For Your Students

Rooted in Jewish tradition and American democratic ideals, the Skirball’s Roslyn and Abner Goldstine School Programs illuminate the inherent value of each human being. Through vivid storytelling and participatory experiences, our student-centered cultural programs foster empathy and collaboration—essential tools for creating just and resilient communities.

All Skirball school programs are aligned with California Common Core State Standards and California Arts Standards.

  • Noah’s Ark at the Skirball: The Art of Imagination
    Pre-K–Grade 5

    Winner of the 2021 Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Museum Education! Inspired by timeless flood stories, the Art of Imagination focuses on the ways that each of us, including the youngest members of our community, can make a difference.

    Bring the artistry and messages of Noah’s Ark at the Skirball into your classroom with these FREE educational resources. 

  • Book an online program with Noah’s Ark educators for up to an hour of guided play and exploration! 

  • Thank you for your interest in visiting the Skirball with your students!

    At this time, we are not accepting requests for in-person school programs. To receive updates about future field trip opportunities, please join the mailing list(s) for the program(s) of your choice below.

  • Mindful Moment: Rainbow

    Noah’s Ark Videos

    In this series of engaging YouTube videos, meet our Noah’s Ark educators, listen to their interpretations of cultural flood stories, and create mindful moments to practice compassion and imagination.

    Stream on YouTube.

  • Student Writing

    The Art of Storytelling

    Welcome Chapter
    Aboard Noah’s Ark, we tell flood stories from around the world. Although certain elements are unique to each story, they all share overarching themes: huge storms, safe shelters, and new beginnings. Just as important as telling stories is listening to young people share their own stories. This lesson does just that!

    Download the lesson plan.

  • Community Council in Noah's Ark

    Community Council

    Storm Chapter
    Council is a dynamic practice that invites participants to share their memories and feelings with others. Use this simple yet powerful discussion format in your classroom as a daily reflection, restorative practice, or way to come together after a shared experience. 

    Download the lesson plan. 

  • Student

    Story Collector

    Storm Chapter
    Everyone is a storyteller. At the Skirball, we use storytelling to make connections across cultures, build strong communities, and carry on traditions from one generation to the next. In this lesson, students will connect with loved ones and role models, learn from the experiences of others, and become recorders of their own family and community histories.

    Download the lesson plan. 

  • Noah's Ark exterior

    Re-Discovered Animals

    Ark Chapter
    The animals on board Noah’s Ark are made from recycled materials that reflect the personality of each creature. In this lesson, students will explore the concept of symbolism as they construct their own animal sculptures using found objects.

    Download the lesson plan.

  • Noah's Ark from Head to Tale

    Ark Chapter
    The animals on board Noah’s Ark are handmade from everyday objects like bottle caps and bicycle parts. What stories might be found in these repurposed materials? In this lesson, students will use their imaginations to write first-person narratives about inanimate objects.

    Download the lesson plan.

  • Taking Action Together

    Rainbow Chapter
    Each of us can make a difference. In this lesson, students will reflect on their community’s needs and create a service-learning action plan for the greater good. 

    Download the lesson plan.

  • Making a Card of Kindness

    Cards of Kindness

    Rainbow Chapter 
    Create messages of hope and gratitude for others in your community. Show your students how they can brighten someone’s day through letter-writing, poetry, and the visual arts.

    Download the lesson plan. 

  • Children looking around Ark

    Noah’s Ark  Flood Stories

    Fridays at 10:00 am (PT) | Pre-K–Grade 3
    Experience timeless flood stories from cultures all around the world! Told by our dynamic Noah’s Ark educators, each story invites students to travel through huge storms, create safe shelters, and celebrate new beginnings. Using themes from the stories as a jumping-off point, your students will take part in imaginative storytelling and be empowered as changemakers.

    This program is at capacity. 

    Show details

    During the 2021–2022 academic year, programs will be available on Fridays at 10:00 am (PT). 

    Skirball virtual field trips cost $50 per group (fee waivers available). The suggested group size is 10–30 participants. Groups with more than 30 participants should contact education@skirball.org. 

  • Noah’s Ark Object Stories

    Wednesdays at 10:00 am (PT) | Grades 4–5
    Made from repurposed everyday objects—including bottle caps, bicycle parts, and baseball mitts—each Noah’s Ark animal has a unique story to tell. In this program, enjoy a spirited guessing game and creative writing activity inspired by these whimsically handcrafted animals. Then, strengthen your students’ inquiry and critical thinking skills as they create their own collection of stories inspired by found objects. 

    This program is at capacity. 

    Show details

    During the 2021–2022 academic year, programs will be available on Wednesdays at 10:00 am (PT). 
     
    Skirball virtual field trips cost $50 per group (fee waivers available). The suggested group size is 10–30 participants. Groups with more than 30 participants should contact education@skirball.org. 

    Facilitate this program on your own! This program is included in Noah’s Ark at the Skirball: The Art of Imagination. 

  • Noah's Ark at the Skirball

    Pre-K–Grade 2
    Ignite your students’ creativity and curiosity with a voyage aboard Noah’s Ark! Inside the Skirball’s award-winning destination—featuring whimsical animals crafted from repurposed everyday objects—students learn the values of community and collaboration through hands-on experiences. Incorporating storytelling, music making, and imaginative play, Noah’s Ark educators invite students to connect with one another and work together as they bring this timeless story to life.

    Receive updates >
     
  • Making Music

    At Home in Los Angeles

    Grades 2–3
    Celebrate the incredible cultural diversity of Los Angeles and explore the universal values of welcoming others, teaching and learning, and caring for the earth and each other. Students gain a greater understanding of cultural traditions by sharing family stories and examining artifacts from around the world. Introduce your class to the idea of tzedakah, the Hebrew word for “justice,” through a special art project that inspires young people to help care for the world we share. 

    Receive updates >

  • students looking at architecture

    Architecture at the Skirball

    Grade 4 
    How does culture shape the spaces in which we live? And how does our built environment influence our emotions? Ponder these questions and more while discovering the art and science of architecture at the Skirball. Take a tour of our dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces, learn how the Skirball was designed to be an oasis for all, and give your students an opportunity to act as urban planners as they construct their own community building project. 

    Receive updates > 
     
  • School Tour

    Americans and Their Family Stories

    Grade 5 
    Learn about the experiences of people who have come to the United States from around the world and the resiliency that characterizes each individual’s journey. Students learn of an American Jewish immigrant experience at the turn of the twentieth century, gain an understanding of the harrowing challenges many migrants to the US have faced—across cultures, time periods, and circumstances—and cultivate an appreciation for all who strengthen the story of our nation. 
     

    Receive updates >

  • Docent teaching students

    Archaeology of the Near East

    Grade 6 
    How different are we from people who lived three thousand years ago? Connect the past, present, and future in this fun archaeological adventure! Students examine and analyze the artifacts of an Iron Age town to develop hypotheses about the history, commerce, religion, and cultural practices of our ancient ancestors. Consider what traces we are leaving behind for future generations as we become the cultural heritage protectors of tomorrow. 

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