A is for Apple
Preschool - Grade 1
Program Description: Discover the wonderful world of apples, from how they grow to the many ways that apples are used now and in our past. Participant will visit the Museum’s heritage apple orchard where they will learn about the seasons in the orchard and how apple trees grow. Each group will also participate in their very own ‘Apple Schnitzing Bee’ peeling apples in the same way many settlers did. Other exciting stops on our tour include discovering how important bees are to apple trees and a historic home where the children will learn about locally grown fruit. Each child will also create their own apple magnet craft to take home or back to the classroom.
- Length: 2 hours, morning or afternoon (includes approximately 15 minutes for a snack and potty break, snack not provided by Museum)
- Cost: $7 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 80 max
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 5 children, this includes teachers/leaders. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program, $7.
Early Settler
Preschool - Grade 1
Program Description: Introduce your class to what life was like for children in Markham a long time ago. Hands-on activities and lots of imagination will allow children to compare and contrast life in the 21st century with life in the 19th and 20th century. Children will explore elements of Markham’s early settler’s lives by visiting a log cabin home, the Wilson Store, the Wheel Wright Shop* and by testing out toys from the past. Drawing from their experiences at the Museum, students will create a paper “train” to put on display in the classroom.
- Length: 2 hours, morning or afternoon (includes approximately 15 minutes for a snack and potty break, snack not provided by Museum)
- Cost: $7 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 100 max
Adult Supervision – 1 free adult for every 5 children, this includes teachers/leaders. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program, $7.
Markham Moves – Things That Go
Preschool - Grade 1
Program Description: Planes, trains and automobiles, oh my! Students will soar into the wonderful world of transportation. Guided by our program staff, participants will explore motion and physics through gallery exploration, hands-on activities, games, songs, stories, and a take-home craft.
- Length: 2 hours, morning or afternoon (includes approximately 15 minutes for a snack and bathroom break, snack not provided by Museum)
- Cost: $7 per participant
- Minimum Number of
Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of
Participants: 100
Adult Supervision – 1 free adult for every 5 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program, $7.
Curriculum Connections
(Kindergarten): Demonstrating Literacy & Mathematics Behaviour
Please contact the Program Coordinator for further information on our Preschool - Grade 1 Programs.
Day at the Museum and Half Day at the Museum
This program allows you to choose the buildings and activities that best enhance your class room learning. There are 10 half hour long tour options available for you to choose from, please see the options below.
| Tour Options |
Themes |
Hands-on Activity/Craft |
| Barns and Mills |
Explore the importance of barns and mills in early Markham through a visit to one of our historic barns or mills. |
Craft - Tin Punching |
| Home Life |
Compare and contrast our log cabin home with homes of today. Discover how people lived before modern home conveniences, while also learning about an early home-based industry, weaving. |
Craft - Rolled beeswax candles |
| The General Store |
Discover the General store’s role in the community by visiting our Wilson Variety Hall. Compare and contrast shopping, then and now. |
Measure merchandise using scales and balances |
| Communication |
Experience early methods of communication in our 1910 print shop. Explore how information travels from person to person now and in the past. |
Craft - Use ink and quill to create calling cards |
| Early Travel & Natural Resources |
Learn about nature’s influence on travel and settlement through comparing and contrasting transportation methods, past and present. |
Transportation Activity |
| Leisure Time |
What did people do in their free time? Discover the many toys, games, and other forms of leisure activities children and adults of the past participated in. |
Play with early settler toys |
| Living off the Land |
Learn about early settlers’ year-round food sources and their creative ways of keeping food fresh before refrigeration. |
Preserving guessing game & Apple Schnitzing |
| Fleece to Fabric |
Discover how raw materials, such as sheep’s wool and flax, are turned into a usable fibres and fabrics. |
Handle various fibres, card and spin |
| Travel Trunk |
Where did Markham’s early settlers come from, why did they move here, and why did they choose Markham? Students will compare and contrast the ideas of moving now and then. What would you bring on your long journey? |
Explore the contents of an early settler’s travel trunk |
| Blacksmithing |
What is a Blacksmith and what was their changing role in the community? Learn about this exciting trade and discover the 3 three C's of Blacksmithing.
Please note: This option is only available as part of Day at the Museum (the full day program) |
* Live Blacksmith demo. |
Half Day at the Museum
Join us for an amazing taste of what Markham Museum has to offer! Choose 4 of our exciting new tour options listed above.
- Length: 2 hours
- Availability: Year Round, Morning or Afternoon
- Cost: $7 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 80
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children/. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $7.
Day at the Museum
Come and explore the Museum for the day! Join us for an exciting full day of discovering all Markham Museum has to offer. Choose 8 of our exciting new tour options listed above.
- Length: 4.5 hours, including a half hour lunch break
- Cost: $12 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 80
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $12.
Snowshoeing
Ages 6 and up
Ontario Curriculum Connections
Health and Physical Education Grades 1-8
Program Description: Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to keep active during the winter months and has provided an important method of transportation and recreation throughout Canada’s history. Participants will learn the history of snowshoeing, how to care for snowshoes, the importance of dressing for winter weather and basic snowshoeing skills through a variety of activities and games.At the end of the program participants will warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
- Length: 2 hours
- Cost: $7.50 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: *please contact the Museum as participant’s weight, height and shoe size influences this number
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $7.50.
NOTE: A Snowshoeing outreach program is available at an additional cost. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more details on how to bring the snowshoeing experience to your school! Hot chocolate is not available as part of the outreach.
KEVA - Design and Engineering Challenge
Ages 4+
Program Description: Design – Build – Play! Blending science with art, KEVA Planks brings out the designer, architect and engineer in each of us! With imagination and just a little help from gravity students will build structures and sculptures using identical construction planks. Participants will learn the basics of KEVA building, while exploring famous buildings and structures from around the world. They will then participate in a series of team challenges that will build their skills to ensure they are ready to compete in the ultimate Engineering and Design challenge!
Check out official KEVA website for some of the amazing projects and to get a better idea of what your students and campers can create as part of this program http://www.kevaplanks.com/
- Length: 2 hours, morning or afternoon
- Cost: $7.50 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 90
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $7.50.
Machines in Action
Grade 2 & 4
Introduce your students to simple machines with a hands-on, fun filled day at the Markham Museum through this interactive program that incorporates elements of the Ontario Curriculum. Students will learn how simple machines make our lives easier, and how they can come together to create more complex machines. Classes will spend time learning about simple and complex machines through modern and historical artifacts. The afternoon is filled with a series of fun challenges which will test students on their abilities to problem solve, collaborate, and innovate.
- Length: 4.5 hours, including a half hour lunch
- Cost: $14 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 50
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children, this includes teachers/leaders. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program, $14.
Transportation Exploration featuring Markham Moves
Grade 2 to 6
Program Description: Discover transportation at Markham Museum! Participants will spend two hours exploring transportation, physics and motion with hands-on activities and challenges. Groups will spend one hour exploring the Markham Moves Gallery guided by our staff, and one hour getting hands-on with your choice of activity (see below).
Length: 2 hours, morning or afternoon
Cost: $7 per participant
Minimum Number of
Participants: 18
Maximum Number of
Participants: 100
Planes: Soar into the world of planes and air travel! Through hands-on demonstrations, participants will discover the forces of motion and how they help airplanes fly. With their new knowledge of forces and Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, participants will design, create, and test paper airplanes.
Rocket Ships: Blast off with us as we discover what it really takes to go to the moon! Participants will get hands-on as they learn about the parts of a space shuttle and why they are unique to space travel. Using Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, students will design, create and test stomp rockets.
Adult Supervision – 1 free adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the $7 participant fee for this program.
Curriculum Connections:
Science Grades 2-6
- Air & Water in the Environment, Gr. 2
- Movement, Gr. 3
- Forces Acting on Structures & Mechanisms, Gr. 5
- Flight, Gr. 6
Please contact the Program Coordinator for further information on our Elementary
School Programs.
Markham Museum - Seniors Pottery Outreach
The “Markham Museum Pottery For Seniors Outreach Program” has been designed to give seniors an exciting and enriching art experience in their own community. Our program is dedicated to building confidence and a sense of accomplishment as well as learning and developing artistically by hand building with clay. Techniques such as slab building, coil building and pinch pots will be taught and expanded upon as students progress.
Our museum instructor will come to your community to deliver a fun and imaginative pottery workshop especially selected by you. Participants will design, create, and decorate their personalized pieces. Once completed, your instructor will take them back to the Markham Museum pottery studio to be fired. Your pottery will be ready for pick-up or delivery (additional fee) in 2-3 weeks. Includes all supplies and firings.
- Location: At your site! We just need a flat surface inside or outside that is big enough for us to create some amazing structures.
- Duration: 2 hours, morning or afternoon
- Ages: 65+
- Cost: $30+ HST per student
- Minimum Number of Participants: 20
- Maximum Number of Participants: 40
* NOTE: If located outside of Markham, Mileage will also be charged on top of per student fee.
KEVA - Engineering and Design Challenge
Program Description: Design – Build – Play! Blending science with art, KEVA Planks brings out the designer, architect and engineer in each of us! With imagination and just a little help from gravity students will build structures and sculptures using identical construction planks. Participants will learn the basics of KEVA building, while exploring famous buildings and structures from around the world. They will then participate in a series of team challenges that will build their skills to ensure they are ready to compete in the ultimate Engineering and Design challenge!
Check out the official KEVA website for some of the amazing projects and to get a better idea of what your Campers can create as part of this program http://www.kevaplanks.com/
- Location: At your site! We just need a flat surface inside or outside that is big enough for us to create some amazing structures.
- Duration: 2 hours, morning or afternoon
- Ages: 4 and up
- Cost: $7.50 per participant*
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 90
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $7.50.
* NOTE: If located outside of Markham, mileage will also be charged on top of per participant fee.
Snowshoeing
Ages 6 and up
Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to keep active during the winter months and has provided an important method of transportation and recreation throughout Canada’s history. Participants will learn the history of snowshoeing, how to care for snowshoes, the importance of dressing for winter weather and basic snowshoeing skills through a variety of activities and games.
- Length: 2 hours
- Cost: $7 per participant*
- Minimum Number of Participants:18
- Maximum Number of Participants: Please contact the Museum as participant’s weight, height and shoe size influences this number
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $7.
* NOTE: If located outside of Markham, mileage will also be charged on top of per participant fee.
Please contact the Program Coordinator for further information on our Outreach Programs.
Clay in the Classroom (Pottery Outreach)
Kindergarten to Grade 2 (Grade 3-6 coming Winter 2020)
Program Description: Dive into our curriculum based pottery workshop with our instructors in your classroom! Our program is dedicated to building confidence and a sense of accomplishment as students explore the world of pottery through slab building, coil building, and pinch pots. During their workshop, students will design, create, and paint their sculptures. Our instructor will glaze and fire pottery in the kiln in the Markham Museum Pottery Studio. Pottery will be ready for pick-up 2 to 3 weeks from program date at the museum or delivered to your school (at an additional fee of $25). Price includes all supplies and firings.
- Length: 1.5-2 hours (varies based on grade), morning or afternoon (with an additional 30 minutes clean-up before and after)
- Cost: $20 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 30
Note: Additional mileage fees will apply for schools
outside of Markham
Adult
Supervision – 1 free adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $20.
Kindergarten Projects
Bugs on a Leaf
Learn about the different kinds of insects and how they coexist in an ecosystem! Student will explore how a single leaf can be a home to ants, ladybugs, spiders, and more.
Family Photo Frame
No two families look the same, so let’s celebrate our diversity! Students will make a photo frame and decorate it with all the things that make their family unique, from favourite hobbies to sports teams to food.
Family Name Plaque
Proudly celebrate your family’s heritage with a snazzy name plaque! Students will share what makes their family unique and create a plaque that represents their each member of their family.
Farm Animal Pinch Pots
Learn how each animal on the farm plays an important role and has a specific job to do.
Students will learn how to make a pinch pot, which is one of the earliest forms of pottery, and how to turn a simple cup into a barnyard friend!
Curriculum Connections (Kindergarten):
- Belonging and Contributing
- Self-Regulation and Well Being
- Demonstrating Literary and Mathematics Behaviours
- Personal and Social Development
Grade 1-2 Projects
Bugs on a Leaf
Learn about the different kinds of insects and how they coexist in an ecosystem! Student will explore how a single leaf can be a home to ants, ladybugs, spiders, and more.
Family Photo Frame
No two families look the same, so let’s celebrate our diversity! Students will make a photo frame and decorate it with all the things that make their family unique, from favourite hobbies to sports teams to food.
Family Name Plaque
Proudly celebrate your family’s heritage with a snazzy name plaque! Students will share what makes their family unique and create a plaque that represents their each member of their family.
Canadian Canoes
Travel back in time and see how voyageurs traversed across Canada’s waterways to trade. Students will use slab-building techniques to create their own personalized canoe.
Honey and Hives
Discover how honey is made and the essential role that bees play in our ecosystem. Using coil-building techniques, students will construct their own beehive in remembrance of nature’s busiest bee!
Curriculum Connections:
Social Studies Grades 1-2
- Heritage and Identity, Gr. 1-2
- People & the Environment, Gr. 1-2
Science Grades 1-6
- Needs and Characteristics of Living Things, Gr. 1
- Growth and Changes in Animals, Gr. 2
Mathematics Grades 1-6
- Measurement, Gr. 1-2
- Geometry and Spatial Sense, Gr. 1-2
Visual Arts Grades 1-2
- Creating and Presenting
- Reflecting, Responding & Analysing
Grade 3-6 Projects
Currently in development, launching Winter 2020. Please call Museum for more information.
If you would like to see our facilities, you are more than welcome to make an appointment to come for a visit. Please feel free to email museuminfo@markham.ca or call 905-305-5970.
If you are looking for a program with Heritage Badge connections, see our Half-Day at the Museum program under the "Elementary School" section above.
Snowshoeing
Ages 6 and up
- Girl Guide and Scout Badge Connections
- Girl Guides - Snowshoeing Badge
- Cubs - Winter Cub Badge
Program Description: Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to keep active during the winter months and has provided an important method of transportation and recreation throughout Canada’s history. Participants will learn the history of snowshoeing, how to care for snowshoes, the importance of dressing for winter weather and basic snowshoeing skills through a variety of activities and games. At the end of the program participants will warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
- Length: 2 hours
- Cost: $7 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: * please contact the Museum as participant’s weight, height and shoe size influences this number
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $7.
Geocaching
Introduce your group or class to the world of Geocaching! Participants will learn about safe hiking practices, how to care for GPS units, and the importance of dressing for an outdoor hike. GPS units are a great technological advancement in navigation that can track your movements and help you find your way.Participants will then learn how to use GPS units to explore the Museum site while on an exciting geocaching adventure. Before enjoying a hot chocolate snack, participants will be able to create their own geocache.
- Length: 2 hours
- Cost: $7 per participant
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 30
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $7.
KEVA - Engineering and Design Challenge
Program Description: Design – Build – Play! Blending science with art, KEVA Planks brings out the designer, architect and engineer in each of us! With imagination and just a little help from gravity students will build structures and sculptures using identical construction planks. Participants will learn the basics of KEVA building, while exploring famous buildings and structures from around the world. They will then participate in a series of team challenges that will build their skills to ensure they are ready to compete in the ultimate Engineering and Design challenge!
Check out official KEVA website for some of the amazing projects and to get a better idea of what your Campers can create as part of this program http://www.kevaplanks.com/
- Duration: 2 hours
- Ages: 4 and up
- Cost: $7.50 per participant*
- Minimum Number of Participants: 18
- Maximum Number of Participants: 90
Adult Supervision – 1 Free Adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for this program of $7.50.
*NOTE: We can bring KEVA to you! Please refer to the Outreach Programs for additional details.
How to Book a Program
- Please contact the Education and Volunteer Administrator at 905-477-7000 extension 3174 to book a Program. Programs should be booked at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability.
- At time of booking you will be asked the following questions:
- Preferred dates and times for programs
- Contact person's full name
- Group name
- Full address including postal code
- Email address
- Estimated number, age and/or grade of participants
- Estimated number of adults that will be attending the program (please refer to adult to child ratios for each program as they differ based on the age of the participants).
- If there are any special needs we should be aware of e.g. mobility issues, students that require an EA, etc.
- Upon receiving this information you will receive written confirmation via email that your program is booked, along with your invoice, confirmation letter and information package. You will be told the price of the booking at the time based on the estimated number of participants and adult supervisors. If your booking is for more than 80 people you will be asked to provide the Museum with a 20% deposit for the program within the next two weeks.
- Full payment for the program is required on the day of the program.
- Please contact the Education and Volunteer Administrator at 905-477-7000 extension 3174 or museumeducation@markham.ca to confirm any changes in the number of participants. Adjustments/changes in the number of participants must be made NO LATER THAN 3 business days prior to your visit. Refunds will not be granted for groups with fewer participants than booked. Additional participants will be invoiced on the day of the visit.
Participant Numbers and Adult Supervision
The Museum requires a minimum payment of 18 participants for education programs. Adult to child ratios for each program differ based on the age of children.
Early Learning (Preschool & Kindergarten Programs)
- Adult Supervision – 1 free adult for every 5 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for the program.
Elementary School Programs
- Adult Supervision – 1 free adult for every 8 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for the program.
Secondary School Programs
- Adult Supervision – 1 free adult for every 10 children. All adults/leaders over this ratio will be charged at the participant fee for the program.
Support Staff
- EAs and support staff are excluded from the chaperone ratio and not charged for the program.
Cancellations
The Museum reserves the right to cancel a Program at any time to ensure the safety of participants and the site.
Cancellation of a Program by a Group
Cancellations can be requested NO LATER THAN 5 business days prior to the date of the program without penalty.
If you submit a written or verbal request to cancel less than five (5) business days before the start of the program you will be charged for 50% of the total program cost.
If you submit a written or verbal request to cancel on the day of the program, you will be invoiced in full for the program.
Weather Conditions
The Museum reserves the right to cancel a Program on the day of in the event of extreme/inclement weather. Should a cancellation occur as a result of weather conditions, you will not be charged.
Our Pricing and Payment Options
Full payment must be paid to the Museum on the day of your program.
The Museum accepts cheques, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Interac and cash. The Museum will send an invoice to the school or group and must be paid in full on day of the program.
For bookings over 80 participants, a 20% deposit will be retained at time of booking.
Please contact the Education and Volunteer Administrator at 905-477-7000 extension 3174 or museumeducation@markham.ca about group rates.
