Smarter Science Better Buildings

In this hands-on workshop, students explore the concepts of heat and temperature through the practical application of making our homes more energy efficient.

Important!

Thanks to the Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES), the Smarter Science Better Buildings program is newly updated for the 2023-24 school year. If you have attended this program before, please make sure you download the latest version of the Educator Manual and student packages ahead of your visit this year.

Grades

Grade 7

Locations

Moose Jaw | North Battleford | Saskatoon | Yorkton

Date

January 30, 2024 - February 16, 2024 | Saskatoon

February 27, 2024 - March 8, 2024 | Moose Jaw

March 19, 2024 - March 28, 2024 | Yorkton

May 13, 2024 - May 31, 2024 | North Battleford

Subjects

Arts Education | ELA | Math | Science | Social Studies

Program Cost

$3.50 per student

Length

2 hours

Program Type

Description

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 tour Museum exhibits related to sustainable living (homes, transportation, etc.).

(NEW for 2023-24) 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.

For full program information, download the Smarter Science Better Buildings Educator Manual (PDF).

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 in spring 2024. Details can be found below under HOW TO BOOK OR INQUIRE.

Bus Subsidy Grant Program Information

With the generous support of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and SaskEnergy, a bus transportation subsidy is available to select schools attending the Smarter Science Better Buildings program at the WDM. Educators/schools are responsible for contacting transportation companies and booking their own bus. Please direct questions about the Bus Subsidy Grant Program to the Education Department at the Museum you wish to visit.

For Prince Albert and area schools, thanks to the generous support of the Prince Albert Community Foundation and Affinity Credit Union, a bus transportation subsidy is available to select schools attending the program at the Prince Albert Science Centre. Educators/schools are responsible for contacting transportation companies and booking their own bus. Please direct questions about the Bus Subsidy Grant Program to Sandra at williamssl@shaw.ca.

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

How to book or inquire

WDM Location	Registration Forms and Student Packages Please print one Student Package for each student group and bring to Museum. For details, refer to Smarter Science Better Buildings Educator Manual (PDF).
WDM Moose Jaw February 27 – March 8, 2024 moosejaw.ed@wdm.ca	Information Package 2024 (PDF) Bus Subsidy Application Deadline: February 9, 2024 Application Form >>Student Packages (PDF)
WDM North Battleford May 13 – 31, 2024 nbattleford.ed@wdm.ca	Information Package 2024 (PDF) Bus Subsidy Application Deadline: April 26, 2024 Application Form >>Student Packages (PDF)
WDM Saskatoon January 30 – February 16, 2024 saskatoon.ed@wdm.ca	Information Package 2024 (PDF) Bus Subsidy Application Deadline: December 15, 2023 Application Form >>Student Packages (PDF)
WDM Yorkton March 19 – 28, 2024 yorkton.ed@wdm.ca	Information Package 2024 (PDF) Bus Subsidy Application Deadline: February 27, 2024 Application Form >>Student Packages (PDF)
Prince Albert Science Centre April 15 – May 3, 2024 williams.sl@shaw.ca	Information Package 2024 (PDF) Bus Subsidy Application Deadline: March 21, 2024 To apply, contact williamssl@shaw.caStudent Packages COMING SOON

Museum Manners & Program Rules

Museum Manners & our Virtual Code of Conduct are rules intended to keep students and our artifacts safe and ensure a good experience for all visitors. Please make sure your chaperones and students are aware of and ready to follow them. NOTE: Specific Museums and programs may have additional rules.... Read More

Resources

NOTE: If you have attended this program before, please make sure you download the latest versions of the Educator Manual and resources.

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