Adventure to the Arctic this March Break

This March Break, March 8 to 16, young Nova Scotians can travel to the fascinating -- and cold -- world of the Arctic at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in Halifax.

This year's program features the exhibit Arctic Adventure, from Science North in Sudbury, Ont., and Sila, Clue Into Climate Change, from the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa.

"The exhibits present important global messages about the Arctic's diverse and unique landscapes, animals and people," said Janet Maltby, manager of the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. "All week we are travelling as far north as we can go with great activities, great science, and great fun about the Arctic."

Visitors will also enjoy interactive programs like Bear it All, presented by museum naturalists and the musical group The Wilderbeats, which is well-known for environmental and nature songs.

Each day people can meet real Alaskan malamutes, dogs that originated in Alaska and were used by the Inuit to pack and pull heavy loads over long distances.

The program also includes Understanding Cool Brains with the Dalhousie Neuroscience Society, live sea creatures, live exotic reptiles from the Nova Scotia Herpetocultural Society, and activities and information about extended growing seasons from the Department of Agriculture.

"The museum's March Break is about observing and understanding nature through fun-filled experiences," said Ms. Maltby. "Where else in Halifax can you step on a scale and compare your weight to that of a polar bear's, see hatching baby chicks, live snakes, starfish, bees, turtles, or step inside an igloo?"

The Museum of Natural History is located at 1747 Summer St., Halifax. Details on programs and admission costs are available on the website at http://nature.museum.gov.ns.ca or by calling 902-424-6099.