School Programs

            The Alberni Valley Museum offers a variety of school programs for Kindergarten through Grade Twelve classes. Interactive and engaging programs are offered at three sites: the Community Museum, McLean Mill National Historic Site and the Maritime Discovery Centre. Opportunities to discover Port Alberni and Provincial History, from First Nations Culture and Pioneer experiences to Forestry and Maritime heritage our programs address many of the prescribed learning outcomes of the Social Studies Curriculum. 

     The Beta Sigma Phi Legacy Fund connects our students with the museum by providing the funds to cover the program fee for School District 70 classes attending museum programs. In recognition of the sorority's 60th Anniversary local chapters formed this fund to enable Port Alberni youth to learn about their history and heritage.

To discuss your program needs please contact the Education Curator at 720-2523 or shelley_harding@portalberni.ca

All programs must be booked in advance by contacting the Booking Clerk at Echo Centre at 723-2181 echo_frontcounter@portalberni.ca. 

The cost is $40.00 per class per program for non School District 70 schools. 

 

Core Programs

The Museum offers a wide variety of core school programs that are available from September to the end of June. These programs have been prepared to relate to the current Social Studies curriculum and all offer a hands-on interactive approach.

Dinosaur Discovery - Primary Grades K-3

This program introduces your students to the work of Palaeontologists.

Travel Ways Grade K-2

Explore the Museum and the history of transportation in this fun and active program.

Museum Discovery - Grades 1 - 2

 

Explore the Museum and discover what goes on behind the scenes. Some fun activities have been added to this program.

Pioneer Family - Grade 3

Travel back in time and discover Port Alberni life in the 1890s.

Grasses and Cedarbark - Grade 4

 

Focuses on traditional Nuu-Chah-Nulth culture and utilizes the Museum collection.

Maritime Matters - Grade Five

 

 Explore the history of lighthouses, west coast exploration and navigation.

Stone Tools to Sawmills - Grade Five to Eight


 

Trough activity and analysis students will explore Nuu Chah Nulth culture, the exploration era, immigration and early industry.

 Archaeology - Grade 7

 

Provides an opportunity for your students to discover the work of Archaeologists.

Local History Study - Grades 8 to 12

 

A multi visit program that allows your students an opportunity to utilize the research resources of the Museum and Archives and discover some of the history of the Alberni Valley.

  

Shattered Lives:

The Internment of McLean Mill Japanese Community

Grades 4-12

 

During World War II, Japanese Canadians were transported to internment camps in the interior of the province. Using drama in education techniques, the interpretive staff and your students will explore the the personal consequences of world events through the eyes of Terry, a ten year old girl living at the McLean Mill during this difficult time in British Columbia's past.

The Way it Was -

Grades K-6

 

Our interpretive staff will journey with your students through the community re-created at  McLean Mill. Together, we will explore the reality of working, living and learning in the early years: when a trip to town was an adventure, an argument with the boss might mean the loss of your home and you lived next door to your teacher!