Gordy [Ross Gore] said, ‘the word science is a verb,” explained Gord Stewart, Executive Director of the BIG Little Science Centre, and that verb is an action word which describes the Science Centre.
Stewart comes with a background in an IT Company, experience in salmon habitat, and a biology background. In 2005 he saw a help-wanted ad for the science centre and thought it would be a fun thing to do “I’m still here,” he said. “It was an opportunity to slow down and I’m still having fun.”
The Big Little Science Centre was brought to life by Gordon Ross Gore’s love of science and teaching which led to the opening of the BLSC where adults and children could experience hands-on science.
The BLSC’s purpose is to bring wonder for science via a ‘hands-on’ experience at 140 stations which support investigation. The centre is open to the public, although it is mostly available for school tours. Summer programs are available with some lasting as long as a week.
Today the centre has exhibits in biology, physics and chemistry, noted Stewart. Topics include robotics, air pressure, properties of light and colour, shadows, reflection and pattern, design, a ‘tech’ camp, and film stop motion.
An exploration room, a static electricity show, and a summer science camp are also available.
The centre accommodates birthday parties and special events, school bookings, professional development days, Saturday programming, and homeschoolers.
After receiving a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education in Science, Gore taught Science and Physics classes at a number of schools throughout Kamloops and Mission. Over the years, Gore received a number of awards which acknowledged his influence on science.
In 1999 retirement found him demonstrating physics and science in school gyms; however, having to pack up the equipment after each demonstration spurred the idea to have students come to a permanent location. And no matter the location, BLSC has kept to its mission of providing science education that engages students in an interactive approach for every age.
David Thompson Elementary School in Westsyde housed the big little Science Centre in one room in 2000. Bert Edwards School of Science, George Hillard Elementary, and Happy Vale were schools the Big Little Science Centre called home for various amounts of time.
School-based locations ended in 2019. Presently BLSC leases space from Tri City Canada and KamVan Holdings on Seymour Street, downtown, but they are currently looking for a permanent home, explained Stewart.
When Gorden S. Gore was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in 2002, he didn’t want the Centre to disappear. A way was needed to raise funds, so the Big Little Science Centre Society was established and by 2003 was registered as a non-profit organization.
Stewart said he feels lucky to have spent time working with Gore while he was still able to participate in the work of BLSC.
Today curiosity and facts do the talking, and staff and volunteers are available to answer questions and help develop the scientific experience, commented Stewart.
Stewart is full time and there are two part time permanent staff. The centre also hires summer students via grants when possible.
Stewart would like to acknowledge A. Glover and S. Hammond for their long-time devoted volunteer service to BLSC over the years.