On-Site Field Trips
Teachers and students are welcome to join us in our school programs, in-person or online, where they will explore the Aga Khan Museum. Students are led through creative programs where they critically engage with objects in the collections and discuss different cultures, history, and art. The Aga Khan Museum continuously works with schools to make a positive impact on incoming students and to foster an inclusive learning environment.
Embark on an enriching journey at the Aga Khan Museum. Our programs seamlessly align with the school curriculum in Ontario to enhance students’ classroom experiences. Tailored to complement curriculum objectives, our immersive experiences invite students to delve into history and art while developing critical thinking skills.
With on-site half-day and full-day programs available for Pre-K to Grade 12, educators have access to valuable resources to enrich student learning outside the traditional classroom setting.
Fees:
On-Site Field Trips Half-Day Program (One tour and one hands on workshops): $8 per student
On-Site Field Trips Full-Day Program (One tour and two hands on workshops): $16 per student
- Teachers with a valid OCT card gain free admission.
- Additional chaperones (i.e. that are more than the required ratio) will be charged the student rate of $8 each.
- No refunds or changes to group numbers are permitted on the day of your visit.
Student to Teacher Ratio:
Please ensure the following ratios of adult chaperones to students is met:
- Early Learning (ages 2-4): 1 adult chaperone for every 5 students
- Grades K-3: 1 adult chaperone for every 5 students
- Grades 4-8: 1 adult chaperone for every 15 students
- Grades 9-12: 1 adult chaperone for every 20 students
Click here to see how the Aga Khan Museum on-site programming aligns with school curriculums.
Program Overviews
Early Learners (JK-SK) / Telling Stories
Duration: 45 minutes
The Shahnameh (Book of Kings) is an epic book of poems written by a renowned Persian poet Firdausi. In this on-site field trip program, students will hear one story from the Shahnameh using an action-packed fun-filled pop-up book. After the storytelling session, students will get creative and craft their own paper puppets inspired by the characters from the story they just experienced.
Grades 1 – 3 / Pattern Play
Duration: 2 hours
Patterns play a key role in Islamic art. Students in this on-site field trip program will examine various patterns and motifs found within the Muslim world through the Museum Collections. They will design and create hexagon clay tiles inspired by the Collections, which can be tessellated to form a larger collective piece.
Grades 4 – 8 / Pattern Play
Duration: 2 hours
Patterns play a key role in Islamic art. Students in this on-site field trip program will examine various patterns and motifs found within the Muslim world through the Museum’s Collections. They will design and create hexagon clay tiles inspired by the Collections, which can be tessellated to form a larger collective piece.
Grades 4 – 8 / Persian Paintings
Duration: 2 hours
In the Persian Paintings on-site field trip program, centuries-old, illustrated manuscripts come to life with elaborate detail and in vivid colour. Students will get a close look at remarkable examples of Persian paintings from the Museum’s Collections. They will explore traditional techniques and methods and create their own painting using watercolour and gold leaf.
Grades 4 – 8 / Silk Routes Adventures
Duration: 2 hours
The Silk Route was an ancient trade route that connected Asia, Africa, and Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, including the spread of Islamic art. Learn about the role that trade plays in cross-cultural connections in this on-site field trip where students will play the Museum’s custom-made board game, simulating life along the Silk Route.
Grades 9 – 12 / Geometric Patterns
Duration: 2 hours
In Islamic art, geometric patterns adorn building surfaces, manuscripts, fabrics, ceramics, and metalwork. Explore the world of geometric patterns during this on-site field trip where students will learn how to read geometric designs and create their own using a compass, ruler, and pencil.
Grades 9 – 12 / Silk Routes Adventures Simulation
Duration: 2 hours
The Silk Routes were ancient trade routes that connected Asia, Africa, and Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, including the spread of Islamic art and influences. Learn about the role that trade plays in cross-cultural connections in this on-site field trip where students will play the Museum’s custom-made board game, simulating life along the Silk Route.
Grades 9 – 12 / The Chemistry of Pigment
Duration: 2 hours
In Islamic art, pigments were sourced from natural materials such as minerals, plants, and insects. Learn about how medieval artists transformed these basic materials into a kaleidoscope of colours and create your own natural pigments from a variety of natural materials such as turmeric, charcoal and cochineal.
Grades 9 – 12 / World of Fashion
Duration: 2 hours
Bring your students to explore a variety of artifacts, from luxury items to textiles, highlighting cross-cultural exchange, trade along the Silk Route, and the impact that geography had on design. Students will design a lavish garment for a historical ruler in a friendly competition where they must navigate materials, the taste of their assigned ruler, and their budgets to create something truly fit for the royal court.