The BC Aviation Museum is excited to start expanding our education programming and welcomes classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year! Let’s get to know one another; we’ll go first.
Our Mission:
The British Columbia Aviation Museum is pleased to introduce a new immersive education program ranging from preschool to secondary. Our mandate at the British Columbia Aviation Museum is to showcase the aviation history of Vancouver Island, British Columbia and all of Canada. We have developed immersive, hands-on education programs that engage students in science, as well as the social science of aviation and aviation history. Developed in compliance with curriculum outcomes for the Province of British Columbia, our education programs are designed to suit the needs of any classroom.
Where To Find Us:
The British Columbia Aviation Museum is located on Victoria International Airport YYJ property. On site in North Saanich, BC visitors are not only able to learn about the aviation history in British Columbia and Canada, but also watch the aircraft take off and land at the very busy YYJ. Additionally, The British Columbia Aviation Museum is located on the traditional territories of the within the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ People.
Our Programs:
Hands-On Flying with Models (Preschool to Grade 1):
Curriculum takeaways for these programs are that the motion of objects depends on their properties, and that matter is useful because of its properties. Students will be introduced to the selected Museum displays where they will be challenged to determine how an airplane is able to fly and what needs to be present to accomplish this, students will than each build a glider and experiment with various properties that influence flight.
The Science of Flight – Bernoulli’s Principals (Grades 6/7):
Curriculum take away for this program explores how flight is possible in a world of gravity? Students will be introduced to Bernoulli’s Principal and study the effect of balanced and unbalanced forces. How does his theory affect force and gravity. Students will then conduct an experiment to see Bernoulli’s Principal in action. Museum displays will then be used to reinforce what students discovered.
The History of the Commonwealth Air Training Program (Grades 11/12):
Curriculum takeaways for this program are how nationalist movements can unite people in common causes or lead to intense conflict between groups. Students will be introduced to Canada’s major contribution in World War 2 namely the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. They will examine its role before, during and after the war and how it affected the economic and political life of Canadians. Students will be challenged to view selected Museum displays and answer thought-provoking questions about the Plan. They will then debate their responses with their peers.
Not Seeing What You’re Looking For?
The museum offers a lot, but sometimes you want something different to do! If you’re looking for a specific offering for your classroom, please contact [email protected]. We would be happy to assist you and accommodate whatever classroom needs you may have.
That’s not all! The museum offers guided tours for all ages. Take a guided tour with one of our specially trained Guides from the museum! On a guided tour, students will explore our exhibits, learning about the history of aviation in British Columbia and Canada. Students will also have the opportunity to walk through our selected aircraft, from sitting in the pilot’s seat of a Lockheed T-33 Fighter Jet to walking through the Hawaii Mars Waterbomber.
Booking, Policies, and Procedures:
Are you excited yet? We are! For all bookings, please email [email protected] with the following information; what program you’re interested in booking, number of students participating, proposed date and time block. If you have any further inquiries or questions, please also contact [email protected].
Pricing for these types of visits is set at $8.00 per student, with no charge for adult supervisors. Adult supervisors are given free admission on the basis that they provide supervision to the group. Failure to provide supervision may result in non-admission. You will be invoiced prior to your visit to the museum. Payment is due on the day of the visit. Your invoice is calculated based on the number of children confirmed prior to arrival. If you arrive with more children in your group than previously confirmed, your invoice will be adjusted to reflect actual numbers. If you arrive with fewer children than previously confirmed, no invoice adjustments will be made. We accept cheques (our preferred method of payment), card payments (credit cards over the phone are accepted), and cash in a lumpsum payment.
Okay, so you have paid, and your classroom is excited to come, but when do they come? Great question! We offer two time slots for educational programming. The morning visit is 10am to 12pm. The afternoon visit is from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
While we love having curious classrooms, programs cannot be extended past your booked timeslot if your group arrives later or earlier than scheduled for. Late arrivals still require full payment. The program will be shortened according to the museum educator’s discretion. Schools who do not show up the day of their booking must still pay full invoice.
Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled program. All rescheduled programs must be given at least one week in advance. Cancellations made inside the 72-hour window will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
Please plan to arrive onsite at a minimum of 5 minutes prior to your programming start time. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes early as our entry area cannot accommodate large groups. Due to our small entry area, we ask if the weather allows groups to remain in the front garden until programming time. Programs will not be extended later or earlier than their reserved time slot to accommodate early or late comers.
If you want to learn more or have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you soon!