WEMBLEY WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Inside the Lab: Homeschool Days in Palaeo for Teens at Wembley
A focused 1 h 45 min afternoon program at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum for homeschooling youth aged 12 and up, pairing a curator-led palaeo talk with rotating hands-on fossil lab sessions.
Inside the Lab: Homeschool Days in Palaeo for Teens at Wembley.
Adventure brief
Inside the Lab: Homeschool Days in Palaeo for Teens at Wembley
Homeschool Days: Palaeo Seniors places teens inside the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum’s working spaces, where a curator-led Palaeo Talk segues into a hands-on lab session and rotating activities that change each visit. The program bundles a short theatre presentation with practical work in the fossil lab to give students direct contact with the techniques and material of modern paleontology.
Situated in the charming town of Wembley, Alberta, the Homeschool Days: Palaeo Seniors event offers an exceptional gateway into the ancient world of paleontology for youth aged 12 and up. This engaging program is designed to captivate curious minds through a blend of expert-led talks and interactive fossil workshops. Led by the knowledgeable curator Dr. Bamforth, each session illuminates the prehistoric past with focused palaeo talks that delve into subjects ranging from dinosaur anatomy to fossil formation processes, making complex concepts accessible and fascinating for young learners.
What sets this experience apart is the hands-on fossil lab activities, where participants transition from listeners to active investigators. Inside the lab, students handle authentic fossils, learn excavation techniques, and gain firsthand understanding of how paleontologists piece together Earth’s natural history. The dynamic structure of the program means that each visit introduces fresh content and new challenges, ensuring repeat guests encounter unique and memorable learning opportunities every time.
Wembley itself, a modest town embedded in Alberta's rich fossil-bearing landscape, offers a fitting backdrop. The region is known for its sedimentary rock formations that hold a treasure trove of Mesozoic era remnants, giving real-world context to the classroom lessons and sparking deeper appreciation for local geology.
The event fosters a respectful curiosity about the natural world, encouraging sustainable exploration and an awareness of conservation’s role in protecting these precious paleontological sites. Beyond the scientific rigor, Homeschool Days builds community among homeschooling families and students passionate about Earth sciences, creativity, and critical thinking.
Ideal for homeschoolers and knowledge seekers keen on paleontology, this program combines engaging education with hands-on adventure. With a session lasting approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, it provides a perfect balance of instruction and practical activity that keeps participants energized and inspired.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Alberta, booking a spot in this program offers more than just a casual museum tour—it’s an interactive encounter with deep time, discovery, and learning that resonates long after the day ends. Families and educators eager to invite a meaningful, engaging, and evolving paleontology experience can't miss this standout offering in Wembley’s outdoor education scene.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Snapshot
A concise sequence of the day’s stops and what to expect at each.
Theatre — Palaeo Talk (1:15 PM)
Start in the museum theatre for the curator’s Palaeo Talk; the topic presented by Dr. Bamforth changes for each homeschool day.
Fossil Lab — Lab Tour & Activity (1:45 PM)
Move to the Fossil Lab for a tour and a hands-on activity run by the palaeo team; activities rotate and may include micro‑fossil sorting, fossil prep or jacketing.
Afternoon Session Close (by 3:00 PM)
The afternoon fossil lab programming runs through the early afternoon; sessions are scheduled so the combined talk and lab time cover the 1:15 PM–3:00 PM block.
Participants should be at least 12 years old (exceptions only by prior discussion with the museum). Lab activities require fine motor skill, patience and attention to detail—use your judgement about whether the work is a good fit for a student. Contact the museum to be put on a waitlist if needed.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Palaeo Talk with the Curator
A scheduled Palaeo Talk in the museum theatre is delivered by curator Dr. Bamforth; the talk topic changes for each homeschool day, offering fresh context for the lab sessions that follow.
Hands-on Fossil Activities
After the talk, students move to the fossil lab for guided, hands-on activities run by the palaeo team; examples include lab and collections tours, micro‑fossil sorting, fossil preparation and fossil jacketing, and the exact activity changes each homeschool day.
Designed for Teens (12+)
This programming is designed for homeschool students age 12 and up; parents and guardians should note the age restriction and that the lab work requires fine motor skill, patience and attention to detail.
What the day feels like
What the afternoon feels like
The session unfolds as an afternoon workshop: an initial Palaeo Talk in the theatre introduces the day’s focus, then the group moves into the fossil lab for a guided tour and a practical activity. The program is compact and deliberately hands-on, with each homeschool day presenting a different lab focus so repeat visits yield new experiences.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits best — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Fossil Lab programming runs in the afternoon; sessions operate within the 1:15 PM–3:00 PM window for a total duration of 1 hour 45 minutes.
There is no specialized gear required; note that lab work requires fine motor skills and patience—plan for an indoor, hands-on activity and bring any personal items students may need for comfort or concentration.
The program is scheduled for the 2025–2026 school year; if a session is full, contact the museum to be placed on a waitlist or to discuss exceptions to the age requirement.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can attend Homeschool Days: Palaeo Seniors?
Students must be age 12 and up; exceptions may be discussed with the museum on a case-by-case basis.
How long is the program?
The afternoon session totals 1 hour 45 minutes, with activities scheduled between 1:15 PM and 3:00 PM.
What happens during a typical Homeschool Day?
A Palaeo Talk is delivered in the theatre (starting at 1:15 PM), followed by a lab tour and hands-on fossil activity in the Fossil Lab (from 1:45 PM); the specific lab activity changes for each homeschool day.
What types of lab activities can students expect?
Examples include lab and collections tours, micro‑fossil sorting, fossil preparation and fossil jacketing; the exact activity offered varies by date.
Is there a waitlist or exceptions process?
If a program is full or if you need to discuss an age exception, contact the museum to request being placed on a waitlist or to speak with staff.
How this guide was prepared
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- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:29.484Z
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