The Penticton Museum is proud to offer a variety of programs. If you would like to participate in any of the following , please call 250-490-2454 for availability and up-to-date information.
Artifact Packs (Schools, Groups & Families)
Perfect for classes that can't make it out to the Museum in person, Artifact Packs are a full program in a box complete with touchable artifacts, interpretation, activities, and resources for the teacher.
From the Royal BC Museum, Penticton is very lucky to host this incredibly rich and detailed kit that explores the life of the Chinese immigrants that came to BC through graffiti and historical primary documents. Utilizing the "Big Six" approach to learning, the kit and online resources help students explore the archival materials, artifacts, and activities. The result is an experiential journey of extracting information from primary sources and incorporating that into the student's knowledge base.
This original Artifact pack was developed specifically to highlight the challenges and opportunities that faced European settlers that came to this area. It covers the local history from the first contact with the Okanagan First Nations, right through to Tom Ellis and the settlement of Penticton, and continues on to the First World War.
It contains artifacts that illustrate the life of pioneers and invites critical thinking through artifact exploration. The pack includes photos of early Penticton, a copy of Tom Ellis's actual diary from 1865, worksheets, classroom and small group activities, and suggested reading and resources.
Having a Voice encourages participants to use their inquiry skills to investigate participation and representation in BC politics, the electoral process and electoral boundaries. The kit, designed by the Royal BC Museum and Elections BC, fits the Grade 5 Social Studies: Canadian Issues and Governance curriculum. For more information follow this link.
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There are two ways to use the kits:
- Sign it out for $15 for up to a week at a time (you can renew if you need more time, provided it has not been booked by other educators!).
- Have a Museum staff person bring the kit to your classroom to present the materials and introduce the kit for $2 per student.
Book now by calling 250-490-2454.
Educational Programs
The Penticton Museum & Archives has many program opportunities to help you meet the objectives of the new curriculum. We have programming in the museum which covers local topics such as:
People History
Natural History
Science
S’yilx on the Land Okanagan Plants and Animals The Solar System Fur Traders in the Okanagan Animal Adaptations The Science of Bubbles Penticton Settlers Animal Tracking Penticton’s Early Transportation Natural Selection (Grade 10 +) Stick Stone Antler Bone These programs are developed and delivered by our educator, Chandra Wong, a trained science and math teacher with a background in art. She uses hands-on and place-based learning that your students will enjoy.
Most programs listed are suitable for grades K-12 and are about one hour long. Each program can be adapted for length or ability of the group. Contact Chandra with any questions or program ideas you might have.
We will continue our special promotional rate of $25 per in-museum program. Programs are delivered on Wednesdays through Fridays. 10 student minimum, 30 student maximum.
Explore science and technology principles with hands-on activities in the museum or in your classroom.
Cost: $40 per program
Length: 1.5-2 hours
Minimum 10 students. Maximum 30 students. Available Wednesdays through Fridays.
Forces: Students learn about forces that make things move (push, pull, gravity, friction) through hands-on activities, like making paper airplanes or marble tracks.
Chemistry: Students learn about phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas) or acids and bases through hands-
on activities using everyday chemicals found in a kitchen.
Engineering: Students learn about the principles of engineering design through hands-on designing with Keva blocks.
Energy: Students learn about different forms of energy, and how energy is transformed. Students are challenged to make a toy car move using at least one form of energy.
Hydraulics: Students learn about how hydraulics work to make our lives easier. Students are challenged to create a hydraulic machine using the Museum's hydraulic kits that include syringes, vinyl tubing and water.
Geology: Students learn about the rock cycle and local geology, including the Okanagan Valley fault. Students are challenged to build an earthquake-resistant building, and
test it on the Museum's Earthquake
Machine!Visit and explore local ecosystems with a trained biologist. Students will learn about Okanagan plants and animals.
Cost: $52.50 per program
Length: 2 hours
Minimum 10 students. Maximum 30 students. Available Wednesdays through Fridays.
Our programs require a minimum of 10 people. Smaller groups will be charged the cost of a regular program. Please discuss museum behavioural expectations (calm bodies, low voices, etc.) with your students prior to your visit. Please provide students with name tags to assist with class management.
Bookings are limited, so please register early. Please book at least two weeks in advance by phone (250-490-2454) or email. Programs are available Wednesday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.
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Adult & Family Programs
Toddlers explore their world through play. Learn how children learn as you and your toddler play together at the Museum. All sessions include hands-on activities for toddlers using Montessori and Reggio learning philosophies as a guide. Recommended ages 2-5 years. Drop-in. No registration required.
Penticton Museum in the Hands-on Heritage Lab
Second Thursday of the month, September to April, inclusive, 10-11 am
Suggested donation $2 per child. Drop-in. No registration required.Bring your family down to the Museum to join us for a fun-filled hour exploring a mix of topics on local history, science, and the natural world. All activities include hands-on activities for children 5-8 years old with parental supervision.
Please be advised that while older and younger siblings are welcome, not all activities may be suitable for them. Suggested donation $2 per child.
Date (2020) Theme Jan. 18 Natural
WorldFeb. 15 History Mar. 14* Science Apr. 18 Natural World * Please note: Saturday Mornings at the Museum take place on the third Saturday of the month, except during December and March.
Get revved up about science with the S.T.E.A.M. Powered Series! A joint Museum/Library series of programs running from September to April. Intended to inspire tweens to explore different aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. This after-school program takes place on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Ages: 8-12 years.
When: After school on the fourth Wednesday of the month, September to April inclusive.
Cost: Free
Details to be posted with each session on the Penticton Library website.
Register online (www.pentictonlibrary.ca) or come into the library for assistance with online registration.The Brown Bag Lecture Series is held every Tuesday at lunchtime (noon to 1 pm) from September to April. Each week a guest lecturer speaks about a subject in their area of expertise. Topics range from local history to history, travel, culture, and natural history. Everyone is welcome to bring their lunches with them, and coffee, tea, and confections are provided. Admission is by recommended donation of $2 per adult and $1 for children.
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Our presenters for 2020 are as follows:
Date Speaker Topic/Title Jan. 7 Isaac Gilbert Your life IS improv! Jan. 14 Dennis Oomen The Warsaw Uprising of 1944 - Part 2
Jan. 21 Anita Large Pow Wow Dancing Jan. 28 Raymond Wolowidnyk Construction of Arctic Airfields
Feb. 4 Colt Cash & fellow Toastmasters The History of Penticton Toastmasters
Feb. 11 Sax Among Friends featuring Don Wade, Yanti Rowland & Mel Zahary Music that Got Us through World War II
Feb. 18 Lisa Scott & Nicholas Burdock The White Lake Basin Feb. 25 Mehrnaz Massoudi Never Without Love March 3 Bethany Handfield The Penticton & District Community Arts Council
March 10 Paul Crawford Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting
March 17 Fern Gibberd Lois Morgenstern March 24 Jon Bartlett & Rika Ruebsaat
A Portrait of the Depression in Canada
March 31 Karen Collins History of Okanagan Falls
Tours
By Donation
Check out the museum at your leisure any time, Tues to Saturday, 10 am-5 pm. While there is a minimal charge for self-guided visits, the Museum must schedule them so there is no conflict with our other programming. Contact us at 250-490-2454 or email.
Check out our Exhibits page to see what's new!
Have an experienced staff member or volunteer show you around the permanent gallery and tell you the stories behind the artifacts. Ask lots of questions! Suitable for groups of up to 10 people due to space considerations. Cost is $3 per person, please book at least 3 days in advance! 250-490-2454 or email.
Have an experienced staff member show you the behind the scenes activities in the Museum & Archives' collections.
What does it take to take care of and preserve objects and documents of the past for generations of the future? Suitable for groups of up to about 25 people.
Cost is $3 per person. Please book at least three days in advance! Phone: 250-490-2454 or email.
Have Questions?
For questions, contact us at 250-490-2454 or chandra.wong@penticton.ca
Teachers and Educators: Sign up for our exclusive email list just for you, and receive information about the Penticton Museum's newest programs and exhibits, special guest lectures, deals on museum visits, and more!