Education Programs @ Medalta
Imagine the unique educational experiences at Medalta, a restored pottery factory from the turn of the 20th Century. Here students can discover, observe and investigate. Education at Medalta can take many forms and is tailored to all ages – field trips, day trips, special art programs (in school or at Medalta), and extended Community Classrooms.
Educational Opportunities
As an industrial heritage museum, contemporary artists’ space, and thriving community centre, Medalta has become a popular field trip destination for groups of all ages. Tours can be individualized depending on the age, number, and curriculum goals of the class.
To register or for more information:
For more information about any of these programs or to create a unique and individualized program, please contact Wendy Struck, Education Coordinator at 403.529.1070 or by email at education@medalta.org
School Field Trips
Price: $6.00/student for 5 & under, $8.00/student for 6-17
(plus GST if over the age of 14).
Teachers and accompanying adults are “no charge”.
Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
Field trips to Medalta generally consist of:
Museum Tour: Tour the factory where clay was processed with rocks taken from the clay pits to mouldable/pourable clay used to make pottery. See potters at work using the original moulds and jiggers to make bowls, vases, teapots and other wares. View the collection of items made at Medalta. Walk into the “Blast Shack” to learn how dynamite was used to gather clay from the cliffs.
Create with clay: Participants are given a “lump of clay” to create a piece of pottery. Instructions will be given as to the nature of clay and how to work with it. If requested, a professional ceramic artist may be available to work with participants for this portion of the field trip (at an additional cost). Clay projects are dried and fired and can be picked up at Medalta within a couple of weeks.
School Day Trips
Price: Determined by Education Coordinator.
Teachers and accompanying adults are “no charge”.
Length: Full day
Day trips allow for more “in-depth” learning opportunities. A full day experience is created by the teacher and the Education Coordinator and can be customized for any age/grade group and can incorporate any specific learning objectives.
Day trips to Medalta generally consist of:
- A full day, high school art, science or history program.
- The opportunity to work with resident experts including professional ceramic artists, archaeologists, clay scientists, collectors, and historians.
- Make bricks at the Medicine Hat Brick and Tile Plant.
- A variety of activities that integrate the elements of “STEAM” (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).
- A “mini” Community Classroom experience.
Private Day Trips
For Children, Youth and Adults!
Price: $8.00/child for 5 & under, $12.00/student for 6-17. $20/adult (18+)
(plus GST if over the age of 14)
Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
Offsite Classes
For Children, Youth and Adults!
Price: $10.00/child for 5 & under, $15.00/student for 6-17. $25/adult (18+)
(plus GST if over the age of 14)
Length: Full day
Kiln Firing Available for $35 (In addition to to fees above)
Fire up to 25 medium pieces at Medalta including kiln loading, unloading, electricity and packing!
Virtual Clay Experience
Price: $6.00/child for 5 & under, $8.00/student for 6-17
(plus GST if over the age of 14)
Length: 1 – 1.5 hours
Join Wendy, our Education Coordinator, in a step-by-step creative clay lesson, live from the Medalta museum!
Email Wendy for more information and/or send your classroom’s grade, number of students, a few desired dates, and any desired project themes or curriculum connections for your clay experience. Or, direct us to determine a project for you.
Once we decide a time and date for your virtual clay experience, a fillable Virtual Clay Experience form will be sent for you to complete.
A few days before your virtual session, a Google Meet invitation will be sent, and your clay and materials will be packed and ready for you to pick up. Front desk staff can help you when you arrive.
To keep the clay materials available for everyone who participates in the virtual program, please return the clay tools when you drop off the finished projects for firing, preferably within a week after your session. An invoice will then be sent to you. Cost covers everything including materials, instruction and firing.
If you are also planning to take the virtual tours on our website, email Wendy at education@medalta.org, to receive a digital visual scavenger hunt!
Community Classrooms @ Medalta
A Community Classroom is an innovative curriculum-based program that moves classroom learning to Medalta for part of or for an extended period of time ranging from 2 to 5 full days.
Teachers work closely with the Education Coordinator to custom design a multi-day, interactive learning experience. Although several activities have been designed to meet specific learning objectives, each teacher is encouraged to tailor the activities to the learning needs of the class and individual students.
Students and teachers use this new ‘classroom’ to engage in learner-led, hands-on, inquiry-based learning and exploration through tours, journaling, and a host of creative activities. This model makes information come alive, and has an incredible power to inspire students and teachers!
Price:
$120/day – 1 class
$180/day – 2 classes simultaneously (inquire for availability)
Length: 3 -5 Days
Transportation costs are the responsibility of the school.
The Process
Teachers meet with the Education Coordinator to plan, schedule, and share ideas regarding activities for the Community Classroom.
Teachers create new activities or revise previous exemplars to meet learning goals. Teachers may design student journals.
Teachers ensure student release forms are signed, parent volunteers are secured, and provide students with background information.
Visit your Community Classroom at Medalta!
To register or for more information:
For more information about any of these programs or to create a unique and individualized program, please contact Wendy Struck, Education Coordinator at 403.529.1070 or by email at education@medalta.org