TOWN OF OKOTOKS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
TABLE OF CONTENTS MUSEUM PROGRAMS
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Seasonal Museum Programs
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General Interest Programs for all grades
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ART GALLERY PROGRAMS
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IN SCHOOL PROGRAMS
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ECO-EDUCATION PROGRAMS
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TOPICS
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Education Programs at the Museum and Art Gallery and In-School are curriculum-based and designed for various grade levels.
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Most programs are 1.5 hours in length.
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Programs generally require booking at least 4 weeks in advance and are available for area schools and home school groups.
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Program Fees: $75 per class (plus GST) unless otherwise stated, maximum 30 students.
TO BOOK: To book a program or for more information, contact the Culture & Heritage Programmer.
403-842-2553
culture@okotoks.ca
There is no fee to bring your class or group for a self-guided tour of either the Museum or Art Gallery, but calling to book ahead is advised.
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MUSEUM PROGRAMS MUSEUM PROGRAMS focus on history; mostly of Okotoks and area offering curriculum connections in Social Studies. All programs include a presentation and museum scavenger hunt, plus hands-on or interactive activity. Most museum programs can be adapted for in-school presentations as well; contact the Culture & Heritage Programmer to discuss this option.
Kindergarten to Grade 1: Okotoks, My Community
Includes a presentation using old photos and anecdotal stories about Okotoks landmarks and entrepreneurs, as well as the history of significant buildings in town such as the train station, old post office, and the first schools.
Grade 2: Okotoks: A Prairie Community
Old photos and stories are used to show changes on the farm, in the town, in school, in people - how they dress, travel, work, and play - and changes through floods and fires.
Grade 3 to 4: Prairie Farm Families and Quality of Life
Through old photos and stories, we look at how farm families lived, worked and played over 100 years ago before electricity, indoor plumbing and computers. Did they have a good quality of life? We’ll compare then and now.
Grade 4 to 5: The Fur Trade (2 Hours)
In this program, we explore how the fur trade developed and helped shape Canadian identity. What challenges were faced? How did trade impact Indigenous populations? What was life like in early settlements? An engaging presentation will be followed by hands-on learning in the museum and an interactive fur trade game.
Grade 4 to 6: From Rivers to Rocks: Significant Landmarks in My Community
This program looks at the history and physical geography of this area as well as the strong industries that have resulted. Where did the Sheep River get its name? How has it benefited as well as challenged this area? Why aren’t you supposed to climb on the Big Rock? Why do Bats have flat faces? And more.
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SEASONAL MUSEUM PROGRAMS
GENERAL INTEREST PROGRAMS FOR ALL GRADES
Halloween Hi Jinks - History of Halloween in Okotoks
Researching local newspapers back to the first mention of Halloween in Okotoks lead to this program. Through photos and stories, we share the prank of the day going back a hundred years and discuss where the traditions of Halloween originated. This program is only offered in October and includes a related craft.
A Pioneer Christmas
Using photos, stories, and a historic display, this seasonal program looks at holiday traditions that came to Okotoks nearly 150 years ago. Learn the origins of some popular Christmas traditions. The program includes a museum tour of Christmas Past and a hands-on heritage craft. It is available after Light Up Okotoks in November through to Christmas break. Please book early as this is a popular program.
Winter Holiday Traditions around the World From Hanukkah to Kwanzaa to the Lunar New Year to early Christmas on the prairies, we look at some of the unique December holidays and traditions celebrated around the world. This program is only available in December and includes a presentation, museum scavenger hunt, and a handson holiday craft. 5
Heritage Walking Tour (1 hour, $50)
Join us for a stroll through history in the downtown core of Okotoks. Find out where the Lower School used to be and hear stories about fascinating residents such as Dr. Ardiel. What buildings burned down and were rebuilt? What historic buildings are still in use today? Can be adapted for any grade level.
Toys Over Time
We explore toys that existed from 4000 years ago to the present following the journey of Barbie, the yo-yo, Lego and more. Find out what a Whimmy Diddle is and how children made their own toys over a hundred years ago. Students will create a pioneer-style toy to take home. This program takes place at the Museum. 6
Kindergarten to Grade 1: Exploring Lines, Shapes, and Colours
ART GALLERY PROGRAMS ART GALLERY PROGRAMS connect gallery exhibitions with art education concepts and include curriculum connections in English Language Arts, Fine Art, and Social Studies. Exhibitions change every 2-3 months and gallery programs are not available in November and December. All programs include a tour of the Gallery plus a hands-on component in the art studio.
Art is a vehicle to explore the most basic and fascinating foundations of the world around us. How do lines become shapes? How and why is colour used? Using all five of our senses in this exciting program students will be guided through an interactive gallery experience.
Grade 2 to 3: The Material World Transformed
In this program, students will focus on the transformation of materials. Exploring various colours, textures, and shapes, students will discover how artists use and transform everyday materials and objects.
Grade 4 to 6: Visual Storytelling
Stories can be found in the most interesting places when you know where to look. In this program, students will discover how visual imagery can reflect complex and fascinating narratives. Themes of storytelling, writing, and artistic expression will be explored. Ingallery individual and group activities focus on visual analysis and vocabulary, while a hands-on art activity highlights individual expression and creativity.
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Kindergarten to Grade 6: Prairie Promises: Landscapes of Alberta
IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS We bring history and art to your classroom! A number of programs have been adapted for in-school sessions. Staff will visit your school and engage students in a presentation, followed by a hands-on activity. All programs include one of the following: an opportunity to examine Museum educational artifacts, make an art project, or participate in an interactive activity. In-school programs run 1.5 to 2 hours in length, unless otherwise stated. Program Fees: $75 per class + GST.
In this program, we look at several artists who have chosen to capture the landscape of Alberta in distinct and fascinating ways. Focus will be given to representations of the prairies. What does this reveal about our landscape and what we value as Albertans? What can we learn about our own history through the vision of others? Students will complete their own landscape artwork.
Grade 3 to 6: Emily Carr: Painting the Canadian Wild
In this program, we explore the life and legacy of one of Canada’s most important artists. Emily Carr captured the wild ferocity and unique cultural history of Canada’s west coast in a manner unlike anyone else. In this program, we explore Carr’s life and work, from the most quirky of details – her pet monkey, Woo! – to the profound impact she continues to have on Canadian history and identity. The presentation will be followed by a hands-on art project.
Grade 3 to 6: Ukrainian Art of Pysanka (3 hours)
The Art of Pysanka is a traditional Ukrainian Easter egg decorating technique with intricate designs using a wax-resist method. Following an informational presentation, students will use a stylus called a kistka to apply hot beeswax to their egg. The egg is dipped in a series of dyes, with wax applied between each dipping to protect specific areas from the dye. Finally, the wax is melted off to reveal the finished design. Please note: this program involves live flame and hot wax and is best suited for grades 3 and above. A ratio of one adult per four students is required. This program is only offered for the 3 weeks leading up to Easter. Exact dates will vary.
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Grade 5 to 6: The Art of Ancient Rome (3 hours)
In this program, students will receive a brief overview of the history of Rome, from the era of the Kings, through the Republic, and into the rise of the Empire. Students will also discover the art of each period and create their own Romaninspired artwork!
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Grade 5 to 6: Power, Politics, and Daily Life in the Ancient World: The Persian and Islamic Empires (3 hours) How did powerful empires rule vast and diverse populations? In this program, students will explore how authority was established and maintained in ancient Persia and the early Islamic empire. Participants will examine influential rulers and leaders who held significant power, as well as how these empires expanded through conquest to control large territories across multiple regions. We will also investigate the social systems that shaped everyday life, including class structures, cultural diversity, and the roles of men and women. The presentation will be followed by a hands-on activity.
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Grade 5 to 6: Power, Politics, and Daily Life in the Ancient World: Greece and Rome (3 hours) Who held power in the ancient world, and what did that mean for everyone else? In this program, students will explore how authority was exercised in ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Participants will examine the rise of powerful emperors who held near-total control, as well as how Rome expanded through conquest to dominate much of the known world. Students will also be introduced to the Pax Romana, a long period of relative peace and stability that helped the empire thrive. Alongside political power, the program investigates the social systems that shaped everyday life, including class divisions, citizenship, slavery, and the roles of men and women. The presentation will be followed by a hands-on activity.
Grade 6: Democracy in Ancient Athens (2 hours)
Students will discover how democracy worked in ancient Athens, including who could participate and how decisions were made. We’ll discuss features like the lottery, the strict laws of the Draconian constitution, and the roles of different governing bodies. The presentation will be followed by a hands-on activity.
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
ECO-EDUCATION
PROGRAMS
The eco-education programs support our local educators in addressing environmental topics in the curriculum and give students, teachers, administrators, and staff the ideas and resources necessary to take initiative at four levels of action: in the classroom, in the school, in the community, and in the home. From waste management solutions to caring for the Sheep River watershed, Okotoks youth will learn about their impact on the earth and how to be mindful caregivers of our planet.
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Most programs are 1 hour in length and can be tailored for any grade level!
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Programs can be delivered in your classroom/venue, or the Okotoks Environmental Education Centre Classroom. Please note that our classroom can only hold up to 40 people. Programs generally require booking at least 1 week in advance and are available for area schools, home school groups and other community groups.
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Program Fees: $50 per class (plus GST).
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Please note: Fridays are not available for program bookings.
TO BOOK: To book a program or for more information, contact the Conservation Educator:
403-995-2798
consed@okotoks.ca.
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The Air We Share
Students will learn about air quality, how it is measured, and how our actions can help to make it better or worse. Included activity: Students will participate in a Jeopardy style game to learn more about air quality, pollution, and how to keep our air clean.
Our Climate, Our Choice
Students will engage with the scientific facts about climate change and participate in discussions on how they can make a positive impact for our planet.
TOPICS
Included activity: Jeopardy style game to learn about climate change OR write a letter or make a poster about the climate.
Crazy About Compost
Learn about what compost is and the great impact that compost has on garden soil and plants! Included activity: Make a compost tea bag for plant fertilizer or Jeopardy style game to test your compost knowledge.
Energy Explorers
Students will learn about renewable and non-renewable resources, how we choose which resources to use, and the history and future of energyin Alberta. Included activity: Jeopardy style game to learn more about energy production, usage, and conservation.
Fins, Feathers, and Fur
Dive into the exciting world of our local fish and wildlife with our Fins, Fur and Feathers eco-education program! Join us as we explore the fascinating species that call our town home, discover how we monitor their populations, and learn about the ways we can interact with and protect these incredible creatures. Included activity: Wildlife Track Matching Game, Wildlife Walk (at EEC only): join us on a walk through the river valley to see how many different species (big and small) we can spy! 16
Journey of Okotoks Water
Did you know that the water you drink comes from the river? Did you also know that the water that goes down your drains ends up back in the river? Learn how our water is cleaned before and after you use it in a virtual step by step walk-through of the water and waste water treatment facilities. This program also has kids look at the actions in their yards and the impact those actions have on the river. How do lawn fertilizer, dog poop, and car leakages affect plants and animals in the river? How does our storm drain system work in Okotoks? Included activity: Using a model, kids will follow Frankie the Fish down a stream as it becomes polluted from storm water runoff. Students observe how everyday activities can pollute the stream, change the water quality and eventually make Frankie and the other animals and plants in the water sick. Jeopardy style game is an option for older grades.
Okotoks Trees and Forests
Learn all about Okotoks’ urban and natural forests as we explore the urban tree canopy, native trees in the river valley, and how trees and climate change impact each other. Included activity: Students will look at some tree cookies to learn how to age a tree and engage in a scavenger hunt to find various types of leaves. Activity can be adapted to all seasons.
Pollinator Pals
Learn about the importance of pollinators in local ecological communities and in food production. Included Activity: Learn about native flower species as you plant a seed in a compostable pot to grow at home.
Soil Science Safari
What’s beneath our feet? Join us on a Soil Science Safari to discover the amazing world living below the surface. Students will learn why soil is much more than just dirt - it provides nutrients for plants, helps filter water, stores carbon, and supports countless living organisms. Together, we’ll explore how healthy soil supports healthy plants, people, and communities, and discover ways to be mindful caregivers of the earth. 17
Included Activity: Using microscopes, participants will investigate soil samples and observe the tiny microorganisms that help keep our ecosystems healthy.
Waste in our World
Do you know where the waste from Okotoks ends up and what it gets turned into? This is your chance to learn how efficient waste disposal can help the environment by reducing landfill use and the exploitation of natural resources. When things can’t be recycled or composted, they go to the landfill! Landfills are specially designed to prevent pollution of the environment. Learn about how landfills are designed and managed to make sure the environment is kept safe! Included activity: Students will participate in a virtual waste sorting game specific to Okotoks waste streams to learn where to put their waste. Students are challenged to organize and conduct a similar audit in their classroom and calculate how they are offsetting their environmental footprint!
Field Trip Opportunities for Waste in our World Eco Centre (Recycling Facility) • Tour the Okotoks Eco Centre and learn about our waste iversion facility. This field trip is in combination with the Waste in our World presentation which takes approximately 1 hour. •
Please bring some recycling from your classroom to the Eco Centre!
Foothills Regional Landfill • Learn how a landfill operates and what happens to things that we throw in the garbage. PLEASE BOOK THIS TOUR BY CONTACTING THE LANDFILL. Contact: Foothills Regional Landfill (403) 938-5224
foothillslrrc.com/contact 18