Science part of this year's Winterlude

Posted Feb 9, 2012 By Michelle Nash

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Cool Science Saturdays will run until Feb. 18 during Winterlude at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

Michelle Nash

Cool Science Saturdays will run until Feb. 18 during Winterlude at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

EMC news - Slime, live reptiles, liquid nitrogen ice cream, snowball challenges and a scavenger hunt are just a few of the fun activities planned for Winterlude's second annual Cool Science Saturdays.

After the success of Cool Science Saturdays at the Canada Science and Technology Museum last year, the National Capital Commission announced the event's return, adding two more museums to the lineup of venues, offering a number of activities for people of all ages.

Programming got underway at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum on Feb. 4, before shifting to the Canadian Museum of Nature for the second weekend of Winterlude on Feb. 11. It will finish up the festival at the Canada Science and Technology Museum on Feb. 18. The announcement was made at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum on Feb. 1.

"Winterlude is also about science, yes, science," said Guy LaFlamme, spokesman for the National Capital Commission, at the official announcement on Feb. 1. "How can we enjoy all the Winterlude activities without science? The freezing of the canal, the ice sculptures - everything revolves around science."

According to LaFlamme, there will be no shortage of activities during Winterlude.

On Feb. 11 the Canadian Museum of Nature will have an Awesome Arctic photo exhibition, a look at national treasurers, live reptiles and amphibians and a scavenger hunt.

Lastly, the chance to mine for chocolate chips or learn how to make slime using everyday household chemicals is just the tip of the iceberg at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, which will also be hosting an Arctic Science Field Camp where participants can learn about the Arctic and meet research scientists.

Liquid nitrogen ice cream will also be making an appearance as a very scientific treat.

All activities are free with the museum's admission. More information about the specific times and activities offered can be found at the NCC's Winterlude website, www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude.

michelle.nash@metroland.com