Learning About the Present With Artifacts From the Past

For the second time in two years, Yukon Energy has teamed up with the Dawson City Museum on a new educational program for Yukon students.

In 2009 we were involved in an innovative pilot project that saw students in grades 4-6 experience the hardships and rewards of the Gold Rush in a hands-on way. The program included the students spending an overnight in the Dawson museum.

This latest initiative brings the museum to the students instead. Museum staff have developed a kit that is delivered right to the classroom. The kit includes museum artifacts that introduce students to six types of simple machines (lever, wedge, pulley, ramp, screw and wheel). Through a series of experiments and observation exercises, the children learn concepts that are covered in the grade 5 science, math and social studies curriculum.

The kit was used recently by a grade 5 class from Robert Service School with great success. The plan now is to make it available to schools throughout Yukon.

Congratulations to the Dawson City Museum staff for a job well done.

For more information about Yukon Energy’s Corporate Contributions program, visit yukonenergy.ca .