Smarter Science Better Buildings is a 2-hour, hands-on program. Students explore the concepts of heat and temperature through the practical application of making our homes more energy efficient. Students also visit Museum exhibits related to sustainable living (homes, transportation, etc.).
Thanks to the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, our Smarter Science Better Buildings program materials have been updated to include recent trends and innovations for building sustainable homes and businesses. New to the program is a Heating and Cooling workstation featuring hands-on components and information about thermal mass, R value, conduction, convection and radiation. Thank you SES for sharing your expertise and for your continued support of this program.
Workstations focus on:
Energy efficient lighting and appliances
Water conservation
Home retrofits
Heating and cooling
Solar heating
A model of a net zero (produces as much energy as it consumes) home allows students to examine how all these concepts fit together into a home that is both livable and very energy efficient
"I loved the way the activities coordinated, combining a variety of sciences together into one practical and relevant real life problem to solve. I am trying to convince my students that their Science studies are relevant for solving real world problems; This program helps them see applications, and that all the sciences often work together, overlap and mingle." - 2023 Teacher
Smarter Science Better Buildings was originally developed collaboratively by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and the Western Development Museum, with assistance from Saskatoon Public Schools, Vereco Homes and Sun Ridge Group.
Smarter Science Better Buildings was recognized at the 6th RCE Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) event, 2014.
PA and Area Educators: The WDM and SES are thrilled to partner with the Prince Albert Science Centre to offer this program. The program will return to the PASC on April 14 - 30, 2026. Details can be found below under HOW TO BOOK OR INQUIRE.
Bus Subsidy Grant Program Information
A bus transportation subsidy sponsored by SaskEnergy is available to select schools attending the Smarter Science Better Buildings program at the WDM and the Prince Albert Science Centre. Saskatchewan Enviromental Society (SES) will contact you directly about subsidy eligibility within five business days of booking the program at any WDM location. SES will contact you directly about subsidy eligibility by April 10th if booking the program at the Prince Albert Science Center. Please direct any questions regarding the subsidy program to Amber Burton at the Saskatchewan Enviromental Society: email amberb@environmentalsociety.ca or call 306-665-1915.
Book Now:
Saskatoon - September 3, 2025 - February 13, 2026
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Moose Jaw - February 24 - March 10, 2026
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Yorkton - March 19 - April 2, 2026
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North Battleford - May 11- May 29, 2026
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Program Type
Museum-Led
WDM staff or volunteers will lead you and your students through set programming.
Museum staff or volunteers will:
Greet your group when you arrive to introduce the program and review the Museum rules.
Ensure that all required materials are ready.
Lead and facilitate program activities.
Note: Chaperones are still required and will be asked to help students with some activities. Your students may not have a chance to explore the whole Museum as part of any one program.
Curriculum Connections
Science 7 plus integration with Social Studies, English Language Arts, Arts Education, and Mathematics.
Science: HT7.1, IE7.4, Big Idea 5.0
Social Studies: IN7.2, IN7.3, RW7.2, RW7.3
ELA: CC7.1
Arts Education: CP7.12
Math: SP7.2, P7.1
Book online! Head to the Book Now section on this page to register.
Chaperone Ratios: Groups are expected to provide chaperones (including teachers) at a ratio of 1 adult per 5 students. These chaperones are admitted free of charge. Support staff and chaperones for students with significant needs are allowed at a 1:1 ratio at no charge.
Admission for additional adults beyond the required number is $12 each (plus GST) in Moose Jaw, North Battleford and Yorkton, and $14 each (plus GST) in Saskatoon.
Visiting with multiple classes: It is possible for two classes from the same school (up to 60 students) to participate in this program back to back. One class will participate in the program led by Museum staff while the other class has a chaperone supervised visit within the Museum galleries and then the classes will switch.
