K-12 PROGRAMS
K-12 SCHOOL PROGRAMS WITH CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS INCLUDING PALAEONTOLOGY, EVOLUTION, EARTH CHANGES, GEOLOGY, SOCIAL STUDIES, SCIENCE, AND PALAEO-ART.
Here at the Philip J. Currie Museum, we offer three types of bookable experiences for students:
- MUSEUM FIELD TRIP: To make a class field trip to our museum, complete a school booking form HERE. The Programs Manager will contact you once the form is complete.
- IN-CLASS VISIT: For in-class visits to your schools, consisting of a 60 minute fossilization program and Q & A, complete an in-class booking form HERE.
- NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: For school groups looking for a fun end-of-year event, our Night at The Museum overnight experience is a hit with all grades. To book, contact us at programsmanager@dinomuseum.ca.
The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum also supports home schooling. To learn more about our home schooling events, visit our Homeschool Days page.
DINOSAURS AMONG US
Grades 2-12
Students examine the links between Dinosaurs and modern birds through a series of exciting exhibits and hands on investigative experiences.
Program Length: 2 Hours
Dinosaurs are among us! Students are engaged in the scientific method of discovery as they problem solve and help us prove that birds are dinosaurs. Students get to examine specimens of modern birds and prehistoric dinosaurs by looking at fossils, fossil records and replicas learning about the evolutionary links between dinosaurs and birds. Students will move through a series of learning labs, exploring specific themes of- evolution and adaptations, feather functions and diversity, dinosaur parenting, understanding the scientific method of discovery, cognitive capacities of birds and their prehistoric ancestors. Dinosaurs Among Us is a new exhibit that is only available till the Spring of 2024.
Suggested Themes:
- Evolution of birds from dinosaurs
- Feathers and Flight
- Nests, Eggs, and Babies
- Bones, Beaks, and Claws
DINOSAURS AMONG US
Grades 2-12
CIRRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grade 2-12 (Science)- Evolution and adaptations over time.
Dino Q& A
Grades K-12
Ever wanted to get the facts about dinosaurs straight from the experts, but can’t make it out for a school program? This long-distance Q and A session brings our dino-experts straight to you!
Program Length: 45 minutes
In this long-distance program, students get to ask about anything and everything they’ve ever wanted to know about dinosaurs. Our team of paleontology experts will open their eyes to the prehistoric world, using real fossils to show off the world of dinosaurs!
*Teachers are encouraged to gather students questions and submit them to our education team prior to the program commencing.
Dino Q& A
Grades K-12
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Kindergarten – (Science) Environmental and Community Awareness
Grade 1 – (Science) Needs of Animals and Plants
Grade 2 – (Science) Small Crawling and Flying Animals
Grade 3 – (Science) Rocks and Minerals, Animal Life Cycles
Grade 6 – (Science) Life Careers; Evidence and Investigation
Grade 7 – (Science) Interactions and Ecosystem, Planet Earth
Grade 8 – (Science) Freshwater and Saltwater Ecosystems
Grade 9 – (Science) Biodiversity
TINY-SAURS
Preschool-Kindergarten
Do some dino-dancing, story telling and design your own prehistoric creature!
Program Length: 1 Hour
Students will use their imaginations and pretend to be prehistoric creatures, design their own colourful dinosaur and get to tour the museum. A fossil handling session ends the program as the students get to ask questions about their favorite dinosaurs.
TINY-SAURS
Preschool-Kindergarten
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS – KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten: Students working together and cooperate with others.
Dimensions of Thinking: Historical thinking, students differentiate between events and activities that occurred recently and long ago.
K.21 Belonging – Values and Attitudes: The entire class participates and has to share with classmates.
Environment: The students become aware of importance of protecting the environment, to ensure the preservation of fossils.
Physical Skills: Students will practice and develop their locomotor skills with clapping and stomping during the dinosaur sing-a-long and egg hunt.
BUGS BEFORE TIME
Grade 2-4
Students examine specimens of modern and prehistoric insects by looking at fossils and replicas of ancient bugs.
Program Length: 1.5 Hours
A dragonfly with a 1 meter wing span! A 7-foot millipede! Students examine specimens of modern and prehistoric insects by looking at fossils and replicas. Participating in hands-on centers. Students learn about Arthropods of the past and present, life cycles, insect environments, and evolution of prehistoric bugs to todays bugs and insects.
BUGS BEFORE TIME
Grade 2-4
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS – GRADE 2
Science Topic E – Small Crawling and Flying Animals: Students examine live and fossilized small crawling and flying animals and come to understand their basic needs of air, food, water, shelter and any special characteristics that help the animal survive in its home. Students learn about the structure and life habits, where modern invertebrates (i.e. spiders, worms and other insects) and prehistoric insects and animals lived, what they ate, what they were eaten by and features of the animals that suit them to their particular environment.
Fossils & Fossilization
Grade 2 – 12
During this very hands-on program, students examine real 73-million year old fossils and extraordinary replicas from Alberta and beyond.
Program Length: 45 Minutes to 1 Hour
During this very hands-on program, students examine real 73-million year old fossils and extraordinary replicas from Alberta and beyond. Students will also learn about the different types of fossils found and how fossils records can teach us about life millions of years ago.
This program can be delivered in your classroom.
Fossils & Fossilization
Grade 2 – 12
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grade 3 – (Science) Topic E: Animal Life Cycles Classify animals based on observable characteristics: e.g. limbs, teeth, backbone. Describe the appearance of life cycles of animals and identify adaptations to different environments. Identify examples of environmental conditions that may threaten animal survival, and identify examples of extinct animals.
Grade 4 – (Social Studies) Alberta: The Land, Histories and Stories Understand and appreciate how palaeontology is integral to the landscapes and environment of Alberta. They will appreciate Alberta’s fossil heritage.
Grade 7 – (Science) Unit E: Planet Earth Describe the role of fossil evidence, identify the portions of living things most likely to be preserved, identify possible means of preservation, examine real fossils and casts.
Grade 11 – (Science) Unit C: The Changing Earth Analyze and assess the evidence provided by the fossil record, identify life forms of past eras, fossilization, mass extinction. Describe common types of fossilization, actual remains, molds, imprints, tracks, trails, burrows. Explain how fossils can provide evidence of chronology, paleoclimate, evolution and mass extinction.
Grade 11 – (Science) Unit D: Changing in Living Systems Describe evidence for evolution by natural selection e.g. fossils, describe how paleontology has provided invaluable data in the attempt to explain observable variations in organisms.
Geology Rocks!
Grade 3
Meet a “Rock Cycle” puppet, learn about the Rock Cycle and explore rocks and minerals during a lab session!
Program Length: 2 hours
Meet a “Rock Cycle” puppet, learn about the Rock Cycle and explore rocks and minerals during a lab session! This program features a “Rock Cycle” puppet who shares his life story about going through the rock cycle. Students examine real fossils during the puppet show and use the interactive SMART board technology to enhance their learning, engagement and understanding about rocks, minerals and the rock cycle. Students engage in different scientific tests to determine one mineral from another, and the many types of rocks that exist on our planet. Each student is given a different mineral to explore at 9 different work stations using tools such as magnets, nails, tiles, and microscopes to determine its properties. They examine fluorescent minerals, analyze slabs of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks under microscopes, prospect for pieces of pyrite, sort rocks and learn what we use minerals for within the school, home and the community.
Geology Rocks!
Grade 3
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grade 3 – (Science) Topic A: Rocks and Minerals Examine rock samples and discover similarities and differences using simple tests and tools. Recognize rocks are composed of a variety of materials. Describe ways in which rocks break down. Learn about rocks and minerals by closely examining samples. Describe and classify particular rocks and minerals based on properties including colour, luster, hardness and shape. Given a course-grained rock and magnifier to describe some of the component materials.Learn common uses of rocks and minerals in the school, home and community.
Grade 3 –(Science) Topic E: Animal Life Cycles Classify animals based on observable characteristics: e.g. limbs, teeth, backbone.
CSI: Cretaceous Scene Investication
Grade 4 – 6
A prehistoric creature has been found murdered, the victim of a mysterious prehistoric crime!
Program Length: 2 Hours
A prehistoric creature has been found murdered, the victim of a mysterious prehistoric crime! It’s up to the Cretaceous Scene Investigation crew to analyze the evidence, come up with a theory, and figure out what happened to this poor unfortunate fossil. This program leads students through the scientific method that Palaeontologist’s use to base their theories on.
Choice of-
- Cretaceous CSI or
- Ice Age CSI
CSI: Cretaceous Scene Investication
Grade 4 – 6
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grade 4-5 – (Science) Problem Solving through Technology 5.3 Design and carry out an investigation of a problem, and develop a practical solution
Grade 6 – (Science) Topic D: Evidence and Investigation 6.8 Apply observation and inference skills to recognize and interpret patterns and to distinguish a specific pattern from a group of similar patterns. 6.9 Apply knowledge of the properties and interactions of materials to the investigation and identification of a material sample.
Pipestone Creek Bonebed Tour
Grade 1-12
What was it like during the Cretaceous 73 million years ago? What dinosaurs and plants lived here? How did hundreds of dinosaurs die in one spot?
Program Length: 2 hours
*Available mid June and September only*
What was it like here 73 million years ago during the Cretaceous? What dinosaurs and plants lived here? How did hundreds of dinosaurs die in one spot? Discover some answers and some theories to these questions during this Pipestone Creek tour. This 2-hour tour to a dinosaur bonebed takes place at Pipestone Creek Park, located 19 west of Grande Prairie and then 19 kilometers south of the Town of Wembley. Schools must arrange their own transportation. Students experience an unforgettable field trip on this two and half kilometer hike (round trip). They examine real fossils, learn the different types of dinosaurs found in northern Alberta and what force exposed the rocks we find dinosaurs in. Students use clues they learn throughout the hike to piece together theories of how hundreds of dinosaurs may have died in one spot. Safety waivers must be signed by all participants. Hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat are recommended. Please call for more details 780-532-2362 ext.3.
* Hike subject to weather conditions.
Pipestone Creek Bonebed Tour
Grade 1-12
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grade 3 – (Science) Topic E: Animal Life Cycles Classify animals based on observable characteristics: e.g. limbs, teeth, backbone. Describe the appearance of life cycles of animals and identify adaptations to different environments. Identify examples of environmental conditions that may threaten animal survival, and identify examples of extinct animals.
Grade 4 – (Social Studies) Alberta: The Land, Histories and Stories Understand and appreciate how palaeontology is integral to the landscapes and environment of Alberta. 4.1.1 appreciate Alberta’s fossil heritage.
Grade 4 – (Science) Topic A: Waste & Our World Identify plant and animal wastes, and describe how they are recycles in nature.
Grade 6 – (Science) Topic D: Evidence & Investigation Observe and interpret evidence of animal activity in a natural outdoor setting. They observe markings and things left behind like bones and teeth. They pose questions, recognize patterns and discrepancies and think logically about what they have observed.
Grade 6 – (Science) Topic E: Trees and Forests Learn about trees as individual plants, examine local species, recognize the characteristics of different trees, describe and classify leaf shape, and deciduous from coniferous trees.
Grade 7 – (Science) Unit E: Planet Earth Recognize glacial erosion and river erosion, see an example of core drilling used in the field, describe local rocks and identify evidence of their formation, describe the role of fossil evidence in interpreting sedimentary rock, interpret examples of weathering erosion and sedimentation, identify the portions of living things most likely to be preserved, identify possible means of preservation, identify uncertainties in interpreting individual items of fossil evidence; and explain the role of accumulated evidence in developing accepted scientific ideas, theories and explanations.
Grade 8 – (Science) Unit E: Freshwater and Saltwater Systems Erosion and deposition, glaciers and icecaps. Investigate and interpret linkages among landforms, water and climate, describe the processes of erosion and deposition resulting from water flow, identify evidence of glacial action.
Grade 11 – (Science) Unit C: The Changing Earth Analyze and assess the evidence provided by the fossil record and identify life forms of past eras. Describe common types of fossilization, actual remains, imprints, tracks, trails, burrows. Explain how fossils can provide evidence of chronology, paleoclimate, evolution and mass extinction.
Grade 11 – (Science) Unit D: Changing in Living Systems Describe evidence for evolution by natural selection e.g. fossils, describe how paleontology has provided invaluable data in the attempt to explain observable variations in organisms.
Creating Casts
Grade 3 – 12
Students make their own replica fossil to keep as a souvenir! During this interactive program students learn the differences between molds, casts and fossils.
Program Length: 1 Hour
Students make their own replica fossil to keep as a souvenir! During this interactive program students learn what are molds, what are casts and what are fossils? While they wait for their replicas to dry, students will be engaged with filmed footage of our palaeontologist Dr. Bell. They will learn what happens to a fossil from its discovery to its star appearance in the museum exhibit.
Creating Casts
Grade 3 – 12
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grade 4 – (Social Studies) Alberta: The Land, Histories and Stories: Understand and appreciate how palaeontology is integral to the landscapes and environment of Alberta. Appreciate Alberta’s fossil heritage.
Grade 7 – (Science) Unit E: Planet Earth: Describe the role of fossil evidence, identify the portions of living things most likely to be preserved, identify possible means of preservation, understand the formation of molds and casts.
Grade 11 – (Science) Unit C: The Changing Earth: Analyze and assess the evidence provided by the fossil record, identify life forms of past eras, fossilization. Describe common types of fossilization, actual remains, molds, imprints, tracks, trails, burrows.
Rocks, Fossils and Glaciation
Grade 7
During this interactive presentation, students apply their knowledge to discover what Alberta was like during the Cretaceous.
Program Length: 45 Minutes
What was it like in Alberta during the Cretaceous? And how do scientists know? During this interactive presentation, students apply their knowledge of the rock cycle, fossils, glaciation, the Earth’s orbit and the effect of volcanic eruptions, to discover what Alberta was like during the Cretaceous. The presentation gives students bite-sized appetizers of the different ways scientists know what it was like here 73 million years ago. Through the examination of real fossils and participating in a dramatization of the last glaciation and the formation of a hoodoo, the presentation leaves the students itching for more and an appreciation for geology, palaeontology and science.
Rocks, Fossils and Glaciation
Grade 7
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grade 7 – (Science) Unit E: Planet Earth Formation of igneous rock, metamorphism and sedimentary processes, geological time scale, fossil formation, weathering and erosion.
Outcomes:
- interpreting evidence that Earth’s surface undergoes e.g. volcanoes, glacial erosion and river erosion
- describe characteristics of the three main classes of rocks
- describe the role of fossil evidence in interpreting sedimentary rocks
- describe local rocks and sediments, and interpret ways they have formed
- investigate and interpret examples of weathering, erosion and sedimentation
- describe the nature of different kinds of fossils (e.g. identify the kinds of rocks where fossils are likely to be found, identify possible means of preservation)
Dino Tracker
Grade 10 – 11
Dinosaur footprints provide information on dinosaur speed and social behavior. Students analyze dinosaur trackways found locally and around the world.
Program Length: 75 Minutes
Dinosaur footprints provide information on dinosaur speed and social behavior. Students analyze dinosaur trackways found locally and around the world. Examining real and replica trace fossils, they come to understand how the fossil record gives insight to prehistoric life. Using mathematical equations and scientific calculators, students determine the height and speed of three different dinosaurs using only the dinosaur footprints!
*scientific calculators must be supplied by the students or school.
Dino Tracker
Grade 10 – 11
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grade 10 – Mathematics 10-3 and 10C Measurement Demonstrate an understanding by describing and calculating the relationship of the units for length and the velocity of an object. Students will solve problems that involve linear measurement, using instruments such as tape measures.
Grade 10 – Mathematics 10C Algebra and Number Outcome # 3 – demonstrate an understanding of powers with integral and rational exponents
Grade 11 – (Science) Unit C: The Changing Earth Analyze and assess the evidence provided by the fossil record and identify life forms of past eras. Describe common types of fossilization, actual remains, imprints, tracks, trails, burrows. Explain how fossils can provide evidence of chronology, paleoclimate, evolution and mass extinction.
Grade 11 – (Science) Unit D:Changing in Living Systems Describe evidence for evolution by natural selection e.g. fossils, describe how paleontology has provided invaluable data in the attempt to explain observable variations in organisms.
Mesozoic Masters
Grade 7 – 12
Learn the ways in which Palaeo Artists are inspired by ancient bones and show the world what dinosaurs looked like millions of years ago.
Program length: 3 hours each session
Artists bring the prehistoric world to life like no one else can. This art program will allow students to imagine how ancient animals looked, based on scientific evidence, while promoting the student’s creativity. Students will visit the museum and tour the gallery for inspiration, then Museum Education Staff will come to your classroom over 2-3 sessions to teach students creative ways to express their fascination with dinosaurs through the artistic techniques they develop. Each session is two to three hours in length.
Mesozoic Masters
Grade 7 – 12
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grades 7-9 – Art (Drawing)
Module One: Moments in Time
Module Two: Artists and Scientists
Module Three: The Shrink-Wrapped Dinosaurs
Module Four: Paleo-Memes
Module Five: All Yesterdays
Fabrics of Time
Grade 1-12
Students will learn the how the Earth and biological life on Earth has changed over time through an interactive timeline of life on Earth.
Program length: 1-1.5 hours
This program takes students back millions of years ago through an interactive timeline activity of life on Earth. Students get to participate in setting up the timeline starting with the appearance of humans, dinosaurs, marine reptiles to the appearance of organic plants on Earth. Students will be sure to walk away with an expanded understand of life on Earth.
Fabrics of Time
Grade 1-12
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grades 1-6: Science-Earth changes over time
Participate in understanding Earth history and life on Earth, from first animals to first plants.
Paleo 10
Grade 10
Paleo 10
Grade 10
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Grade 10 – Mathematics 10-3 and 10C Measurement Demonstrate an understanding by describing and calculating the relationship of the units for length and the velocity of an object. Students will solve problems that involve linear measurement, using instruments such as tape measures.
Grade 10 – Mathematics 10C Algebra and Number Outcome # 3 – demonstrate an understanding of powers with integral and rational exponents
Grade 11 – (Science) Unit C: The Changing Earth Analyze and assess the evidence provided by the fossil record and identify life forms of past eras. Describe common types of fossilization, actual remains, imprints, tracks, trails, burrows. Explain how fossils can provide evidence of chronology, paleoclimate, evolution and mass extinction.
Grade 11 – (Science) Unit D:Changing in Living Systems Describe evidence for evolution by natural selection e.g. fossils, describe how paleontology has provided invaluable data in the attempt to explain observable variations in organisms.
Palaeontology 20
Grade 11 – 12
Building upon previously learned concepts, Palaeontology 20 brings the next step in exciting hands-on learning.
Program Length: 2 Hours per module
Uncover Palaeontology at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in the education room and the galleries! The Palaeontology Foundation Programs for High School students is an engaging and interactive way for Alberta’s next generation to gain a foundation in Palaeontology. With nine programs units the concepts in Paleontology 20 build upon the knowledge gained in Paleontology 10. The program is premised on learning curriculum objectives outlined by the Alberta education curriculum. Each unit can be booked separately to meet curriculum connections in other High School Science courses or run together as a Palaeontology course.
Palaeontology 20
Grade 11 – 12
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Lecture One History and Principles of Paleontology
Lecture Two Principles of Geology
Lecture Three Evolution
Lecture Four Invertebrates
Lecture Five Vertebrates
Lecture Six Dinosaur Evolution and Diversity
Lecture Seven Mammals
Lecture Eight Human Evolution
Lecture Nine Applied Paleontology
Palaeontology 30
Grade 11 – 12
Palaeontology 30 is the culmination of our Palaeontology Foundation Program.
Program Length: 2 Hours per module
Uncover Palaeontology at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in the education room and the galleries! The Palaeontology Foundation Programs for High School students is an engaging and interactive way for Alberta’s next generation to gain a foundation in Palaeontology. With nine programs units the concepts in Paleontology 30 build upon the knowledge gained in Paleontology 10 & 20. The program is premised on learning curriculum objectives outlined by the Alberta education curriculum. Each unit can be booked separately to meet curriculum connections in other High School Science courses or run together as a Palaeontology course.
Palaeontology 30
Grade 11 – 12
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Lecture One History and Principles of Paleontology
Lecture Two Principles of Geology
Lecture Three Evolution
Lecture Four Invertebrates
Lecture Five Vertebrates
Lecture Six Dinosaur Evolution and Diversity
Lecture Seven Mammals
Lecture Eight Human Evolution
Lecture Nine Applied Paleontology
Earth Changes Over Time
Grade 2-9
Program coming Fall of 2024
Students will explore the surface of the Earth has changed over time and how natural events have changed the Earth.
Earth Changes Over Time
Grade 2-9
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Earth Changes over Time
K-12 PROGRAM TESTIMONIALS
HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN A SCHOOL PROGRAM? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT AN EVALUATION.