Today’s high cost of busing has meant that many schools now find it increasingly challenging to budget for extra activities that are crucial to providing a balanced education.  Beginning this spring, Huronia Museum is reaching out to schools.

Our new Outreach initiative aims to deliver our popular education programs directly to classrooms.  Students will experience curriculum-based activities in an entertaining, hands-on fashion, all from the comfort of their own classroom.  And because we come to them, there are no expensive bus fees to worry about.

Teachers may choose one of our  programs for only $8 per student and add a second for only $7 per student (plus a small mileage fee).

Aboriginal Peoples-Artifact Chest  (Grade 5/6 curriculum)

Discussion about methods used to learn about the past and how the things left behind by a culture can tell their story. Play Shoe game.  Students become archaeologist by working hands on with replica artifacts. They are encouraged to examine each artifact, determine its uses and make inferences about Ouendat culture and lifestyle.  Conclude exercise with a group discussion, sharing information and ideas.  Each student will also make a clay oki to keep, with a focus on creating something that would convey information about themselves.

Aboriginal Peoples-Three Sisters  (Grade 5/6 curriculum)

Start with a brief Introduction to the Ouendat and a discussion of farming versus nomadic lifestyle.  Students act out the Three Sisters legend for their class and get hands on experience corn grinding with small replica grinders.  They eat Hominy (Popcorn and syrup) and have a debate as Ouendat versus Algonquin to settle a dispute using the knowledge they acquired throughout the program.

Pioneer Life (Grade 3 curriculum)

Take a journey to the New World! Let us guide your students as they take on the role of early Canadian settlers. Take a trip across the Atlantic, get hands on with pioneer artifacts, and haggle with your classmates for the tools you’ll need to survive in this new, challenging land.

Ouendat / Pioneer (Grade 3 curriculum)

Discussion about methods used to learn about the past and how the things left behind by a culture can tell their story. Play Shoe game.  Students become archaeologist by working hands on with replica artifacts. They must examine each artifact, determine its uses and make inferences about Ouendat culture and lifestyle then have a group discussion, sharing information and ideas. Students must then look at Pioneer artifacts, choose the one that matches best with their Ouendat artifact and explain difference.  Very hands on program that encourages students to make their own conclusions as an archaeologist would.

Ouendat Encampment (Gym or Outdoor space required)
This program will focus on the skills necessary to survive during an extended hunting/fishing trip.  Learn how to start a fire, how to make your own rope, and how to brew your own mint tea. Also try your hand at a game of  lacrosse.

Dreamcatchers

Hear the legend of the Giant Spider and learn the importance of dreams, then try your hand at making a Dreamcatcher of your very own!

Dance Dance Evolution (Gym Space required)

Explore history by learning four different styles of dance. For each dance taught, students will learn about the corresponding time period and how the art of dance is influenced by culture.

We can accommodate groups from 15 to 70 students. Each program lasts approximately one and a half hours, but can be adapted to fit any time  frame.  For larger groups we may have to schedule morning and afternoon sessions.

For more information, or to make a booking, please contact our Education Coordinator Gillian Ross at 705-526-2844 or email us at education@huroniamuseum.com.

Huronia Museum is pleased to be able to provide Outreach programming with the assistance of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.