I'm happy to answer that. I spend my days working with the very youngest of science centre visitors at our centre. We welcome visitors from infancy to 12 years old, and their families. It is never too early to start. In fact, by waiting until children get to the later grades of elementary school, it's almost too late to ignite that spark that encourages them and gives them the confidence to pursue interests, studies, and then ultimately perhaps careers in science.
So as far as hands-on experiences go, we know that the first five years of a child's life are vitally important in setting the framework for how they will respond to learning in future years. Giving them opportunities that show them that science is all around them, that it goes beyond a textbook in a school, really sets the foundation for innovation. Certainly the Ontario Science Centre and science centres across Canada have recognized the importance and are working to engage early learning. Also, by engaging early learners, you engage their families as well.
The Ontario Science Centre is hosting the 5th Science Centre World Congress in two weeks in Toronto. People from around the world will be coming to learn what they have done in terms of moving forward on that agenda.