, Being Human, Open Studio Galleries
  • The Brainasium

For Adults. We encourage life-long learning. As an adult, you don’t have to stop learning, or playing for that matter. Our programs team work hard to curate experiences and learning opportunities that can intrigue and educate even the big kids at heart.

Education. Our award-winning educational programs for children and adults encourage people to discover answers through a hands-on approach to all programs and exhibits.

School Programs. We bring students hands-on experiences designed to encourage open-ended exploration, inquiry and participatory investigation:

  • Over 40 programs for Grades K-12
  • Chevron Open Minds Science School
  • Prototype Project
  • Direct from the Operating Room

Professional Development. TELUS Spark offers specially-designed programs for educators and professionals who want to grow their careers and their minds through design thinking, innovation, and making.

  • SHIFT Lab: one-year immersive program that provides tools and support to bring a human-centered-design perspective to your school.
  • SHIFT Lab Conference: Open to all educators. Up to 20 sessions covering grades K-12 and administration topics. Sessions are developed and led by the educators from the SHIFT Lab one-year program.
  • One-Day workshops on design-based learning

Host an event. Our full-service events team can transform the science centre into the ideal place to host birthday parties, team builders or other corporate events.
 

Our Requests – What You Can Do

As a charitable organization, we need your support to continue to provide amazing experiences for our community. There are many ways that you can contribute to TELUS Spark, with each and every way ensuring that our culture of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration exists for years to come.

Volunteer and lend your skills and expertise to make learning opportunities more meaningful.  Sponsor, and see how as an organization or corporation you make our programs possible and our space more a welcoming, inclusive place. Donate and drive impact and change through every aspect of the organization. Donations allow us to rise to new challenges and continue to serve the community where needed most.

You can also show your support by becoming a member, or by hosting your next event at our building. Our events team is here to transform the science centre to meet your needs, whether that means hosting birthday parties, team builders or other corporate events.

 

Volunteer

As a charitable organization, TELUS Spark’s volunteers play an integral role in every aspect of the organization. Volunteers have the wonderful opportunity to learn about the world and community around them. You gain valuable experience, which can be applied to other situations, such as future employment or other volunteer opportunities.

We have volunteer opportunities available to individuals who are sixteen or older. Volunteering with us is exciting, fascinating, interesting and a great way to explore potential career options or to give back to your community. Our annual volunteer celebration during Volunteer Week is just one of the many benefits we like to offer our volunteers as a token of our appreciation.

If you’re curious and would like to help, watch this video: Meet TELUS Spark’s Volunteers

 

Donate

We are grateful for your support of curious minds.

Curiosity is vital in harnessing the creativity and innovative thinking that each of us possesses. Your gift goes to building a community that pushes boundaries through experiential learning to ask more questions, take risks to solve problems and ultimately foster the skills of innovation that will drive us forward.

There are a number of ways in which you can make a donation to TELUS Spark:

  • General donation
  • Recognize someone special: make a gift to TELUS Spark in honour of someone celebrating a birthday, anniversary or significant milestone in their life. We will send them a letter acknowledging your gift in honour of them. You may also choose to make a donation in memory of a friend or loved one.
  • Dedicate a seat in our Dome Theatre ($1,000) or Inspiration Stage ($500): have a seat plate engraved with up to 50 characters of your choice. Limited seats available.
  • A legacy gift in your will provides sustainable funds to our programs.
  • Donate shares

For all donations of $25 and above, we will provide a charitable tax receipt. Our Charitable Business Number is 118781079RR0001.

To make your donation, please go online to our webstore or mail a cheque indicating your choice of giving. For any further questions, please email [email protected].

 

Host Your Event

Birthday Parties

  • Ignite a sense of wonder and throw a birthday party like no other. Our birthday party packages are all about embracing the desire to create and explore – TELUS Spark is the perfect place for the birthday cake sugar rush. Check us out online to learn more about what your party includes.

Team Builders

  • Develop your team dynamics with some of our great learning experiences. Challenge your team to work and think together with an innovation-based team building program at TELUS Spark. We make sure our team builders are fun and engaging so your group can strengthen problem-solving skills and find opportunities to overcome challenges. Please call 403.817.6804 or email [email protected] for more information.

Corporate Events

  • TELUS Spark offers an intriguing, unforgettable, and a versatile venue for corporate events. We have high capacity rooms, eye-catching design, full service catering (exclusively by charbar) and a comprehensive suite of audio/visual facilities. The venue is ideal for a wide range of functions including signature events, cocktail receptions, gala dinners, team builders, intimate meetings, trade shows, and more. Whatever your needs, our events team will ensure memorable experiences and smooth execution.

Our Venue

Please contact our events team at 403.817.6887 or email us at [email protected] for more information.

 

Become a Member

Go on an adventure in The Brainasium, get messy in the Creative Kids Museum or make something incredible in Open Studio – any day you want, any time we’re open. With any level of membership, you can enjoy year-round access to our space. Go online to learn more about our different levels of membership or call us at 403.817.6803.

 

Sponsor

We’re always looking to partner with dynamic companies and organizations that are excited and passionate about having an impact on our community for years to come.

Calgary and Alberta have always been known for their “can do” attitude, and a place that inspires creativity and innovation is something we can, and must, continue to support. It’s an investment in the future of our children and the growth and success of our city, our province and our country.

To learn more about corporate sponsorship, please contact our development team at 403.817.6858 or email us at [email protected].

 

As a charitable organization, the community of support around the science centre is the best definition of success that we could ask for. To all our supporters, we say thank you!
 

Are you a Calgary Foundation Fundholder?

Contact Info

Mary Anne Moser

4036293255

Email

More Info

Charity Number: #118781079 RR 0001

Visit our Website

Financial Statements / Annual Reports

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