For Immediate Release: December 8, 2011
Discoveryland Grand Opening!
Edmonton, AB - TELUS World of Science - Edmonton is excited to announce the public grand opening of their NEW early childhood development gallery, Discoveryland on December 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.
We believe exciting children about science and technology is the best way to establish a foundation for creative thinking and innovation. By engaging our youngest visitors, from birth to grade one, through play, discovery and wonder we will start them on their voyage of life-long learning.
TELUS World of Science plays host to 475,000 to 500,000 visitors annually. Approximately 250,000 come specifically to enjoy our Exhibit Galleries and public programming. The new early childhood development gallery, Discoveryland, will provide a shared learning opportunity for our young visitors that will engage and excite them about the wonders of science through play.
Discoveryland is a strategic integration of fine and gross motor activities exploring the arts, sciences and humanities in ways that support children's socioemotional, cognitive and physical development allowing each child to interact at her or his own pace, inclination, and personal learning preference, supporting the greatest potential for playful learning.
The new Children's Gallery is for the enjoyment of children 8 and under and will feature five areas:
Tot Galaxy: Toddler Area
Tot Galaxy is specifically designed for infants and toddlers, 0-2 years of age, and their caregivers. It addresses a range of developmentally appropriate challenges so that infants and toddlers have the opportunity to learn about themselves, learn about others, acquire thinking skills, and expand their fine and gross motor skills.
Infant Care Room: A Special Place for Baby - is a private area specially designed for parents to care for their newborn babies and infants.
Sky High: Role-Playing Area
Sky High is designed as a role-playing environment that enables preschoolers to engage in make-believe play, enhancing their communication and social abilities. Role-playing also stimulates their imagination, allows them to act out solutions to problems, and helps them acquire new skills through specific challenging tasks. This environment is designed around an interpreted jet airplane flying over the clouds.
Cloud Burst: Discovery Water-Play Area
Cloud Burst focuses on water-play, providing visitors with problem-solving and logical thinking learning experiences. This area provides a unique opportunity for preschoolers to engage in playful scientific exploration of both the physical and esthetic properties of water, a precious natural resource. On this level, visitors are immersed inside a whimsical interpretation of a cloud. Colours and shapes are reminiscent of the wide variety of rain-heavy clouds.
Blue Sky: Creative Play Area
Blue Sky is a creative play area inviting children to engage in self-expression activities. Imaginative building, creating and performing are key experiences which will help nurture a sense of self-esteem. This area explores the environment between the treetops and the clouds, filled with flying creatures and objects floating above the "city". A tree house perched on a treetop next to a blue-sky mural completes the thematic scenery visible through the Gallery.
For more information please visit our website at: www.edmontonscience.com
-30-
About TELUS World of Science - Edmonton
TELUS World of Science - Edmonton is a world-class, broad-based science centre inspiring and motivating people to learn about and contribute to science and technology. TELUS World of Science - Edmonton is a leader in providing high quality, interactive programs and exhibits creating an avenue for both learning and entertainment, which spark the imagination of people of all ages. The Edmonton Space & Science Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates TELUS World of Science - Edmonton.
Media are invited to join us December 16, 2011 for the media preview and grand opening of Discoveryland at 10:00 a.m.
