You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.
~Clay P. Bedford
The London Children's Museum understands the value of learning through play and have created engaging, interactive exhibits and programs to attract inquisitive minds. By offering three different learning options, we work with you and your curriculum as a valuable extension to your lesson planning. In addition, we offer support materials for classes to continue working with after their museum experience.
Plan for an outstanding educational experience!
We want to make sure that our curriculum-connected field trips meet your needs and are educational, fun and memorable for your students. In planning your trip, please note the following guidelines:
- One adult chaperone is required for every five children and will be admitted free. The cost per child is $6.50 for one program, or $10 for two programs. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for their groups at all times. For the safety and enjoyment of your class and all of our visitors, children must be closely supervised at all times while visiting the Museum. Disruptive behaviour may result in a group being asked to leave without refund.
- We strive to provide you with the highest quality programs which do require the full 50 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your program.
- A minimum of ten children is required for field trips.
- Children's Museum memberships and coupons cannot be applied to education programs.
- Subsidies are available for schools identified as having financial challenges. Please inquire at time of booking.
- May and June are particularly busy months for field trips. If you are planning to visit in May or June, please book early and be prepared for crowds.
- Galleries may be temporarily closed throughout the year for on-site education programs; please feel free to call prior to your visit to determine any gallery closings.
- The Museum's Explore Store will be open for those who wish to purchase souvenirs or educational toys. Proceeds from all purchases support the ongoing operation of the Children's Museum.
- Snacks, ice cream and beverages are available from the Explore Store. Pizza lunches can be arranged at time of booking, or bag lunches may be brought to the Museum. Food and beverages are permitted in designated areas only.
- For more information about any of our programs, or to book, call 519-434-5726 or email us at schoolbookings@londonchildrensmuseum.ca. We will gladly provide more details about the curriculum connections of each field trip and guidelines to help your class get the most from each education program.If you'd like to come and see the Children's Museum for yourself before you bring your class, please let us know and we'll arrange for a free visit and tour.
If you have participated in one of our education programs before, please take a second to fill out this brief feedback survey and let us know how we did!
Our on-site education programs are generously supported by:
Curriculum-Based Field Trips
Step 2. Select an area below
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Years & Primary (JK-Grade 3)
- Education Programs Grade 4-6
Explore, discover and learn during these engaging inquiry-based programs delivered and developed by our professional educators. All of our programs are designed around the Ontario Curriculum and include connections to social science, language, science and technology and the arts. Each program includes a teacher package filled with pre and post visit activities to help you and your class get the most out of your visit.
When: September through June, Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5 pm and also on Mondays during May.
Fee: The cost varies depending on the number of programs you register for and the length of the program.
$7.50/student for one 50 minute program
$11.00/student for two 50 minute programs
$10.00/student for one 90 minute program
NOTE: One adult chaperone is required for every five children and will be admitted free.
For booking inquiries contact jess@londonchildrensmuseum.ca or call 519-434-5726
Step 3. Click the resource you are interested in.
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Early Years Celebrate Day! |
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Attention Educators and Caregivers! Come and celebrate the Early Years every month with developmentally appropriate demonstrations and activities designed to engage the early learner!
Who: Children, infants to six years old and their parent or caregiver
When: 10am-3pm on the following dates
Fee: Free with admission (Infants under one year are free)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
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Pre-Schoolers (3-6 years) |
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A preschooler is eager to make friends. Engaging in play with other children helps preschoolers to develop their social skills. Activities like “playing house”, taking turns slithering down the slide or helping uncover dinosaur bones encourages preschoolers to co-operate positively and respectfully with others. Preschoolers can further develop positive attitudes towards learning by taking in the new experiences, learning about different cultures/beliefs and linking these experiences to words they already know. As they continue to develop their personal identities they will use pretend play as an outlet to express their emotions. Dramatic play in the doctor’s office can help a child to communicate how they are feeling. As you admire a preschoolers’ effort for participating in an activity this helps the child to view themselves as worthy individuals. Mastery in physical development such as fine motor skills can be achieved by dressing up in costumes, using crayons or scissors and even using play tools in the Sifton Street Where You Live gallery. The Children’s Museum is a great place for preschoolers to meet new friends and expand on fun, hands-on learning.
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Toddlers (1-2 years) |
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A toddler is always searching for a new discovery! By engaging in pretend play, toddlers have the opportunity to express their feelings in a safe and secure environment. They can begin to understand the significance of cause and effect – “When I press the rocket launch button, the shuttle will blast off!”. They can exercise their gross motor skills by balancing, jumping, climbing and riding throughout the galleries. With adults providing choices, a toddler can select activities in which to participate, a skill that will later help them develop their decision making skills. The Children’s Museum helps a toddler to discover experiences unlike anywhere else.
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Infants (0-12 months) |
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An infant is constantly observing and investigating the world around them! By exploring with all of their senses they can begin to experience new textures, new sights and new sounds. Reaching for various objects, like the play vegetables in our garden, help develop the gross motor skills they will need for activities such as crawling. Pretend play with simple scenarios like buying play food from the grocery store supports observation and imitation as a way of learning. With their adult becoming a partner in play, the infant is able to express their emotions and develop their sense of self which is essential for building their confidence and feeling of security. The Children’s Museum is a great place to assist in the development of your infant.
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Step 3. Click the resource you are interested in.
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Watt's Up |
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Available: April 12th-June 28th
Where does our energy come from? How do these sources of energy affect our planet? What will Canada’s energy scene look like in a few years’ time? Through the hands on experience of this 50 minute program, students will learn the answers to these very important questions. They will experience and evaluate the pros and cons of current alternative energy sources that are used in industry as well as ways that they can reduce their “ecological footprint”.
Offered in conjunction with the special temporary exhibit “Watt’s Up?”, on display from the Sherbrooke Nature Science Museum.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Early Years (JK/SK): Personal and Social Development; Language; Science and Technology
Primary (Grade 1): Understanding Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
Primary (Grade 1): Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Materials, Objects and Everyday Structures
Primary (Grade 1): Understanding Energy and Matter: Energy in Our Lives
Primary (Grade 2): Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Movement
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Dinosaurs |
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Opportunities for learning about the largest creatures to walk the earth abound in this interactive, engaging program. Students discover how we can learn about dinosaurs, even though they are long extinct. Using artifacts from our collection, participants will examine dinosaur bones, footprints, skin impressions, teeth, and even coprolite to understand the characteristics of these animals and how similar they are to those animals that exist today.
Available in English or French
Key Curriculum Connections:
Early Years (JK/SK): Language; Mathematics; Personal and Social Development; Health and Physical Activity
Primary (Grade 1):Language: Oral Communication
Primary (Grade 1-3): Mathematics: Measurement
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Egypt: Gift of the Nile |
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Available January 20-April 1
Take an exciting trip down the Nile and learn about all the wonders of Ancient Egypt. Students will investigate mysteries of this ancient culture including the pyramids, mummification and hieroglyphics.
Offered in conjunction with the special temporary exhibit “Egypt: Gift of the Nile”, on display from the Royal Ontario Museum.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Early Years (JK/SK): Personal and Social Development; Language
Primary (Grade 2)Canada and World Connections: Features of Communities Around the World
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Community and Me |
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Through exploration and interactive experiences, students will discuss the characteristics of a community, diverse roles and responsibilities and how we all depend on each other. Community and Me is held in the Sifton Street Where You Live Gallery, providing participants with the opportunity to explore the rules and responsibilities of different members of their family and community within an engaging environment.
Available in English or French
Generously supported by London Life
Key Curriculum Connections:
Early Years (JK/SK): Language; Personal & Social Development
Primary (Grades 1-3): Heritage & Citizenship
Grade 3: Urban and Rural Communities
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Operation: Solar System |
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Explore the wonders and science of the solar system! In this planetarium-based program participants explore our corner of the universe. Students examine the science behind the mysteries of space, including why the moon has phases, how the environments of planets are different from each other, and which constellations are visible at night and why.
Available in English or French
Key Curriculum Connections:
Early Years (JK/SK): Language; Science & Technology
Primary (Grades 1-3): Earth & Space Systems
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Junior Builder |
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Students explore the fundamentals of structure and construction. Charged with constructing different structures and simple machines that meet a specific need, participants learn teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they discover the relevance of engineering concepts to real world applications. Available in English or French
Key Curriculum Connections:
Early Years (JK/SK): Language; Science & Technology
Primary (Grades 1-3): Structures & Mechanisms
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Arctic Adaptations |
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How would our lives be different if we lived in the far north? Discover the ways in which humans, plants and animals have adapted to make the harsh Arctic environment their home. Try on a blubber mitten, take a microscopic view of Arctic lichen, go on an arctic survival adventure and compare eating habits of owls from through dissection! Experience the habitat of the Arctic like never before in our brand new My Arctic Discovery Gallery!
Key Curriculum Connections:
Early Years (JK/SK):Personal and Social Development; Science and Technology; Language
Primary (Grade 1): Understanding Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
Primary (Grade 2): Understanding Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Animals
Primary (Grade 3): Understanding Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
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Arctic Alive! |
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Discover the arts and culture of the Inuit! Through throat-singing, storytelling and sculpting discover how the surroundings of the Arctic inspire the people who live there. Students will immerse themsevles in these various forms of art and use their knowledge to create an Arctic-inspired sculpture. Experience the Inuit lifestyle like never before in our brand new My Arctic Discovery gallery!
Key Curriculum Connections:
Early Years (JK/SK): Language, Social Science, The Arts
Primary (Grades 1-3): Social Science and Visual Arts
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Celebrations! |
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Available October 25 to December 31, 2011
Discover the seasonal celebrations of different cultures this time of year, and learn about the multiculturalism and diversity within our own community! Students experience the traditions, stories and activities that are part of Diwali, Hannukah, Christmas and Eid to help them understand the similarities and differences between these celebrations.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Early Years (JK/SK): Personal & Social Development
Primary (Grades 1-3): Canada & World Connections
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Step 3. Click the resource you are interested in.
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Watt's Up |
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Available: April 12th-June 28th
Where does our energy come from? How do these sources of energy affect our planet? What will Canada’s energy scene look like in a few years’ time? Through the hands on experience of this 50 minute program, students will learn the answers to these very important questions. They will experience and evaluate the pros and cons of current alternative energy sources that are used in industry as well as ways that they can reduce their “ecological footprint”.
Offered in conjunction with the special temporary exhibit “Watt’s Up?”, on display from the Sherbrooke Nature Science Museum.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Junior (Grade 4): Understanding Matter and Energy: Light and Sound
Junior (Grade 5): Understanding Earth and Space Systems: Conservation of Energy and Resources
Junior (Grade 6): Understanding Matter and Energy: Electricity and Electrical Devices
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*Limited Time Only My Voice Counts! Provincial Election Program |
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How does our Provincial Government operate? What are the different political parties that exist in Ontario? How do politcal parties campaign for the provincial election? Learn the answers to these questions and join other grade 5 students from the London area to debate the issues that matter to us in our 90 minute Provincial Election Governement program.
This program is offered for a limited time: September 27th-October 7th, 2011
Curriculum Connections:
Grade 5 (Junior): Canada and the World Connections: Aspects of Citizenship and Government in Canada
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Operation: Solar System |
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Explore the wonders and science of the solar system! In this planetarium-based program participants explore our corner of the universe. Students examine the science behind the mysteries of space, including why the moon has phases, how the environments of planets are different from each other, and which constellations are visible at night and why.
Available in English or French
Key Curriculum Connections:
Junior (Grade 6): Earth and Space Systems: Space
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Mission to Space |
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In this out-of-this-world program, students learn about what it means to be an astronaut through interactive, hands-on activities, experiments and discussion. Students will explore the science of rockets and rocket propulsion, the weird world of weightlessness, how to survive surrounded by a vacuum, and Canada’s contributions to space exploration.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Junior (Grade 6): Understanding Earth & Space Systems: Space
Junior (Grade 6): Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Flight
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Rocks and Minerals |
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Students will discover the science of Geology through hands-on experiments and activities while taking a closer look at the physical and chemical properties of rocks and minerals.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Junior (Grade 4): Understanding Earth and Space Systems: Rocks and Minerals
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Arctic Alive! |
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Discover the arts and culture of the Inuit! Through throat-singing, storytelling and sculpting discover how the surroundings of the Arctic inspire the people who live there. Students will immerse themselves in these various forms of art and use their knowledge to create an Arctic-inspired sculpture. Experience the Inuit lifestyle like never before in our brand new My Arctic Discovery gallery!
Key Curriculum Connections:
Junior (Grades 4): Canada and World Connections: Canada’s Provinces, Regions and Territories
Junior (Grades 4-6): Visual Arts
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Egypt: Gift of the Nile |
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Available January 20-April 1
Take an exciting trip down the Nile and learn about all the wonders of Ancient Egypt. Students will investigate mysteries of this ancient culture including the pyramids, mummification and hieroglyphics.
Offered in conjunction with the special temporary exhibit “Egypt: Gift of the Nile”, on display from the Royal Ontario Museum.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Junior (Grade 5) Heritage and Citizenship: Early Civilizations
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Arctic Adaptations |
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How would our lives be different if we lived in the far north? Discover the ways in which humans, plants and animals have adapted to make the harsh Arctic environment their home. Try on a blubber mitten, take a microscopic view of Arctic lichen, go on an arctic survival adventure and compare eating habits of owls from through dissection! Experience the habitat of the Arctic like never before in our brand new My Arctic Discovery Gallery!
Key Curriculum Connections:
Junior (Grade 4): Understanding Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
Junior (Grade 6): Understanding Life Systems: Biodiversity
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Celebrations! |
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Available October 25 to December 31, 2011
Discover the seasonal celebrations of different cultures this time of year, and learn about the multiculturalism and diversity within our own community! Students experience the traditions, stories and activities that are part of Diwali, Hannukah, Christmas and Eid to help them understand the similarities and differences between these celebrations.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Grades 4-6: Canada and World Connection
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*Limited Time Only: National Engineering Week! |
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March 27-30, 2012 10:00-11:30 and 12:30-2:00
This special program is geared towards Grades 4-6 students and is offered in partnership with the Engineering Department at the University of Western Ontario. Programs are only offered this week and are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tuesday, March 27: Chemical Engineering - Physical vs. Chemical Reactions
Students will engage in hands-on activities and witness some miraculous demonstrations in order to observe properties of matter and the results of physical and chemical reactions. Our very own Education specialists will be facilitating this exciting 90-minute program and students will be making and taking home their very own silly putty.
Wednesday, March 28: Civil/Structural Engineering - Forces
Explore the world of civil engineering in this exciting 90-minute program. Investigate the forces of compression, expansion, torque and tension on structures and mechanisms as the engineers lead your class through several topic-related demonstrations. Students will experience in an interactive activity in which they can build and test life size bridges.
Thursday, March 29: Mechanical Engineering - The Design Process
Take your class through the engineering design process in this exciting 90-minute program. Talk about the key components of momentum, inertia and gravity that engineers must consider when designing their structures. Students will see and discuss the concepts of compression and tension as they witness the process of making and designing their very own roller coaster.
Friday, March 30: Electrical Engineering - Circuits!
Explore electricity! Students will participate in interactive activities during this exciting 90-minute program in order to learn about series and parallel circuits. Students will engage in a collaborative “human circuit” activity and create a circuit by building their very own art spinners with switches and motors.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Junior (Grade 4): Science & Technology - Pulleys and Gears
Junior (Grade 5): Science & Technology - Properties of and Changes in Matter; Forces Acting on
Structures and Mechanisms
Junior (Grade 6): Science & Technology - Electricity and Electrical Devices
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*Limited Time Only: Science & Technology Week Programs! |
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October 18-21, 2011 10:00-11:30 and 12:30-2:00
This special program is geared towards Grades 4-6 students and is offered in partnership with the Engineering Department at the University of Western Ontario. Programs are only offered this week and are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Each day of the week focuses on a different area of engineering and themes are brought to life with fabulous hands-on activities!
Tuesday, October 18: Chemical Engineering - Physical vs. Chemical Reactions
Students will engage in hands-on activities and witness some miraculous demonstrations in order to observe properties of matter and the results of physical and chemical reactions. Our very own Education specialists will be facilitating this exciting 90-minute program and students will be making and taking home their very own silly putty.
Wednesday, October 19: Civil/Structural Engineering - Forces
Explore the world of civil engineering in this exciting 90-minute program. Investigate the forces of compression, expansion, torque and tension on structures and mechanisms as the engineers lead your class through several topic-related demonstrations. Students will experience in an interactive activity in which they can build and test life size bridges!
Thursday, October 20: Mechanical Engineering - The Design Process
Take your class through the engineering design process in this exciting 90-minute program. Talk about the key components of momentum, inertia and gravity that engineers must consider when designing their structures. Students will see and discuss the concepts of compression and tension as they witness the process of making and designing their very own roller coaster.
Friday, October 21: Electrical Engineering - Circuits!
Explore electricity! Students will participate in interactive activities during this exciting 90-minute program in order to learn about series and parallel circuits.,. Students will engage in a collaborative “human circuit” activity and create a circuit by building their very own art spinners with switches and motors.
Key Curriculum Connections:
Junior (Grade 4): Science & Technology - Pulleys and Gears
Junior (Grade 5): Science & Technology - Properties of and Changes in Matter; Forces Acting on
Structures and Mechanisms
Junior (Grade 6): Science & Technology - Electricity and Electrical Devices
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Self-Guided Field Trips
The Children's Museum is designed with students and teachers in mind! A self-guided tour gives your class a chance to explore at their own pace and uncover the cross curricular links that are built into every gallery as well as participate in daily demonstrations, crafts and activities.
When: September through June, Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5 pm and also on Mondays during May.
Fee: The cost per child is $6.00 for one program. One adult chaperone is required for every five children and will be admitted free.
For booking inquiries contact jess@londonchildrensmuseum.ca or call 519-434-5726.
Museum School
Imagine a classroom with dinosaurs, polar bears, space shuttles, a tree house, a vibrant community street –and watch science, heritage and the arts come alive! This innovative approach to education allows teachers to move their classroom to a museum setting for a full week of curriculum-based experiential learning.
For more information on Museum School or to book a program.
Community Groups
Evenings of fun and learning just for community groups!
You'll have a blast with an outing to the Children's Museum! Book a visit on one of our community nights and your club or group will have a chance to explore our galleries and exhibits and participate in a fun and educational program!
Each community night, we will be open between 6 and 8pm just for pre-registered community groups! We'll lead your group through a 50-minute hands-on, interactive program of activities, games and crafts based on the topic of your choice. Programs are available at 6pm and 7pm and designed especially for children from four to twelve years old. During the rest of your visit, you'll be able to learn and discover even more as you explore throughout the Children's Museum!
Topics include:
Arctic Adventure, Community and Me, Dinosaurs, Junior Builder, Mission to Space, and Operation: Solar System.
In conjunction with our temporary exhibits, we will also be offering the following:
Elements needed to acquire Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Cubs badges are included in many of the programs.
Community Night Dates 2011/2012
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
