Virtual Visits
Experience the PumpHouse safely from your classroom with a Virtual Visit!
What is a Virtual Visit?
A Virtual Visit is a collaborative learning experience that takes place asynchronously and synchronously. It consists of an introductory video tour, in-class activities, and a follow-up live Question and Answer (Q & A) session with our staff. All learning materials are provided to you, so you do not have to worry about preparation.
Children’s Programs
Update Thursday, April 1, 2021:
The museum is temporarily closed as directed in compliance with the province-wide lockdown. Children's Programs are unavailable at this time.
We continue to offer onsite, private children's programs. To book a children’s program, please visit https://www.kingstonpumphouse.ca/whats-on/childrens-programs.
Booking a Program
To request a Virtual Visit, please complete the PumpHouse Booking Request Form 2021. Fill out the form and email it to us at pumphouse@cityofkingston.ca.
A member of our team will email you as soon as possible to complete your booking.
Please submit your program request at least 2 weeks in advance of your requested date. We cannot promise that requests made less than 2 weeks in advance will be able to be accommodated.
Program Fees
| Program | 2021 Fee | Description |
| 0 - 15 students | $25 | A 60 - 120 minute program. Price is per session. |
| 16 - 30 students | $50 | A 60 - 120 minute program. Price is per session. |
| 30+ students | $75 |
A 60 - 120 minute program. Price is per session. |
*Prices are subject to HST.
The Museum has the following educational programming options available for booking requests Tuesdays through Fridays beginning May 2020. Please contact us at education@cityofkingston.ca if you have questions or are interested in booking.
Program Descriptions
Grades K - 3
Kindergarten: 75 minutes; Grade 1-3: 90 minutes
Imagine you had to leave your home behind and move to a place you didn’t know. In Bravery to Belonging: A Journey, students explore themes related to the refugee experience, including fear, displacement, and refuge. The program introduces children to the concepts of refuge and refugees through the eyes of the character, Lubna. Together, we will read a story, explore the exhibition “Refuge Canada,” and create a piece of art reflecting our experience.
Curriculum Connections
Kindergarten
Belonging and Contributing
Self-Regulation and Well-Being
Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematics Behaviours
Problem Solving and Innovating
Grade 1
Language
Oral Communication
Social Studies
Heritage and Identity: Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities People and Environments: The Local Community
The Arts
Creating and Presenting
Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing
Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grade 2
Language
Oral Communication
Social Studies
Heritage and Identity: Changing Family and Community Traditions - A3
The Arts
Creating and Presenting
Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing
Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grade 3
Language
Oral Communication
Social Studies
People and Environments: Living and Working in Ontario - B1
The Arts
Creating and Presenting
Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing
Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Refugees often face a challenging and often even dangerous journey. In Conscious Quest: Canada's Refuge Response, students unpack some of the key terms and facts surrounding the refuge experience. Students explore the big question, “Is Canada’s response to refugees something I can be proud of?”
Curriculum Connections
Grade 4
Social Studies
Strand B: People and Environments: Living and Working in Ontario
Grade 5
Social Studies
Strand B: The Role of Government and Responsible Citizenship
Grade 6
Social Studies
Strand B: People and Environments: Canada’s Interactions with the Global Community
Grade 7
History and Geography
Concepts of Historical Thinking
This activity is an opportunity to practice applying the concepts of historical thinking and historical inquiry, using the following suggested framing questions from the curriculum. Students will also develop their ability to gather and critically analyse evidence from primary and secondary sources in order to form their own conclusions about historical issues and events.
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Why is it important to consider various perspectives when analysing events or issues?
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What types of forces can bring about change?
Grade 8
History and Geography
Concepts of Historical Thinking
This activity is an opportunity to practice applying the concepts of historical thinking and historical inquiry, using the following suggested framing questions from the curriculum. Students will also develop their ability to gather and critically analyse evidence from primary and secondary sources in order to form their own conclusions about historical issues and events.
- Is historical change always positive? How do we determine the nature of its impact?
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In what ways are Canadian rights and freedoms a result of the struggles of people in the past?
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What are some ways in which different people respond to challenges and create change?
Level 1 for Grades JK-3
Kindergarten: 75 minutes; Grade 1-3: 90 minutes
Don’t take water for granted! Learn about the technology that brings clean water into your home and how we can be good stewards of this important resource. Learn about the technology behind the old Kingston waterworks, discuss responsible water use and build a water filter using earth and other common-place materials.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 1
Science & Technology
Understanding Matter and Energy
Energy in Our Lives
1.1, 2.4, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
Social Studies
People and Environments
The Local Community
B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B3.1, B3.3, B3.7
Grade 2
Science & Technology
Understanding Matter and Energy
Properties of Liquids and Solids
1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.5
Understanding Earth and Space Systems
Air and Water in the Environment
1.1, 1.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
Social Studies
People and Environments
Global Communities
B1.1, B1.3, B2.1, B3.6
Grade 3
Science and Technology
Understanding Earth and Space Systems
Soils in the Environment
1.1, 2.5, 3.1
Social Studies
Heritage and Identity
Communities in Canada, 1780–1850
A1.2, A2.1, A2.2, A2.5, A3.3, A3.4
Level 2 for Grades 4-6
90 minutes
Don’t take water for granted! Learn about the technology that brings clean water into your home and how we can be good stewards of this important resource. Learn about the technology behind the old Kingston waterworks, discuss responsible water use and build a water filter using earth and other common-place materials.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 4
Social Studies
People and Environments
Political and Physical Regions of Canada
B1.1,B1.3, B2.1, B2.2, B2.6, B3.1, B3.5,
Science & Technology
Understanding Life Systems
Habitats and Communities
1.1, 3.3, 3.9, 3.10
Grade 5
Social Studies
People and Environments
The Role of Government and Responsible Citizenship
B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B3.2, B3.6, B3.7
Science and Technology
Understanding Earth and Space Systems
Conservation of Energy and Resources
1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5
Understanding Matter and Energy
Properties of and Changes in Matter
2.6, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
Grade 6
Social Studies
Heritage and Identity
Communities in Canada, Past and Present
A1.1, A3.2, A3.7
People and Environments
Canada’s Interactions with the Global Community
B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B2.2, B2.4, B2.5, B2.6, B3.1, B3.3, B3.5, B3.8, B3.9
Level 1 for Grades K-1
Kindergarten: 75 minutes; Grade 1: 90 minutes
We challenge you! Move a load from point A to point B by constructing and operating your own simple machines. Learn about how simple machines work to make our lives easier, and the many different forms they take through this new interactive museum program.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 1
Science and Technology
Understanding Structures and Mechanisms
Materials, Objects, and Everyday Structures
2.2, 2.4 2.6, 3.4, 3.7
Grade 2
Science and Technology
Understanding Structures and Mechanisms
Movement
1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4
