JUNE 12 - SEPT 2
Bugs & Bytes
From ants to algorithms, Spark is buggin’ out with science this summer!
This summer, TELUS Spark is buzzing with excitement as the science centre kicks off an epic summer of Bugs & Bytes! Guests are in for a summer full of exploring the secrets of both the digital and natural worlds while getting curious about science.
Prepare to be wowed by science-tastic programming including:
- Take a byte out of the future and experience AI like never before with the Barbican Centre’s exhibition AI: More Than Human at Spark until Sept. 8.
- Tarantulas, Caterpillars, Moths, oh MY! Prepare to be amazed by the larger-than-life Monster Insects overtaking Spark’s Brainasium Outdoor Park, here until Sept. 5.
- Take a trip into outer-space in Spark's newest Digital Immersion Gallery show, SPACE: Journey to the Moon & Beyond.
- Play all day in the summer sun in the Brainasium Outdoor Park, and visit Where We Gather a place to get together and share Indigenous stories and knowledge.
- Try the sun-sational drinks & ice cream from Astronaut Ice Cream café, including the Earthy Grounds Latte, Bug Juice Fizz and BUGscream.
- Follow an uplifting journey around the globe that inspires people to make a difference during the Infinity Dome film, Jane Goodall – Reasons for Hope.
- Plus, fun live science experiments galore happening every day of the week!
Don't miss a summer filled with science and adventure with Bugs & Bytes Summer Science @ Spark, from June 12 to September 2, 2024!
June 1
AI: More Than Human
This summer, take a byte out of the future and experience AI like never before with the Barbican Centre’s exhibition, AI: More Than Human. See immersive art installations, and digital media, and use tools to decide for yourselves how to navigate our evolving world!
June 13
Monster Insects
Get ready for an epic invasion as larger-than-life Monster Insects swarm the Brainasium Outdoor Park! Come face-to-face with a gigantic praying mantis, shiny scorpion, and charming ladybug while learning about these creatures' fascinating lives.
All summer long
SPACE: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond
Fly through a technicolor nebula, kick up dust on the moon, and witness Saturn’s rings up close in this out-of-this-world immersive experience. Explore the galaxy through the James Webb telescope, with science seamlessly woven into each scene, creating a unique space exploration encounter.
June 12
Summer Eats & Treats
Experience the richness of the Earthy Grounds Iced Latte, a delightful blend of chia seeds, Oreo crumbles, and Red Ant sugar cookies. Or quench your thirst with a Bug Juice Fizz, a refreshing concoction of flavoured syrup, soda water, and lychee popping pearls. If you worm up an appetite choosing a drink, grab some grub from the eatery like a Crickets Grilled Cheese Sandwich or a Butterfly or Ladybug Sugar Cookie.
What's On
- BUGS & BYTES
- INSECT WORKSHOPS
Pretty Dead Taxidermy
Flutter alongside the Majestic Monarch Butterflies and splash around with the Tremendous Toe Biter (or Giant Water Bug) while discovering their majestic wings and fascinating tales. Get hands-on with these Alberta natives and explore their scientific significance. It's a bug's life with a twist!
Learn More- Steven's Lab
- June 28 to Sept 5, 2024
AI Playground 2.0
The AI Playground is back and better than ever, with an array of new tools to tickle your neurons. Utilize new image generating tools, try your hand at our ChatGPT challenges and much more. Gain insights into AI’s potential pitfalls, from misinformation to scams.
Visiting Scientist: Kenny Vo (Kennevo)
Don’t miss the chance to be dazzled by AI whiz and influencer, Kenny Vo, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sign up at Steven’s Lab. Spots are limited. One free image printout per participant per day.
Learn MoreLive Science Daily
- JUNE 17 - AUG 26
- JUNKYARD PLAYGROUND
Maker Mondays
Join Telus Spark & Prairie Tough Construction every Monday in the Junkyard Playground for some hands-on skill-building experiences!
*In the case of inclement weather this activity will be moved indoors when possible.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- JUNE 12 - AUG 27
- BRAINASIUM
Taxonomy Tuesdays
Young guests dive into the fascinating world of the Phylum Arthropod! From the intricate exoskeletons of insects to the graceful movements of arachnids, join the Live Science team for some hands-on learning.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
*in the case of inclement weather this activity will be moved indoors when possible.
- JUNE 13 - AUG 29
- INSPIRATION STAGE
Parks Canada Pop-Up Puppet Theatre Thursdays
Who lurks in the deep, waiting to stow away on your watercraft? Yarr, it be Aquatic Invasive Species! Join Parks Canada’s Mountain WIT for this rollicking tale of piracy and puppetry. Join the Clean Drain Dry crew and fight the invaders!
12:00 PM
2:00 PM
- JUNE 14 - AUG 30
- BRAINASIUM
Entomologist Fridays
Alberta Entomologists guide guests on a hands-on discovery of bugs! Whether you're learning about mischievous mosquitoes, beautiful pollinators, or spectacular spiders, prepare to be inspired by a newfound love for the small yet mighty inhabitants of our planet.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
*in the case of inclement weather this activity will be moved indoors when possible.
- JUNE 12 - SEPT 2
- BRAINASIUM
Wow to WHOA
Looking for your daily dose of mind-blowing science?! Exhilarating science experiments happening in the Brainasium Outdoor Park all summer long!
*In the case of inclement weather this activity will be moved indoors when possible.
3:30 PM
- JUNE 12 - AUG 28
- BRAINAIUM
Waterbug Wednesdays
Dive into the world of aquatic wonders! This captivating summer program invites Spark guests to explore the creatures lurking beneath the surface of our ponds, streams, and rivers.
1:00 – 3:00 PM
*in the case of inclement weather this activity will be moved indoors when possible.
- JUNE 12 - SEPT 2
- BRAINASIUM
Bugs on a Buggy
Get ready for an up-close and personal exploration of the fascinating world of bugs! Dive deep into the science and biology of insects and arachnids.
*in the case of inclement weather this activity will be moved indoors when possible.
- JUNE 12 - SEPT 2
- CREATIVE KIDS MUSEUM
Slick Striders
Spark’s Live Science team welcomes guests into the fascinating world of insects! Craft your very own water strider bug, test how it moves in the water table, and learn about its unique ability to glide effortlessly across the water's surface.
10:00-11:00 AM
1:00-2:00 PM
- JUNE 12 - SEPT 2
- INSPIRATION STAGE
Inspiration Stage Schedule
10:30 AM: Flint Meet & Greet
11:30 AM: Bubble Universe: Exploring the World of Spheres
12:30 PM: Ultimate Challenge: Beat the AI
1:30 PM: Chilling Science Unleashed
2:30 PM: Ultimate Challenge: Beat the AI
3:30 PM: Wow to WOAH (Takes place in the Brainasium unless inclement weather)
*Special activities available during Spark's extended hours of 7:00 pm
4:30 PM: Bubble Universe: Exploring the Science of Spheres
5:30 PM: Chilling Science Unleashed
6:30 PM: Flint Meet & Greet
- JULY 16 & 30, AUG 6 & 13
- BRAINASIUM
Theatre Tuesdays with the University of Calgary’s Wagonstage!
Throughout the summer guests can take in a production of “The Underlings”, a story about the importance of soil and soil conservation.
1:30 PM
- JUNE 20
- BRAINASIUM
Summer Solstice
Join Spark outside on June 20 to mark the scientific start of summer with an explosive experiment!
2:50 PM
Bug out over these new finds.
The Spark Store is an entomologist-filled paradise buzzing with scientific wonders waiting to be unearthed.
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