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

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.