Programs for Teachers & Schools

Let your students sprout curiosity on the farm while exploring what living things need to grow and thrive.  Through playful, corn-themed activities in the barn, garden, and heritage house, they’ll discover the life cycle of a corn plant from seed to snack! From grinding corn and cooking up fun in a kid-sized toy kitchen to watching popcorn pop over a real flame and taking back a corn cob to grow and study, this STEAM-powered adventure will inspire future farmers and scientists alike! This program visits the Combination Barn exhibits, Miller-Cole House, and Outdoor Classroom and Gardens

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 1 – Science and Technology (Needs and Characteristics of Living Things; Energy in Our Lives)   

Discover the magic of wool and the animals that grow it in this lively, hands-on program designed especially for young learners! Through storytelling, sensory exploration, movement, and creativity, students will learn where wool comes from, how it’s prepared, and how it connects to their daily lives. This program visits the Log Barn, Brougham Temperance House, and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 1 – Science and Technology (Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things) 

Explore life for children 200 years ago through play. Try our toys (batteries are not included!) and learn a combination of quiet and active games. Finish up by making and learning a game to take home (game choices include an Indigenous or an early settler game).  This program takes place in the Church Drive Shed, an unheated program space, and outdoors; in poor weather, indoor games will be substituted. Activities can be adjusted to accommodate learning levels from pre-school to Grade 3. 

Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Goals: 

Social and Emotional Development; Self-Regulation; Physical Development; Gross and Fine Motor Skills; Listening and Following Instructions; Creative Play; Design and Crafting 

Curriculum Connections  

Grade 1 – Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities; Grade 2 – Heritage and Identity; People and Environments; Grade 3 - Communities in Canada: 1780-1850 

Step back in time and experience the life of early settlers through the eyes of young Millie. This immersive program takes students on a journey to understand the challenges and daily activities of Pickering's early Black settlers. Through hands-on activities and interactive storytelling, students will explore the forest, participate in traditional chores, and learn about life in a log cabin.  This program takes place in the new Log Barn and Log House exhibit spaces, and outdoors.  

Curriculum Connections  

Grade 2 – Changing Family and Community Traditions; Grade 3 – Communities in Canada, 1780-1850; Grade 4: Early Societies, 3000 BCE-1500 CE

Transport your students back in time to the life of an early 1800s school child! Students will participate in authentic lessons with slates, discover daily chores expected before or after school, and enjoy Indigenous and early settler games in this immersive and engaging program. This program visits our Chapel classroom, Combination Barn, and outdoor spaces (recess play will be indoors in poor weather). 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 1 – Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities; Grade 2 – Changing Family and Community Traditions; Grade 3 – Communities in Canada: 1780-1850; Grade 4: Early Societies, 3000 BCE-1500 CE  

Your students will step back in time and experience the life of a blacksmith's apprentice. Through hands-on activities, students will explore historical trades, engage in practical problem-solving, and learn about the science and mechanics behind blacksmithing. It's a day of discovery, creativity, and teamwork that brings history to life in an engaging and educational way. This program visits the Collins House, General Store, and Greenwood Blacksmith Shop on the quest to become a journeyman. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 2 –Changing Family and Community Traditions; Grade 3 – Communities in Canada: 1780-1850; Grade 4 – Early Societies to 1500 CE   

Running April 27 to June 26, 2026.

Step into a world of birds and botanicals with artist David Salazar's imaginative clay sculptures. In this 90-minute program, students explore the "Forever (Bird-Botanicals)" exhibit, discover the science of bird adaptations and plant relationships, and create their own nature-inspired clay artwork. 

Available for a limited time at the new John E. Anderson Exhibit Gallery at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, adjacent to the Pickering Museum Village and can be paired with other programs for a full-day experience. Please note that this program takes place in the upper site only. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 3 - Science and Technology (Understanding Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants); Grade 4 - Science and Technology (Understanding Life Systems: Habitats and Communities); Grade 5 - Understanding Life Systems (Human Organ Systems: extension to animal systems and adaptations).

Click here for more details!
May 29, 2026
Bring your students to H2Woah! Groundwater Festival 2026 at PMV for a limited-time, limited capacity, full-day field trip exploring the science, history, and wonder of water. This hands-on, staff-led program blends environmental learning, local heritage, and creative experimentation across PMV's forest, creek, and historic buildings. 

Students rotate through stations tracing water's journey through nature, underground, and over time. Activities are grade-scaled, curriculum-aligned, and packed with outdoor learning and memorable experiences. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 2 - Science (Air & Water in the Environment); Grade 3 - Science (Soils in the Environment); Grade 4 - Science (Habitats & Communities); Grade 5 - Science (Conservation of Energy & Resources).

Running October 2026 through December 2026.

Bring your students on a deliciously educational journey through the science of food! This 90-minute program includes hands-on experiments, creative challenges, and a guided tour of Ingenium's "A Taste of Science" travelling exhibition. 

At the new John E. Anderson Exhibit Gallery at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, adjacent to the Pickering Museum Village. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 5 - Science (Life Systems: Human Organ Systems); Grade 6 - Science (Biodiversity: Microorganisms).

Dive into the rich history of Pickering and the vibrant present of modern municipal government in this immersive new program. Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, students will uncover the stories of Pickering's past and present, explore what it means to be part of a community, and reflect on their own experiences of community life.  This program visits the Brougham Temperance House, Log Barn, and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 5 – The Role of Government and Responsible Citizenship; Grade 6 – Communities in Canada, Past and Present

Step back in time and embark on an interactive journey to freedom. Students will explore the inspiring story of George Chapman, an early Black settler who escaped enslavement in Virginia and found freedom in Canada. Through primary source exploration and hands-on activities, students will learn about George, the Underground Railroad, the significance of quilt codes, and the challenges faced by freedom seekers. This program visits the Log Barn and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 5 - Interactions Prior to 1713, The Role of Government and Responsible Citizenship; Grade 6 - Communities in Canada, Past and Present, Canada’s interactions with the Global Community; Grade 7 – New France and British North America, Canada, 1800-1850: Conflict and Challenges; Grade 8 – Creating Canada, Global Settlement Patterns 

Continue the UGRR learning adventure with an immersive add-on program that delves more deeply into the experiences of freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Students will engage in orienteering activities, map out escape routes using quilt codes, and explore and respond to the powerful art installation "The Way Gone Made Clear" by Georgia Fullerton. This program visits the Brougham Temperance House and outdoor grounds.  Note: this program may be booked only in conjunction with Follow the Drinking Gourd:  

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 5 – Interactions Prior to 1713, The Role of Government and Responsible Citizenship; Grade 6 – Communities in Canada, Past and Present, Canada’s interactions with the Global Community; Grade 7 – New France and British North America, Canada, 1800-1850: Conflict and Challenges; Grade 8 – Creating Canada, Global Settlement Patterns  

Pickering Township was a hotbed of political unrest in the 1830s. Through role-play, students will step into the shoes of real historical figures from the Family Compact, government sympathizers, and radical reformers, exploring the physical, social and political challenges that lead to the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion.  They will debate, map, and navigate the era’s complexities, deciding if they align with Reformers or Tories. This program visits the Log Barn, Brougham Temperance House, and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 7 – New France and British North America, Physical Patterns in a Changing World; Grade 8 – Canada, 1800–1850: Conflict and Challenges, Civics and Citizenship: Civic Engagement and Action

Enhance your students' historical journey with this add-on program, designed to delve deeper into the political intrigue and social upheaval of the 1830s. This immersive experience builds on the "Roots to Rebellion" foundation, offering a more comprehensive exploration of the Upper Canada Rebellion. Through engaging role-play and interactive lessons, students will uncover the complexities of early elections, the shift from peaceful reform to armed rebellion, and the lasting impact on Canadian democracy. This program visits the Log House, Brougham Temperance House, and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections: 

Grade 7 – New France and British North America, Physical Patterns in a Changing World; Grade 8 – Canada, 1800–1850: Conflict and Challenges, Civics and Citizenship: Civic Engagement and Action