A moveable Solar System model, created by a student in the Science and Nature Discovery Program

Programme Details

This program runs from September to May, Wednesday mornings (10am to 12pm) or Wednesday afternoons (2:30 to 4:30pm). Registration is ongoing throughout the year and new students are welcome anytime. No prerequisites required.

Cost
$60+HST per session (4 classes).

All programs are geared for children ages five through twelve and all programs are presented inside the museum. Children do not need to have taken any previous classes at the museum and there are no prerequisites. For more information on program content or to register a student, please call the museum at (250) 334-0686 or check our website www.courtenaymuseum.ca

About the Programme

January 2010 marked the launch of the Science and Nature Discovery Programme here at the Museum. Designed exclusively for home-learners and comprised mostly of hands-on activities, this programme has been a huge success! One class per week was originally offered and interest was so great that three more classes were needed to be added to accommodate all of the students.

One year later, twenty-five class topics have been explored and over thirty students have participated. The children have created all sorts of exciting projects including moveable models of the solar system, erupting volcanoes, cloud identification charts and a month-long study on a vertebrate animal of the student's choice.

Although the ages of children participating range from five to twelve years, all students are provided with the same course material and information. Children are encouraged to draw and label scientific diagrams and to read and write at their own personal levels. The group-learning atmosphere helps students to build confidence in their social and public speaking skills, while the small class size allows the instructor to spend time assisting each student with their own particular needs.

Each class is comprised of interactive discussions and slideshows, hands-on activities and experiments, group activities, scientific diagrams and project creation. Students gain a sense of pride in their work by creating projects in class that express understanding of the course material, as well as their own individuality.