Smarter Science Better Buildings is a two-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's expertise and continued support 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.
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 concepts fit together into a home that is both livable and energy efficient
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. The program was recognized at the 6th RCE Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development event, 2014.
Swift Current and Area Educators: The WDM and SES are excited to partner with the Swift Current Museum to offer this program November 30 - December 11, 2026. Please contact Amber Burton at the Saskatchewan Environmental Society for more information at amberb@environmentalsociety.ca or 306-665-1915.
Prince Albert and Area Educators: The WDM and SES are partnering with the Prince Albert Science Centre to offer this program April 7 - 23, 2027. Please contact the Prince Albert Science Centre directly to book your visit: williams.sl@shaw.ca
Bus Subsidy Grant Program Information
A bus transportation subsidy is available to select schools attending the Smarter Science Better Buildings program at the WDM, Prince Albert Science Centre and Swift Current Museum. The Saskatchewan Environmental 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 November 16 if you book a program at the Swift Current Museum and by April 10 if you book a program at the Prince Albert Science Centre.
Please direct questions regarding the bus subsidy program to Amber Burton at the Saskatchewan Environmental Society at amberb@environmentalsociety.ca or 306-665-1915.
Program Materials
Please review materials in advance and print a student package for each student to bring to the Museum.
Educator Manuals
Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon and Yorkton
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.
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.
