Educational programming
The Farm and Food Discovery Centre helps students understand where their food food comes from and the importance of agriculture in everyone's lives. The Discovery Centre features three main areas focusing on crop production, livestock production and Manitoba's food. In addition to our interactive displays, we provide tours, workshops and special events to make learning about agriculture both fun and meaningful.
In-person field trips
At the Farm and Food Discovery Centre, our curriculum-based programs provide students with a positive environment in which they can discover and experience food and agriculture. Students have an opportunity to learn about where their food comes from, farm production practices and the environment. PLUS each one of our programs includes time to cook or bake with local ingredients to drive home the connection of farm to plate.
In-person program options
Note: there is a minimum of 10 participants required to book a field trip
A Slice of Agriculture
Investigate the role farming plays in one of your favourite foods – PIZZA! Take a guided tour of the Dairy Barn to discover the journey of milk into cheese. Tour through the Discovery Centre and follow the journey of grains into dough and meat into pepperoni. Work together to mix and knead dough by hand, top your pizza with local ingredients and finally devour your creations for lunch. Discuss the science and nutrition behind dough fermentation and gluten formation. Lunch will include water or ice tea.
Note: This program can be booked for a maximum of 40 participants
Price: $16.00 / student
Adaptable for any age group.
From the Farm to Your Fork
If you ate today, you can thank a farmer! Discover the role agriculture plays in the creation of the foods you eat every day. Visit the dairy barn to build an understanding on how milk is produced. Follow a wheat kernel from planting to milling to your plate. Learn about how farmers care for chickens and how a hen forms an egg in her body. During a tour of the Discovery Centre, gaze through windows into our hog barn and learn about pork production. Solidify the connection of Farm to Fork by creating a snack made with locally grown and produced ingredients!
Note: Designed to match Grade 10 Geography’s Food From the Land unit
Price: $10.50 / student
Adaptable for any age group.
The Great Grain Exchange
Learn all about the functional foods and ingredients grown in Manitoba. Get your hands messy by working together to turn grain flour into homemade bread. Each group will mix, knead, and bake dough with different flour combinations. Then sample the different breads to compare the look, smell and flavour difference between white, whole wheat and whole grain bread.
Price: $9.50 / student
Ideal for Middle and Senior years
Sustainability in Agriculture
Formerly called This is our Planet: Understanding Global Warming.
Climate change, greenhouse gases, emissions, carbon footprint….what do these words actually mean? Learn about the different greenhouse gases and how plants, soil, animals and humans each play distinct roles in the cycling of nutrients in the ecosystem. Take a dairy barn and farm tour to understand the connection between farming and green house gases. Discover what scientists, farmers and young adults like you are doing to make the future of our planet healthy and safe for us and generations to come. Finish up the day by making FFDC’s signature Manure Milkshake smoothie bowls.
Price: $10.50 / student
Ideal for Middle and Senior Years.
Extraordinary Eggs
Explore the science behind delicious and nutritious eggs! Learn about how a laying hen forms an egg in her body, and conduct “eggs-periments” to match an egg to a hen. Discuss the different ways Manitoba Egg Farmers house and care for their hens and the different steps eggs take at the processing plant before arriving at your grocery store shelf. Wrap up the day by cracking open some eggs to make a snack.
Price: $9.50 / student
Ideal for Early and Middle Years
Water System Wonders - Currently unavailable
Note: we are in the processing of updating this program. It is currently unavailable.
Study the signs of a healthy water system and the human impacts on watersheds, Learn how you can be a part of the sustainability of the water ecosystems in your neighbourhood. Get outside and sample water from different sources on the farm, create your own filtration system and perform water tests for phosphates, nitrates and pH. What do the results tell you about the health of the natural ecosystem?
Note: Program only offered from May-October weather permitting
Price: $9.50 / student
Ideal for Middle Years
Life in a Handful of Soil
Unearth the intricate ecosystem of insects and microbes that live in the soil. Take a farm tour around the Glenlea Research Station to see The National Centre for Livestock and the Environment’s Compost and Manure sheds and use your creativity to draw your own soil microorganism. Finish up the day by making (and eating!) our "Scrumptious Soil Snack".
Price: $9.50 / student
Ideal for Early Years
Discovering Dairy
Discover the complex journey milk and other dairy products take from the farm to processing plant and ultimately to you! Take in the sights, smells and sounds of a fully functional dairy operation with a guided dairy barn tour. Spend some time learning about the health benefits of dairy products. To round up the day, work together to make homemade creamy ice cream as a treat!
Price: $10.50 / student
Ideal for Early and Middle Years
Insect Investigation
Examine the secret lives of insects in Manitoba by collecting and examining bugs around the farm. Relate their mouthparts and mobility to the problems and solutions insects can cause for agriculture. Learn about the most beneficial insects and how to invite them into your yard. Draw your own ideal insect for agriculture. Finish up the day by making (and drinking!) FFDC’s signature Manure Milkshake.
Note- Program offered only from June-September
Price: $9.50 / student
Ideal for Early Years
Virtual experiences
We know that in-person field trips to the farm may be out of the question some schools and divisions, but the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre (FFDC) can bring the farm to your class, virtually! FFDC is now offering virtual field trip sessions for a fraction of the cost in two great options!
One-hour virtual farm tour
- A virtual tour of the hog barn & dairy barn at the Glenlea Research Station
- FFDC staff will speak to a pre-recorded farm tour and include the opportunity for students to ask questions live
- Digital follow material for you to use in your class
Price: $80.00
Two-hour virtual field trip
- A virtual tour of the hog barn & dairy barn at the Glenlea Research Station
- FFDC staff will speak to a pre-recorded farm tour and include the opportunity for students to ask questions live
- A virtual presentation selected from our program options (see below)
- A hands-on activity for students to complete that aligns with the program you select
- All supplies for the activity will be prepared following COVID-19 safety protocol and delivered to your school in advance
- Activities will be designed to follow COVID-19 safety
Price: $210.00 for 30 students
Additional supply fees may apply for groups over 30 students
Early years virtual program options
Discovering Dairy
Students will learn about how dairy gets from farm to glass and about the many jobs associated with dairy production. They will extend this knowledge further by turning cream into butter making individual portions to enjoy on crackers.
- Where Does Your Milk Come From’ presentation
- ‘Butter-in-a-Jar’ activity
Extraordinary Eggs
Students will learn about how laying hens are housed and care for in Manitoba and how eggs get from farm to plate. They will also discover how a hen builds an egg in her body by individually building a model egg using craft supplies in the activity led by FFDC staff.
- ‘Extraordinary Eggs’ presentation
- ‘Build-an-Egg’ activity
Life in a Handful of Soil
Students will unearth the intricate ecosystem of organisms and inorganic materials that make up a healthy soil. Select one of two activity options to apply the knowledge gained during the presentation.
- ‘Healthy Soil’ Presentation
- Activity Option 1: ‘Scrumptious Soil’: Students will make a layers ‘soil pudding’ snack discussing the different components of a healthy soil. They will be able to eat their individually prepared snack afterwards.
- Activity Option 2: ‘Draw-Your-Own Soil Organism’: Students will apply the knowledge learned during the presentation to create their own soil organism that will contribute to a healthy soil.
Insect Investigation
Insects are both beneficial and detrimental to farm operations. Students will learn about different types of insects, their body parts and how they function in the ecosystem of a farm. They will then apply that to create their own farm insect that will either beneficial or damaging to the farm.
- ‘Incredible Farm Insect’ presentation
- ‘Draw-Your-Own Farm Insect’ activity
Middle years virtual program options
Extraordinary Eggs
Students will learn about how laying hens are cared for in Manitoba, about different breeds of hens and how their environment and diet affect the eggs they lay. They will then put on their detective caps for a crime scene style activity using the knowledge gained during the presentation, their problem solving skills, and provided evidence (hints) to match the cracked eggs to the correct suspect (hen).
- ‘Extraordinary Eggs’ presentation
- ‘Egg CSI’ activity
The Great Grain Exchange
Students will discover how crops are grown in Manitoba, what varieties are popular and what type of environment fosters optimum growth. The class will work together to decide on the variable and constant factors used to sprout seeds and prepare samples. They will then start their week-long experiment to see what factor results in the best growth for a seed by tracking changes on their ‘Experiment Observation Chart’.
- ‘Grain Grain Exchange’ presentation
- ‘Seed Sprouting Science’ activity
Sustainability in Agriculture
Students will discover the relationship between greenhouse gases, farming and sustainability during this program. A brief presentation will cover the basics of sustainability in farming and the ‘Guardians of the Grasslands’ documentary will challenge their pre-conceived notions. Lastly, the Carbon Cycle game will help students visualize how carbon moved through the Grasslands of Canada and how modern farming can increase carbon sequestration.
- ‘Greenhouse Gases in Agriculture’ presentation
- ‘Guardians of the Grasslands’ documentary viewing
- ‘Carbon Cycle Game – Grasslands Edition’ activity
Discovering Dairy
Students will learn how calcium intake directly affects their bone health both now and into their future. They will then apply the knowledge gained in the presentation and their math skills to build various snacks that will lead to their recommended daily calcium intake.
- ‘Calcium for Bone Health’ presentation
- ‘Calcium Rich Snack Builder’ activity
Senior years virtual program options
From the Farm to your Fork
Students will discover the role agriculture plays in the creation of the foods they eat every day. ‘The Real Dirt on Farming’ presentation discusses the accurate and balances information on hot topics in agriculture and food production including GMOs, hormones, animals and more. Students will test the knowledge gained during the tour and presentation with a friendly game of Kahoot… because who doesn’t love some competition!?
- ‘The Real Dirt on Farming’ presentation
- ‘Real Dirt’ Kahoot! game – based on the information learned in the presentation, students will compete in an individual Kahoot! game
Sustainability in Agriculture
Students will discover the relationship between farming and sustainability during this program. A brief presentation will cover the basics of sustainability in modern farming and the ‘Guardians of the Grasslands’ documentary will challenge their pre-conceived notions. Lastly, the Carbon Cycle game will help students visualize how carbon moved through the Grasslands of Canada and how modern farming can actually increase carbon sequestration.
- ‘Sustainability in Agriculture’ presentation
- ‘Guardians of the Grasslands’ documentary viewing
- ‘Carbon Cycle Game – Grasslands Edition’
Free educational resources
When teachers, students and parents had to pivot to remote learning in 2020, FFDC staff switched gears to create some fun at-home learning resources to help ease some of the stress of the transition. Please enjoy these free educational resources!
Discovery Centre Granola Bars
This recipe was created in early 2020. The intention was to create an easy recipe that highlighted as many made-in-Manitoba and made in Canada products as possible. These bars can be made using over 50% local ingredients, but that’s not even the best part... These granola bars are so tasty that during the recipe-testing phase, our staff COULD NOT STOP gobbling these up! We hope you enjoy this new recipe as much as we do.
Chirpy Chicken Crossword
Learn about how Manitoba chicken farmers care for and raise their broiler birds, and the nutrient profiles of chicken by completing this fun crossword! Hints to answer the clues can be found on Manitoba Chicken's webpages - links included.
Guess that Grain - Grain Matching Activity Sheet
This online adaptation of one of our favourite hands-on learning activities is a great way for kids to exercise their critical thinking skills and test their knowledge on crops grown in Manitoba. Kids will match the name of the crop to an image of the seed, the plant and a food made from it!
Video of a Dairy Cow Giving Birth to a Healthy Calf
Witnessing an animal give birth is a once in a lifetime experience for most people. Staff and researchers at the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Discovery and Learning Complex located at the UM Glenlea Research Station have the privilege of witnessing it firsthand and luckily had their camera handy to capture the amazing moment. In this video, dairy cow Dallas gives birth to a healthy calf named Dahlia!
Food Waste Word Scramble
In-home food waste is an issue that is talked about more and more. With this activity sheet, you will unscramble the words and find a hidden message about avoidable food waste in Canada.
Environment Word Search
This word search is all about the environment and sustainability related to agriculture. It includes some explanation of what people working to produce and process food, fibre, and material do to improve sustainability.
Colour the Food
This colouring page challenges kids to colour in the foods depending on what food category they best fit into. It's a fun way to get their minds working as we approach a new school year.
Extraordinary Egg Crossword
This crossword is all about laying hens and eggs! If you need some hints, unscramble the words on the second page!
What are Animals Called colouring sheets
Did you know that farm animals have different names depending on their age and stage of life! With these colouring sheets, you can find out the various names for cattle, hogs and poultry throughout their life cycles and then colour in the page!
Ice Cream in a Bag
FFDC has been making homemade ice cream with daycare and school groups for years. It’s always one of the most interesting and tasty activities for children! We typically use an ice cream making ball, but the popularity of the recipe inspired us to adapt it for a home environment. Please Enjoy!
Manitoba Crop Crossword
Have fun while learning a little bit about the crops grown in Manitoba by completing this Manitoba Crop Crossword! If you have trouble figuring out the answer, the second page has helpful hints!
Bee Colouring Page & Fun Facts
Use some creativity to draw the flowers on the plant stems and colour in the bees and hive! Plus enjoy some fun bee facts from beemaid.com
Dairy Hidden Message Word Find
This word search is all about dairy farming and food! Find all the words from the word bank. Once you finish, the remaining letters will spell out the answer to the riddle "What do you call a cow in your backyard?". This resource also includes a word index with definitions of the words!
Laying Hen Farm Tour at Siemens Farms
Harley Siemens, farmer and part owner of Siemens Farms in Rosenort, Manitoba guides us through his aviary-style laying hen barn. Siemens Farms was established in 1963. The state-of-the-art barn shown in this tour was completed in 2019 and is chock full of amazing technology! Harley has worked at the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre (FFDC) since 2015 as our Exhibit and Display Coordinator. To find out more information on Siemens Farms, check out their website: siemensfarms.ca
FFDC's Trusted Sources of Information
We know how tough it is to sift through all the information available to us, especially when researching agriculture. This is a simple curated list of trusted sources of information on Canadian agriculture and food production can help you decipher fact from fiction.
Where it's Made - Maple Leaf Bacon
In 2018, The Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre teamed up with Maple Leaf Foods in Winnipeg and Manitoba Pork Council to launch our version of a food production video. This video follows the steps and care Maple Leaf puts into creating their delicious bacon.
Where It's Made - Winkler Meats Farmer Sausage
Ever wonder how your food gets to your plate? What role does Manitoba take in producing food? This short documentary will bring you into the Winkler Meats processing plant to discover how they makes their world famous farmer sausage.
Butter in a Jar
This is a perfect accompanying resource for the Signature Bread Recipe! It's fun, easy and most importantly gets some energy out... can you say dance party?!
FFDC's Signature Bread
Baking bread is one of our favourite food activities at FFDC. Usually, we would have students make 3 or 4 different kinds of loafs using different combinations of flour. For example: 100% white, 100% whole grain, 50% white and 50% whole grain, etc. For your at-home learning use whatever combination you enjoy the most. You can always return to the recipe and try a new combination next time!
Pig Bath Time at the Glenlea Research Station
The pigs at the Glenlea Research Station often get baths to ensure they stay nice and clean. In this short video, you can see two staff members giving a bath to a couple of sows (female pigs) at the farm.
Virtual Tour of the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre
While FFDC was closed, the staff of the Glenlea Research Station (the farm where FFDC is located) are working just as hard as ever to care for the animals. The Discovery Centre has many exhibits that showcase modern Canadian agriculture. We would like to invite you to check out some of the exhibits and barns, through this virtual tour that highlights some of the coolest things at FFDC including the windows directly into the hog barn!
Virtual tour of the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre video
FFDC's Signature Pizza
If you love pizza... you can thank a Canadian farmer! Almost all the ingredients in this delicious recipe can be grown and raised right here in Canada. Learn about the role Canadian Famers play in the ingredients, discover some fun food science facts, make easy and delicious dough from scratch, top with your favourite local toppings, and enjoy your creation. What’s not to love?
The Amazing Bee Race
This relay race at FFDC that models all the steps bees take when making honey. With this resource you can create your own version at home! Answer the pre-activity questions and then watch a short video. Then enjoy some crafting time when you create all of the tools you’ll need to become a bee. Once you’ve completed all of the crafts, set up your Amazing Bee Race and have fun!
FFDC's Signature Pumpkin Hemp Heart Muffins
Make FFDC's Signature Pumpkin Hemp Heart Muffins and learn a little something about local food production! For the past 4 years, this has been a staple recipe that teachers request repeatedly as their food activity during field trips. While there are quite a few ingredients, the recipe is very forgiving for errors making it the perfect recipe for bakers that are just beginning their baking adventures.
Seed Sprouting Science
This resource helps you and your kids conduct a fun science experiment with supplies you may already have around the house! The goal is to try to get a seed to sprout in different growing conditions and to write down what happens, similar to what scientists do in a laboratory.
Manure Milkshake Smoothie Bowls
Make FFDC's signature smoothie bowl base, get creative and top your bowl beautifully with nutritious toppings, and discover why we call these "Manure Milkshakes".
Easy and Effective Surface Sanitizer
Out of sanitizing wipes? No Problem! FFDC is a certified commercial kitchen space due to the food preparation we do with school groups. As such, we are required to prepare and have counter-top sanitizer available to clean the tables and counters. This is how we make our mixture based on guidelines from our Certified Public Health Inspector and staff experience. Please read the disclaimer in the document and take care whenever using chemicals or mixing your own products.
Gingerbread Barn Stencil
You've probably made a gingerbread house or cottage before... maybe you've even made a train or car.. but have you ever made a barn?! FFDC has created a gingerbread barn stencil for you to use at home. Finding pre-made kits right now is almost impossible, but making your own gingerbread is fairly simple and DEFINITELY fun. If you make your own gingerbread barn, tag FFDC in a social media post or send us an e-mail with your creation! We'd love to see how creative you got with decorating... and hope it turns out better than the one our staff made. Happy Holidays everyone, stay safe!
At-Home Halloween Activities
The FFDC crew have created some awesome at-home halloween fun! Make some jack-o-lanterns using our pumpkin carving stencils, save the seeds and make our Family Favourite Pumpkin Recipes (FFDC's Roasted Pumpkin Seeds & Pumpkin Hemp Heart Muffins), and dress-up paper farm animals using paper costumes. We hope you enjoy these activities!
Farm Technology Crossword
Technology is everywhere on the farm! Many new pieces of tech are used to help farmers improve sustainability! Find out about some cool tech by completing this Farm Technology Crossword!