Caravans of Knowledge: STEAM Along the Silk Routes 2027
November 10, 2026–June 15, 2027
10:30 am–12:30 pm
This program is offered free of charge to public schools and is available in English only.
When registering, please note:
Each quantity represents a maximum of 30 students.
Take an unforgettable journey along the ancient Silk Routes to a place where science and mathematics encountered art and culture, in this program created by the Aga Khan Museum and the Ontario Science Centre.
Students will discover that trade on these ancient routes went far beyond tangible goods. Through a tour of the Aga Khan Museum Collections and an interactive Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium program created by the Ontario Science Centre, we’ll explore the exchange of ideas and knowledge that happened alongside these cross-continental expeditions. Demonstrations and stories will highlight how our current knowledge of science, mathematics and artistic techniques all started long ago, showing how ideas grow, develop and evolve when shared in a process that continues to this day.
Download the program description in French
Download the Teacher Package for curriculum connections, key concepts, and a glossary
Registration
Time: 10:30 am–12:30 pm
Capacity: 120
Audience: Grades 4–8
Free for school groups (advance registration required)
Please note: each quantity represents a maximum of 30 students.
2026 Sessions
November 10
December 1
December 8
2027 Sessions
January 19
February 23
March 2
April 13
April 27
May 11
May 18
June 8
June 15
Learning Outcomes
By participating in this program, students will:
- Explore Cross-Cultural Exchange and Innovation
Identify how the Silk Routes facilitated not only the trade of goods but also the exchange of scientific, artistic, and mathematical knowledge across civilizations, shaping advancements that continue to influence the modern world. - Connect Art, Science, and Technology Through Inquiry
Investigate how artistic techniques and scientific discoveries from historical contexts interrelate, applying inquiry-based learning to uncover interdisciplinary connections. - Interpret Artifacts as Evidence of Knowledge Exchange
Analyze objects from the Aga Khan Museum’s Collections as primary sources that illustrate the blending of artistic expression and technological innovation across time and cultures. - Apply Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
Utilize observation, pattern recognition, and reasoning to establish connections between ancient discoveries and contemporary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) principles, acknowledging how knowledge evolves through collaboration and exchange. - Develop Global Awareness and Curiosity
Reflect on the diversity of contributions made by Muslim and other civilizations along the Silk Routes, cultivating appreciation for cultural interconnectedness, pluralism, and shared human creativity. - Communicate Understanding Through Multiple Modalities
Express ideas about the intersections of art, science, and culture using verbal, visual, and analytical forms, strengthening literacy and communication skills across disciplines.
Presented in partnership with
Government Partners