Secondary School Classes
Whether your class is rife with budding economists or your students simply have a healthy interest in money, they will find much of interest at the Currency Museum. You will need to make a reservation for your school group’s visit, and we do ask that teachers remain with their groups throughout the program. Programs generally last about an hour, except for Inflation Busters which goes for two. Programs can also be combined for a half-day or full-day experience.
Teachers can also lead their groups through the Museum without participating in a program, but please give us advance notice so that we can be sure to provide the space you need in our galleries. On that note, since our busiest time of the year is May and June, we find it best if Ottawa-area schools schedule their visits at other times of the year. In less busy times, groups are welcome to enjoy their lunches or snacks in the Bank of Canada’s Garden Court, an indoor tropical paradise. There are also food courts nearby.
We know what it’s like to hyper-inflate a balloon. But what is it like to hyper-inflate an economy? Come to that, why do prices rise over time—and is there really anything a Bank of Canada economist can do to have impact on the process? The Inflation Busters will lead your class through games, simulations, discussions, and group activities designed to teach students about monetary policy, inflation, deflation, and the role of the Bank of Canada. Developed with students, teachers, museum educators and Bank of Canada economists, this program is the winner of a Canadian Museum Association Excellence in Programming Award.
How do you tell the difference between fake bills and real ones? What are the consequences of counterfeiting for society? How does the Bank of Canada help in the fight against counterfeiting? Through games, discussions, and hands-on training, students discover the effects of counterfeiting in their life and in society. They also learn how to tell a real bank note from a fraud—a useful skill for future consumers and potential retail employees. This program can also be delivered in conjunction with Inflation Busters for a full-day of youth programming about money and economics.