From privateers to pirates, war-time raiders became outright thieves. Why did sailors become pirates and where did they come from? Did you know that there were female pirates too? This program illustrates tactics, lifestyles and the consequences for pirates who were caught, arrrh! Students will explore what “pirate” means in a larger context as they are swayed to the pirate life with hat making, balloon sword forging and a treasure hunt.

The Ocean Conservation program introduces students to water and ocean conservation through scientific inquiry. Students will interact with scientific equipment to discover the relationship between land and water and its significance to all living things. Answer the questions: “How are our oceans and other natural water sources connected to the land and how we live?”; “What is pollution?”; “How do we keep our water clean?”

Presented in the character of Captain Cook in the age of discovery, students will explore the questions: What was the motivation for exploration and discovery of the Northwest Coast? How did interactions between First Nations and the explorers impact and shape the development and history of BC and Canada? What were key innovations in navigation, technology and seafaring? Students will interact with knot tying and artefact exploration activities.

**Special promotion, while supplies last! Book your program today and each student in your class or group receives a FREE copy of John Horton’s Re:Discovery ’92, a pictorial essay on Captain Cook and Vancouver’s voyages.**

Immigration to BC involves many hardships as well as opportunities. From exploration and first contact, to settlement and global migration, the motivation for trade, prosperity and freedom sparked multiple waves of immigration. These journeys forever changed the lives of individuals, families and communications, and built BC as we know it today. Students will become museum detectives with a suitcase exploration activity, delving into the experiences of immigrants and how immigration has built Canadian society.

Learn how to be your own navigator! From the earliest navigation systems to present day Global Positioning Systems (GPS), students will examine the ways of early celestial and coastal navigation in parallel with some of today’s current technologies. What would it have been like to rely on primitive ocean-faring technologies? What would happen today if you were out at sea and your GPS failed? Interactive elements include a hands-on examination of BC’s earliest cartographic materials produced by explorers.

The Hudson’s Bay Company is Canada’s oldest national company. What were its powerful effects on First Nations and how did it play a key role in the development of Fort Victoria and Canada? Students will become curators and examine real otter and beaver pelts, a Hudson’s Bay blanket and other items important to the trade economy. Relations between First Nations and the HBC, and women’s experiences of life inside the fort will also be included.

The SS Princess Sophia program explores the largest maritime disaster on the west coast of Canada and its impact on those living in the Pacific Northwest. Using primary and secondary sources, students will interpret what happened during this disaster that had such a profound effect on the people connected to it. Using these documents, students will draw conclusions on possible rescue missions and discuss the limitations of technology.

The Second World War brought rapid change in technology, industry, and social roles. It also brought opportunities for BC women to contribute to the war effort. Through exploration and discovery, students will learn to read primary sources. With primary archival documents, they will discuss the roles that women played in the BC shipbuilding industry and the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (Wrens), all while considering the context of the period.