Waterloo Region Museum

School Board Programs

Waterloo Region Museum offers Education Programs for teachers with current school board curricular links.

For more information contact:
Dave Neufeld
Education Coordinator
519-748-1914 or by email.

EDUCATION PROGRAM 2012

NEW! Heritage Fairs Program
Grade 4 to 10 - all disciplines
Sign up for the Ontario Heritage Fairs Program. Students research and create their own exhibits to display and be adjudicated at the school and at the Regional Fair, at the Waterloo Region Museum each year. A variety of awards are possible.
Numbers vary , Relates to many studies.  A true cross-curricular program. Regional Fair held annually in May

NEW! Forest Festival
Grade 6 & 7 - Science & Technology, Social Studies and Geography
The Forest Festival is a three day event, which teaches students several key messages; the importance of the Forest Life Zone, forest ecosystems, species at risk, stewardship and conservation, climate change through hands-on interactive activities.
Relates to many studies of science and geography across the curriculum. Full day program, unlimited student numbers (fall)

NEW! First Peoples Festival
Grade 6 to 12 - Native Studies and History
Learn about the history and current realities of the Region's First Nations, Métis and Inuit population. A three day educational festival presented in partnership with the local First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations. Dance, crafts, art, Elders and traditional teachings and more.
Relates to many studies of History across the curriculum. Full Day, maximum number - 500 students
First festival will take place Fall of 2012

NEW! Berlin to Kitchener in the Great War
Grade 10 - History
A local history program. Technology, soldiers, women's history and a name change. What happened in Waterloo County and Berlin in World War 1?
Curricular Link - Grade 10 - Canadian History since World War I - Academic and Applied
Two hours, maximum number - 60 students per program

NEW! Blackberries, Barn Frames and a Baby Catapult - Inovation in the Region
Grade 9 - Technology and Grade 9 to 12 - History
A new education program based on the museum's first short term exhibit - Innovation in the Region of Waterloo.
Curricular Links - Grade 9-12 Technology, Grade 9-12 History

NEW! Early Settlements in Upper Canada 3
Grade 3 - Social Studies
A winter version of the Early Settlement program. Students will see exhibits in the newly opened gallery of the Waterloo Region Museum and visit selected buildings in Doon Heritage Village.
Curricular Link - Heritage and Citizenship: Grade 3 - Early Settlements in Upper Canada
Two Hours, maximum number - 60 students per program

Once Upon a Time
Grade K/1 - Social Studies
Nursery rhymes are the theme in this fun program, where students can see animals, feed the chickens, play games and help with household chores.
Curricular Link - Heritage and Citizenship: Grade K/1 - Relationships, Rules and Responsibilities
1.5 hours, maximum number - 45 students per program

Everyday Structures
Grade 1 - Science & Technology / Social Studies
In this highly interactive program, students use tools and models to simulate construction techniques while examining barn frames, log buildings and other structures.
Curricular Link - Structures and Mechanisms: Grade 1 - Everyday Structures
Two hours, maximum number - 60 students per program

Forest, Field and Farm
Grade 1 & 2 - Science and Technology
Real plants and animals are studied on the farm, garden and forest. Students see cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, work with gardens, take a walk in the forest and much more.
Curricular Links - Understanding Life Systems: Grade 1 - Needs and Characteristics of Living Things and Understanding Life Systems: Grade 2 - Growth and Changes in Animals
Two hours, maximum number - 60 students per program

A Village Christmas 1914
Grade 2 & 3 - Social Studies
Christmas and the New Year are the tools used to demonstrate how traditions and celebrations are passed on, preserved and changed. Students examine ethnic groups as well as home and public celebrations.
Curricular Link - Structures and Mechanisms: Grade 1 - Everyday Structures Heritage and Citizenship: Grade 2 - Traditions and Celebrations and Heritage and Citizenship: Grade 3 - Early Settlements in Upper Canada.
Two hours, maximum number - 90 students per program

Strong and Stable Structures
Grade 3 - Science & Technology / Social Studies
This structures program advances the material learned in Grade 1 with an emphasis on what makes a building stable. Students look at joints, struts, braces, ties and more in a variety of structures on site.
Curricular Link - Structures and Mechanisms: Grade 1 - Everyday Structures and Mechanisms: Grade 3 - Strong and Stable Structures and Heritage and Citizenship: Grade 3 - Early Settlements in Upper Canada.
Two hours, maximum number - 60 students per program

Early Settlements in Upper Canada 1
Grade 3 - Social Studies - HALF DAY
Students compare the lifestyles of early settlers to their own by taking part in activities on the farm, in the blacksmith shop and in the home. Students also examine a covered wagon and artifacts to learn about early immigration to Waterloo Region.
Curricular Link - Structures and Mechanisms: Grade 1 - Everyday Structures Heritage and Citizenship: Grade 3 - Early Settlements in Upper Canada.
Two hours, maximum number - 60 students per program

Early Settlements in Upper Canada 2
Grade 3 - Social Studies - FULL DAY
A more in depth look at early settlers of Southern Ontario, students will see the majority of our historic buildings in this more comprehensive program with lots of great hands-on activities.
Curricular Link - Structures and Mechanisms: Grade 1 - Everyday StructuresHeritage and Citizenship: Grade 3 - Early Settlements in Upper Canada.
Full Day, (available fall only) maximum number - 120 students per program

Amazing Machines
Grade 4 - Science and Technology
Students are challenged to use the seven simple machines and their problem solving skills to deal with real life problems. Devices such as block and tackles and winches are used by students in full scale.
Structures and Mechanisms: Grade 4 - Pulleys and Gears
Two hours, maximum number - 60 students per program

Canada: A Changing Society
Grade 8 - History
In this program, students learn about lifestyles, technology, and the factors of social change in 1914. Teachers may select from a variety of activities from health and medicine to leisure and entertainment.
History: Grade 8 - Canada: A Changing Society
Two hours, maximum number - 120 students per program

Waterloo Wellington Children's Groundwater Festival
Grades 2 to 5
A cross curricular event/program overing a variety of Science and Technology and Heritage and Citizenship units.
Full day, unlimited student numbers, free busing

Grassroots Groundwater - A Field Course   
Grade 8 - Earth and Space Systems & Water Systems
A hands-on program in which students work with real monitoring wells to map aquifers, measure draw down and compare surface and groundwater quality.
Available fall months only. Two hours, maximum number - 120 students. Combine this program with 'Canada: A Changing Society' for a full day experience

School Fairs and Special School Celebrations
Design your own day!
Doon Heritage Village has hosted many school anniversaries and celebrations. We can work with you to plan your special whole-school day at Doon Heritage Village. A variety of activities are possible.
Full day, unlimited numbers

For more information or to make a booking call 519-748-1914 or email jperham@regionofwaterloo.ca or dneufeld@regionofwaterloo.ca