Museum School Programs

Resources for the 2023/24 School Year

Our popular school programs are back! Teachers and homeschoolers alike are invited to sign up for both onsite and offsite school programs. View the printable brochure.

• School Programs: $97.55

Archaeology of Ancient Cultures (Grade 7)

Learn the basics of archaeological practices and analysis of primary source evidence with hands-on replicas. This program includes a DIY Mesopotamian clay cuneiform tablet lesson and a simulated Egyptian archaeological dig.  

Christmas Long Ago (K to 4)

Sleigh bells jingling and carols sung around the fireplace; children experience how early settlers celebrated the holidays in Surrey long ago. Our 1870’s cabin decorated for an old-time Christmas, handle real artifacts and make traditional decorations to put on your tree.  

Exploring Canadian Government (Grade 5 to 6)

Students will learn the history of the 1881 Town Hall while learning about the different levels of Government and their responsibilities, Canada’s political parties and the election process. Students will also participate in a class election in the 1881 Town Hall with campaigning and voting.

Growing Surrey (Grade 3 to 4)

Surrey has experienced many changes on its way to being the city we know today. Compare the lives of both Indigenous peoples and early Surrey settlers to our lives today when you explore an1870’s cabin, discuss how natural resources were used in the Surrey Stories Gallery, and try your hand at weaving on a loom as you discuss clothing and textiles in the Textile Centre.

Homestead to High-rise (K to Grade 2)

Food, transportation, access to emergency services and getting an education – all were fundamental needs in an early settler community. As students handle artifacts and use replica toys, they relate settler experiences in a growing community with contemporary living in Surrey.  

Métis: The Flower Beadwork People (Grade 3 to 4)

Explore the Métis culture and learn how this distinct nation joins European and Indigenous traditions to create a unique set of values, language, music, dance and art.  Students will handle Métis artifacts, recreate a buffalo hunt, and dance a Métis jig.

School Memories (Grade 5 to 6)

Learn what school was like in the 1930s. Explore the restored Anniedale school and discuss how education was different here compared to the Residential Schools of the time. Role play, the three “R’s”, and of course recess are all included.

Simple Machines (Grade 5)

Get hands-on exploring six simple machines: pulley, lever, wheel-and-axle, inclined plane, screw and wedge. Students handle artifacts, build models, work through a scavenger hunt in the Surrey Stories gallery, and create a catapult to take home. 

Wartime Christmas (Grade 5 to 6)

Discover how families maintained the Christmas spirit during World War II when rations, homemade gifts and absent family members were a reality. Students participate in a wartime holiday story, practice sugar rationing, and make Christmas crafts to take home.  

Applied Design and Skills: Building with Bricks (Grade 4 to 5)

Building with bricks has always been a fun way for our imaginations to come to life, what most people don’t know is that this isn’t just a great way to play but that it can also help students develop essential applied design skills. This program consists of building with bricks activities and scenarios for students to apply these critical design thinking and processes, and their ability to work effectively both as individuals and collaboratively in a group. This will also include a tour of our new feature exhibit “Everything is Still Awesome” a collaboration between the museum and the Vancouver Lego Club.

Rentable Edukits

Created specifically for delivery by teachers, edukits may contain hands on artifacts and archival materials, including photographs, newspaper articles, letters, clothing, toys and more. They also include a comprehensive teacher package of suggested activities.

Packaged in a convenient suitcase, they are available on three-week loan with enough content to fill the duration of the rental. Once Edukits are returned, the suitcase and its contents will then be disinfected before the Edukit is rented again. Cost: $53.00.

A Year at Cloverdale Elementary (K to Grade 4)

Students follow the lives of three real children during the 1910–1911 school year, and discover what life was like in Surrey’s old city center more than a hundred years ago through touchable artifacts and an original story book.

Family Treasures (Grades 4 to 6)

After examining documents and objects associated with two settler families, students will then explore their own cultural heritage as they identify, research, display and present an item of personal significance; learning what their personal objects tell themselves and others about their cultural background.

Surrey's Home Front (Grades 9 to 11)

Students interpret archival documents and artifacts to explore the lives of seven people of varied genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds who lived in Surrey during WWI. The Komagata Maru incident and German internment—just a few issues this kit covers.

Surrey’s Punjabi Community (K to Grade 5)

Created in collaboration with members of Surrey’s Punjabi community, this kit will explore aspects of history, immigration, arts, music, language, food, clothing, celebrations, stories, and Surrey residents.  An excellent way to learn more about the diversity of our neighbours’ culture. 

How to Book Programs and Edukits

Call 604-592-6954 to register for a program.

Contact Tommy Cheung, Education Specialist, at Tommy.Cheung@surrey.ca for inquiries and to book Edukits.

Working with Homeschoolers

Did you know Museum of Surrey offers options for homeschool students that fit with the BC curriculum? All ten programs are available to homeschoolers, which includes program plans, teacher notes, PowerPoints, photographs and so much more! Homeschoolers also have access to our four rentable Edukits that contain archival materials, artifacts and comprehensive teacher notes. To inquire about a program for your home school/distance learning group, call 604-592-7017 or email tommy.cheung@surrey.ca.