Boats That Float
Grades 2 to 4
Science & Technology: Properties of Liquids and Solids
Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell built hydrofoils in his later years? Introduce your young scientists to this exciting world of water through hands-on experiments. Students will explore the properties and behaviours of various liquids and then compete to build the best floating boat.
The Mystery of Magnets
Grades 3 to 6
Science & Technology: Forces Causing Movement; Properties and Changes in Matter
Unravel the mystery of magnets with hands-on experiments and demonstrations. Test metals and see magnetic fields. Can you make a magnet? How are magnets used in everyday life?
The Sound of Science
Grades 3 to 6
Science & Technology: Light and Sound
Investigate the science of sound through hands-on experiments. Explore the properties of sound and its importance to the invention of the telephone. Learn about the life and work of Alexander Graham Bell through an interactive tour of the Bell family home. Try out telephones from the early twentieth century.
Exploring Electricity
Grades 3 to 6
Science & Technology: Conservation of Energy and Resources, Electricity and Electrical Devices
Have you ever wondered what life was like before electricity? Alexander Graham Bell's work with the telephone originated in his work with electricity and the multiple telegraph. Tour the Bell Homestead to compare pre- and post-electricity lifestyles and conduct electrical experiments!
Towering Tetrahedrons
Grades 3 to 6
Science & Technology: Strong and Stable Structures, Forces Acting on Structures and Mechanisms
Dr. Bell experimented with a variety of strong and stable structures to build his kites. His solution was the tetrahedral cell. Test out various structures for stability in a series of hands-on experiments. Tour the Bells' home to see strength and stability in a residential building.
Dr. Bell Sees The Light
Grades 4 to 6
Science & Technology: Light and Sound
Dr. Bell "saw the light" and used sunlight instead of wires to transmit sound in a special telephone he called the "photophone". Explore the properties and behaviour of light! See how it interacts with other materials through hands-on experiments. Tour Melville House to see how the Victorians used light.
Inventing the Future
Grades 5 to 8
Science & Technology: Interactions in the Environment, Form and Function, Systems in Action
History: Canada - A Changing Society
Why do people invent things? Explore inventions throughout history. Identify what makes an invention succeed or fail, and its impact on our environment Use old-fashioned nib pens to draw up plans for your own invention. Critique each other's inventions. Tour Melville House to see how one inventor – Alexander Graham Bell – and his family lived.
Project Telephone
Grades 5 to 8
Science & Technology: Form and Function, Systems in Action
History: Canada - A Changing Society
Bell invented the telephone in 1874. The basic technology hasn't changed, but the form of the telephone has. Analyze and critique the functionality of original 20th century telephones. Create a model of a new telephone for today's user. Tour the Bells' home and investigate ergonomics in Victorian design. Try out historic telephones in the Henderson House.
Flights of Fancy
Grades 6 to 8
Science & Technology: Flight, Form and Function
Have you ever dreamed of flying with the birds? Alexander Graham Bell did, and he went on to do many experiments with kites and airplanes. Investigate the properties of air and flight through hands-on experiments and make a kite just like Alexander's!
Programmes To Go
All our half-day programmes are available as "Programmes To Go." We bring most of the supplies, but we may need you to supplement some of our materials. Due to the hands-on nature of these programmes, we are only able to work with one class at a time. However, you can book two sessions in one day. Please contact the education coordinator for more details.
Music in Motion
Grades JK to 3
The Arts: Music
Science & Technology: Materials, Objects and Everyday Structures, Energy in Our Lives
Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell dreamed of being a concert pianist? Learn about the life and work of Mr. Bell before, during, and after the invention of the telephone. Explore sound and music by making your very own rhythm instrument, moving to music, and creating art to accompany music. An interactive tour of the Bell family home and a chance to try our historic telephones completes your visit!
Living in a Material World
Grades JK to 2
Science & Technology: Materials, Objects and Everyday Structures; Properties of Liquids and Solids
How did Mr. Bell know what materials to use for the telephone, the Silver Dart, and the hydrofoil? He tested them! Investigate the properties of different materials in hands-on experiments. Explore the Bells' home and compare the materials and objects they used to the materials and objects we use today.