What age group is this program designed for?

Homeschool Days: Palaeo Juniors is geared specifically for students in grades 2 through 6.

Do parents need to stay during the program?

Parents are welcome to stay on-site or nearby, but children participate independently in the group activities under supervision.

Are any special skills required to participate?

No prior skills are needed; the program is designed to be accessible and engaging for young learners.

What kind of activities are included?

Participants engage in fossil jacketing, track and trackway studies, and watch a paleontology-themed documentary.

Is there parking available at the location?

Yes, ample parking is available for families visiting the museum for the program.

Can this program be booked outside of homeschool groups?

Booking may be available for other interested groups, but priority is given to homeschool families during scheduled days.

Explore Alberta’s Ancient Past with Homeschool Days: Palaeo Juniors

Located in Wembley, Alberta, Homeschool Days: Palaeo Juniors offers an absorbing dive into the world of paleontology, specifically designed for students in grades 2 through 6. This 1 hour and 45-minute session invites young adventurers to engage directly with hands-on activities that bring fossil history to life. Participants learn foundational techniques like Fossil Jacketing, a method used by paleontologists to protect and transport delicate fossils, and Tracks and Trackways, exploring the imprint stories left behind by ancient creatures that once roamed the region. The day is rounded out by a captivating documentary screening in a dedicated theatre space, providing a rich visual context to complement the tactile learning experiences.

Wembley sits amid Alberta’s western plains, a region known for its wealth of dinosaur fossils and significant prehistoric finds. The area’s natural history is embedded in its sedimentary layers, where fossilized imprints and skeletons offer clues to life millions of years ago when this land was much different. The program leverages this geological heritage, making it a standout educational destination for families focused on engaging, science-based learning.

This experience is not just educational—it uniquely blends entertainment and discovery, offering young learners a dynamic environment where curiosity meets hands-on exploration. It's especially valuable for homeschooling families looking for an interactive and informative field trip that resonates with a passion for natural history and outdoor adventure education.

By focusing on grades 2-6, the program ensures content is age-appropriate and captivating, with expert facilitators guiding students through each stage of the session. This immersive approach supports STEM learning goals and nurtures a connection to Alberta’s paleontological resources.

Homeschool Days: Palaeo Juniors is more than a class; it’s an invitation to step back in time while developing a deeper understanding of geology, biology, and the scientific method. Nearby Edmonton serves as the ideal base for travelers, offering ample accommodations and amenities for families on educational adventures.

Plan your visit to this unique homestudy experience to enrich your child’s education with a day steeped in curiosity, hands-on discovery, and a journey into Alberta’s ancient past.

About Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum

Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in Wembley, Alberta is a regional centre for palaeontology and public education. The museum preserves and interprets local fossil heritage and operates research-led public programs that connect families, students and researchers to Alberta’s deep past.

Exhibits highlight mounted skeletons, interactive displays and rotating collections that showcase discoveries from the Pipestone Creek bonebed and the Wapiti Formation.

The museum runs guided field experiences and seasonal events led by trained palaeo-professionals, including the Pipestone Creek excavation visits, “Palaeontologist for a Day” digs, and the Bonebed Tour featuring the Pachyrhinosaurus skull known as BIG SAM. River-based outings such as the “Secrets of the Wapiti” float focus on regional geology, fossils and safe outdoor interpretation. Family-focused programs include Night at the Museum sleepovers, birthday parties with gallery access, Nesting Grounds early childhood sessions, and School’s Out PD Camps for ages 5–13.

Educational offerings extend to Homeschool Days and annual Science Festivals like Palaeo Palooza, providing hands-on activities, maker spaces, and film screenings. Admission options include full-day General Admission tickets with no re-entry. The museum partners with researchers, community groups and volunteers to conduct fieldwork and curate findings, following accepted conservation and documentation standards. Accessibility, safety and evidence-based interpretation are priorities. Visitors can expect guided learning, tangible fossil encounters, and professionally run events that support palaeontology, local heritage tourism and science education. Curatorial staff maintain research-grade collections, publish findings in peer-reviewed outlets when appropriate, and collaborate with universities to ensure scientific rigour and long-term preservation of specimens for future generations.