Book a program with us!
We offer a variety of programs for intended audiences. If you are a teacher, we have many programs with direct Ontario curriculum connections, for both secondary and elementary schools.
We also offer programs to groups outside of schools! If you are part of a club, community organization, a home school gathering, a leader for Guides, Brownies, Sparks, Scouts, Beavers, Cubs, or simply a gathering of people hoping to learn more, we can serve you! Although our museum hours are 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM on weekdays, we are often able to accommodate groups that meet outside these hours.
All programs offered by the museum are free of charge to all participants. Your donations to the museum are greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate funds to support our passion, you may do so by going to our Supporters page.
Programs are between one and a half to two hours in duration, and hands-on. We typically book two months in advance. A description of each program can be found below:
| Grade level | Program | Description | Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JK/SK | Dinosaurs and Fossils |
Learn all about the dinosaurs! Meet Albertosaurus, Parasaurolophus, Tyrannosaurus and the rest of their friends. Students will learn about the full-size skeletons, as well as get to handle a variety of REAL dinosaur fossils! Includes a guided walk around the museum. |
90 |
| Grade 2 and 3 | Groundwater Adventures |
Discover the hidden world of groundwater with a story featuring the characters Wally the Worm and Deanna Waterdroplet. Learn about where our drinking water comes from in Waterloo! Learn about the water cycle and build a craft to take home. |
90 |
| Grade 4 | Rocks and Minerals | Finally, understand the difference between rocks and minerals with this hands-on learning experience! Students get to handle 25+ different specimens before getting a tour of our underground mine tunnel. Finish off with a fun geology themed activity and scavenger hunt. Museum (120 min) or classroom (60 min) |
120 |
| Grade 5 and 6 | Natural Disasters | From volcanoes and earthquakes to massive landslides and hurricanes, explore all of earth’s natural hazards by learning what powerful forces on our planet cause these disasters. Then, put your knowledge and building skills to the test with a classroom-wide competition to see who can build a structure that will survive the earthquake-table! Museum (120 min) or classroom (60 min) |
120 |
| Grade 6 and 7 | Graph-light! | Learn all about the grey part of your pencil — what it's made of, where those minerals come from, how it conducts electricity and how we can use it to light up our art! Students will also learn about batteries — the minerals inside them — and how they work. Museum (90 min) or classroom (60 min) |
90 |
| Grade 7 and 8 | Geophysics | Explore what's under the Earth's surface using geophysical techniques! Learn how scientists can find valuable resources without even digging into the ground. See the technology used and try finding these resources yourself! Museum only. |
120 |
| Grade 7 to 10 | Resource Responsibilities |
Innovation for Responsible Mining is an in-class program designed to introduce students to the mining industry in Canada, environmental concerns associated with mining and current research into mine site remediation. The programincludes four hands-on activities, three videos about Earth science careers (featuring active university staff and students!) and a take-home field guide for every student. NOTE: this kit is provided to teachers and can be run over 2 or 3 class periods. |
See note in description |
| Grade 9 | Energy Game | Explore Canada’s energy resources: type, use, and relative value. Take a close look at fossil fuels in the museum; where they come from, how we use them and fuel alternatives. Then play the Energy Game to maximize your provincial income and conserve resources while providing for your energy-hungry population. Your group will want to play this action-packed game more than once! Museum or classroom. |
90 |
| Grade 8-12 | Rocks, Microscopes, and Minerals | REVISED! A hands-on exploration of how and why geologists study rocks and minerals. What is the difference between a rock and mineral, and how do we identify them? Students will investigate the properties of rocks and minerals first hand using real petrographic microscopes to discover what rocks look like up close and how to identify them in a thin section. Includes a tour of the mine tunnel and scavenger hunt. Museum only. |
120 |
| Grade 9-12 | Mitigating Microplastics | Learn about microplastics and their impact on the environment, animals, and us. Discuss plastic as a resource and how microplastic pollution affects and disrupts sustainable ecosystems. With a tour of the Ecohydrology lab and hands-on activities, experience what researchers here in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department are doing to mitigate microplastics. Connects to curriculum in the following courses: SNC1W, CGC1D, and SVN3M Museum (120 min) or classroom (70 min). |
120 |
| Grade 11-12 | Geochemistry and Water Resources |
Geochemistry studies the flow of elements through nature. This program introduces students to how chemicals help us monitor, clean and prevent water resource contamination. Students will practice laboratory techniques as they perform various tests on known and unknown samples, participate in real-world drinking water problems (and solutions!), and visit a working geochemistry lab in the Earth & Environmental Sciences department. Connects to curriculum in the following courses: SCH3U, SCH4U and SES4U |
120 |
How to book a program
If you would like to book a program for an elementary school field trip, please fill out the form below.
All museum programs are free but unfortunately, transportation costs still exist. If your school is in the Waterloo Region, please inquire about OPAIP funding. Alternatively, the PDAC's Mining Matters program has a field trip subsidy that you can apply for. Still unable to book a bus? Some of our programs can be done virtually! You can also call or email to inquire about the possibility of an in-school class visit.