FUTURE GOALS:
The NS3’s future goals are simple:
- continue to offer quality interactive science opportunities to families;
- increase both the number of schools and school districts participating in our outreach programs;
- continue operating NS3’s Science Studio — a small space for exhibit-based programming that will also serve as a base for our programs and act as an interim science centre; and
- build a permanent science centre in Nanaimo.
History of Nanaimo Science
Since incorporating as a non-profit society in 2010, the Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society has brought together environmental, educational, research, business, and recreational groups around our mission of science and sustainability education. During the first years of the society, Nanaimo Science conducted initial research for our business plan on the feasibility of a science centre in central Vancouver Island. This research included an analysis of the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats of a science centre (SWOT), a market analysis of potential customers, and initial financial projections. From these initial findings, we realized that there is a market for a science centre in central Vancouver Island and that our society would move forward towards realizing our long-term goal of a science centre for central Vancouver Island.
Nanaimo Science’s path moving forward:
- engaging local stakeholders/partners with vision and knowledge mobilization;
- exploring options for a suitable location for the centre;
- conducting a feasibility study complete with financial projections and space programming; and
- developing/delivering outreach programs (with local partners) that provide fun activities for families and increase community support for Nanaimo Science. Below is a list of important milestones reached by Nanaimo Science since incorporation:
2010
- Incorporated as non-profit society.
- Completed initial Business Plan, including market & feasibility analyses, and financial projections.
2011
- Received “Approval in Principle” from Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission to develop a concept plan for a Science and Nature Centre in Bowen Park.
- Conducted a Vision Workshop with 25+ volunteer stakeholders to identify key programs and activities for the Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society’s science centre.
- Attained CRA status.
2012
- Conducted a Knowledge Mobilization Workshop with 30+ local scientists and innovators to incorporate local knowledge into our “NS3’s Science in the Park” outreach programs.
- Launched first outreach programs: Science in the Park. Science in the Park 2012 consisted of 36 programs at four local playgrounds; we trained two VIU students, connected with 20+ volunteers, and reached 3000+ kids.
- Presented Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society’s concept plan for a science centre in Bowen Park to Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission.
2013
- Continued our summer outreach programs.
- Launched summer camps at VIU.
- Launched Wild Wings for Kids.
- Launched “NS3’s Spooktacular Science Race”.
- Launched our mobile science van which increased programming at community events and schools.
- Develop an early years program with Science World BC. Big Science for Little Hands: Community connections (in publication).
- Launched Trashed to Treasure.
2014
- Continued our summer outreach programs.
- Expanded NS3’s summer camps at VIU.
- Ran NS3’s 2nd annual “Wild Wings for Kids” event and “NS3’s 2nd annual Spooktacular Science Race”.
- Expanded our “Science on the Move” programs to include in-school and after school programming.
- Launched Science Saturday Workshops.
- Piloted “NS3’s Citizen Science” project with VIU and DFO scientists.
- Secured lease from School District 68 to rent unused classroom space in Departure Bay elementary school for Nanaimo Science and Sustainability’s interim science centre — NS3’S SCIENCE STUDIO!
2015-2018
- Erin McClelland joined Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society as Executive Director
- Expanded staffing to include Outreach Educators and Outreach Coordinators
- Partnership with Telus World of Science provided new exhibits for the Science Studio
- Continued service to School District 68 with district-wide programs
- Tinkering Program – Grade 2
- Trash to Treasure – Grade 5
- Citizen Science – Grade 6
- Stream Health – Grade 7
2018-2019
- Nneka Otogbolu joined Nanaimo Science as Executive Director
- Venture into Homeschool and Distributed Learning support via series directly tied to BC Curriculum for K-7
- Continued service to School District 68; expanded programs to include “Garry Oaks Ecosystem” pilot project with two schools (K-7)
- Rebranding project began in preparation for Nanaimo Science and Sustainability’s 10th year in operation
2020
- Elaine Parker joined Nanaimo Science as Executive Director after having served three years on the Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society Board of Directors
- Launched Wandering School, a new outdoor education program for homeschool and Distance Learning students
- Completed rebranding and new website launched
2021
- Moved to Country Club Centre, a family-destination shopping mall
- Expanded Summer Camps to three concurrent streams
- Increased our partnerships with local non-profit organizations
2022
- Added new Science on the Move vans to our fleet thanks to sponsorship from Mid Island Co-Op
- Expanded Summer Camps to four concurrent streams
- Extended Science in the Park to 5 days a week and added Spring & Fall dates as well
2023
- Return of Science Sunday Expo with 25 exhibitors, amazing sponsored door prizes, and nearly 1,000 guests attending
- Continued expanded Science in the Park programs, 4,000+ attendees to over 45 dates of free programs for families
- Hosted three streams of Summer Camps with a new location (Aspengrove school)
Hey Child Care Providers!
We can bring our “Big Science for Little Hands” program to your child care centres! Great for Strong Starts, preschools, and daycares!