Educational programs

 

Play a role in history!

 

Welcome to the Vanier Museopark, a museum which focuses on the history of the Quartier Vanier and French-speaking Ottawans, while promoting the Richelieu heritage forest.

 

A museopark is a museum located in an accessible natural greenspace that provides heritage-based activities both indoors and outdoors.

 

The Muséoparc Vanier Museopark® offers students a rich learning environment. Its activities are aimed at supporting the work of teachers, and follow the Ontario curriculum, including its language development policies.

 

Activities for students in grade three

 

SMARTER BARTER

Students are placed in the context of exchanges and trade between native peoples and French pioneers, and are asked to do some bartering.  As they handle artefacts, students are introduced to the cultural contacts and commercial dealings that took place between the two groups. Students are encouraged to promote the usefulness of their items so as to convince their counterparts to negotiate a trade.

 

MAPLE ON THE TABLE

Let’s take a walk in the bush, and have a look at the sugar shack! This activity takes place in the Richelieu Park heritage forest, whose main attraction is one of the few remaining maple-sugar operations in an urban environment! By hearing stories and legends about the origins of maple sugar, handling various artefacts, taking a close look at nature, and putting together a timeline of maple-sugar production, students are able to discover that the charms and delights of this sugar shack are not limited to just tasting! *This activity lends itself well to the curriculum for students in grade two.

 

A CHASE THROUGH HISTORY

In line with the principle of learning through play, students are hired as special agents, and travel through time, their mission being to investigate the disappearance of important artefacts stolen by a clever thief who has hidden them in the past. A brilliant detective helps them find these items and describe what they were used for by pioneers who shaped the history of the City of Vanier.

 

Activities for students in grade six

 

HUNTING FOR HISTORY

Experience an adventure in the majestic Richelieu forest. Using a portable GPS device and some hints, you may find the hidden treasure. This will not be easy as you will have to unravel the history of Vanier through important people who have shaped its history.

 

SWEET TREASURE IN THE HEART OF VANIER

Enter the world of maple-syrup production using a GPS device and some hints that will guide you to the buried treasure in the heart of the Richelieu Park. You will uncover the secrets of the maple grove by learning about forest biodiversity, different species of maple tree and operating a sugar shack.

 

IN SEARCH OF OCCUPATIONS IN NEW FRANCE

Imagine a world without video games, without television and without schools! Imagine yourself back in New France. What kind of life would a young French boy or girl lead upon arriving in New France? Come learn about the various occupations of the inhabitants of New France, and take part in their leisure activities by quilling.

 

Information

PROCEDURE

  • A preparatory session in the classroom given by one of our ambassadors.
  • A visit to the Muséoparc Vanier Museopark® with educational activities organized by the Museopark’s team and volunteers.
  • An activities kit distributed to teachers to help them follow up and focus more deeply on what was learned once they are back in the classroom.

 

TIMETABLE

Educational programs are provided throughout the school year from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each activity lasts 90 minutes except for the Maple on the Table activity which lasts 120 minutes.

Other activities at the Vanier Museopark

CIRCUITS VANIER

Come discover Ottawa’s Quartier Vanier by following the paths which lead to the murals, historical sites and fascinating tales about this neighbourhood’s rich history. Visit www.museoparc.ca/circuit and check out the various paths that will help you plan your next guided tour.

 

RACONTE-MOI OTTAWA

This site is both a short guide to Ottawa’s francophone heritage and an interactive learning tool. It focuses on the history of the City of Ottawa, and allows you to interact with the past by means of textual material and images, while becoming acquainted with the major events in the city’s history. You will also find here several suggestions for educational activities. Visit www.racontemoiottawa.com for more information!

 

Rates

 

Educational programs for grades 3 and 6

$3.00 per student

Circuits Vanier

$1.00 per student (minimum $25.00)

Visit to the museum

$1.00 per student (minimum $25.00)

Maple-syrup taffy

$2.00 per student

 

Reservations

Make your visit a special one by registering for more than one activity, and treat yourself and your students to a full day. Browse through our web page to discover our other activities. It is also possible to make your visit a more colourful event by combining your activity with a meal at the sugar shack. If you wish to remain on the grounds for lunch, there are lunch areas at your disposal. Please let us know at the time you make your reservation.

 

Cancellation policy

There may be costs in the event of a cancellation. If you must cancel within 48 hours prior to a visit, you will be expected to pay the entire amount of your reserved package.

 

Treat yourself to paying us a visit!

 

For more information or to make a reservation for a visit, please contact us at 613.580.2424 extension 32001 or send us an email at projet@museoparc.ca.

 

Click here to download our brochure!