The Canadian War Museum is pleased to announce that the virtual school programs are now available to schools across Canada. Thanks in large part to the generosity of donors and the Friends of the Canadian War Museum, the programs will be offered free of charge for the 2023–2024 school year.
Programs are available from October 10, 2023, to April 26, 2024.
Program Descriptions
Witness to History – Personal Accounts of Military Service
(All Grades)
This unique program enables students to interact with a veteran or a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, who will share their personal experiences and perspectives. Volunteers representing a variety of conflicts and service areas are available (Afghanistan, domestic operations, and service abroad with international organizations such as NATO, NORAD or the UN). Volunteers also come from a range of trades and professions. While every effort will be made to match groups with their preferred choice, the final selection will be based on volunteer availability. Requests for this program must be made at least three weeks in advance. Moderated by a Museum staff member.
Teacher Overview
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies
Historical Thinking: Historical Perspective
Available: October 10 – April 26. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. (Eastern time)
Duration: 45 minutes
This Belongs in a Museum – First World War Edition
(Grades 4 to 12; Cycles 2 and 3 to Secondary 5 in Quebec)
Students will investigate three intriguing artifacts from the War Museum’s galleries. Working with the presenter, they’ll explore what artifacts can teach us about the past and discover some of the stories behind the objects. The presentation is built on historical and visual thinking and includes images and short videos.
Teacher Overview
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Language Arts
Historical Thinking: Primary Source Evidence, Historical Significance
Available: October 10 – April 26. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. (Eastern time)
Duration: 45 minutes
A Soldier’s Story – Will Van Allen
(Grades 1 to 6; Cycles 1 to 3 in Quebec)
The presenter will guide students through an age-appropriate and sensitive overview of the experience of a real Canadian First World War soldier, Will van Allen. The presenter will illustrate the narrative using props, images and paintings from the Museum’s collections.
Teacher Overview
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Language Arts
Historical Thinking: Primary Source Evidence, Historical Perspective
Available: October 10 – April 26. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. (Eastern time)
Duration: 45 minutes
Technology Needs
The War Museum’s virtual school programs are live, two-way, interactive programs. They are available to groups learning in-person or virtually. For best results, the presenter should be able to see and hear the students, and/or interact with them through chat.
The programs are delivered by a War Museum staff member using Zoom.
How to Book
To book a program please complete the online booking form. If you need additional information, please email our Call Centre at information@warmuseum.ca.
Please note:
- Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Programs are offered in either English or French — please specify your language.
- The presenter can accommodate one group at a time — a maximum of 35 students.
- Each program lasts approximately 45 minutes.
- Programs are available free of charge only to primary, elementary, intermediate or high schools in Canada.
Important Information
Virtual school programs may be delivered by staff in training or they may be offered as observation sessions for evaluation purposes. This is part of the Museum’s commitment to developing high-quality educational programs for all students. We appreciate the flexibility and collaboration of teachers in helping us develop these exciting programs.
To receive regular updates about the Canadian War Museum’s learning programs, sign up for our Teachers’ Club. Or follow us on social media; we’re on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Photo at top of page:
CWM2019-0032-0082-Dm