On November 14th, all students and teachers from SHSID Hongkou Campus embarked on an educational field trip to the Shanghai Museum, where they visited the renowned exhibition “On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt.” This event offered students a unique opportunity to experience ancient Egypt’s rich history and culture firsthand, broadening their perspectives and igniting a passion for history, geography, and cultural exploration through immersive learning.

Launching an Enthusiastic Learning Journey

To ensure a meaningful and impactful learning experience, Hongkou Campus designed a series of carefully planned courses to guide students on this knowledge-filled journey. In the weeks leading up to the trip, the school screened several documentaries about ancient Egyptian civilization, including Lost Treasures of Egypt and Immortal Egypt. These visual experiences served as gateways into the ancient Egyptian world. In addition, teachers recommended reading materials such as The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Egypt and Ancient Egypt: Tales of Gods and Pharaohs, which provided students with an initial understanding of Egyptian civilization.

Building on this foundation, teachers introduced fundamental knowledge about ancient Egypt, illustrating its unique blend of pyramids, pharaohs, and extraordinary art. They delved into iconic symbols like the pyramids, the Sphinx, and hieroglyphics, explaining how Egyptians used images and symbols for writing and their customs and culinary traditions. 

Additionally, a custom Field Trip Booklet was created, listing essential preparation steps, museum etiquette, and safety guidelines to support and enhance the student’s field trip experience. The booklet included engaging tasks that sparked students’ enthusiasm and curiosity, establishing a strong foundation and encouraging a sense of wonder and exploration for ancient Egypt.

Discovering the Secrets of Ancient Egypt

On the morning of the 14th, students eagerly entered the “On Top of the Pyramid” exhibit at the Shanghai Museum. They were instantly captivated by the array of artifacts: from majestic pharaoh statues and painted wooden mummy coffins to unique animal mummies and rare artifacts from the Temple of Bastet. These priceless relics, spanning various periods, showcased the splendor and depth of Egyptian civilization. Through sections titled "The Land of the Pharaohs," "The Secrets of Saqqara," and "The Age of Tutankhamun," students journeyed back in time to the era of the great river and flourishing culture.

The exhibits in “The Land of the Pharaohs” section ranged from a large pot decorated with boats, animals, and birds to grand statues of deities. Students closely observed each artifact, seeking to uncover the wisdom and mystery of Egyptian civilization through hieroglyphics and artwork. Guided by the museum’s engaging docents, they felt as if they were witnessing firsthand the majesty and mystery of the pharaohs.

The “Secrets of Saqqara” section featured a graceful bronze statue of the cat goddess Bastet that immediately caught students' attention. The exhibit included various animal mummies, cat statues, and depictions of Bastet, reflecting her prominence in Egyptian society. Students learned about the rituals of Bastet worship and the unique burial customs practiced by priests, which held significant religious importance. Additionally, anthropoid-shaped painted coffins highlighted the Egyptian vision of the afterlife and beliefs about the world beyond.

In “The Age of Tutankhamun,” giant, intricately carved statues became the focal point of student attention. Through a dynamic, immersive display, students felt transported to the opulent courts of ancient Egypt. They gained a deeper understanding of the life and legend of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun and experienced the grandeur and mystery of Egyptian civilization.

During the visit, students actively engaged with exploration tasks in their booklets, moving through the exhibit like treasure hunters to document each specified artifact. They creatively designed their interpretations of the cat goddess, attributing special abilities to their imagined figures. By sketching artifacts, students seemed to bring to life the colorful tapestry of ancient Egyptian society. Afterwards, many students shared that the field trip provided a vivid and profound understanding of Egyptian civilization, fostering admiration for the Egyptians’ wisdom and creativity. Whether fascinated by the art of mummification, religious beliefs, or mythological stories, the experience left a lasting impact.

Reflecting on the Experience and Gaining New Insights

Students reflected on and evaluated their learning experiences at the end of the field trip. They thoughtfully assessed their conduct, recorded insights from the day, and reflected on the most impactful moments and surprising new knowledge they had gained. Notably, the students demonstrated exemplary behavior, respecting exhibits and caring for the museum environment, underscoring their strong character. They also realized the value of teamwork, helping each other and collaborating to complete tasks successfully.

In celebration of the field trip, Hongkou Campus initiated an Egyptian civilization-themed project creation activity, inviting each student to participate. The creative works will be showcased at the upcoming Geo Fair, where students will present their discoveries and knowledge from the journey. This event will provide a platform for self-expression and talent.

This field trip perfectly merged learning with real-life experience, encouraging students to explore history through practical engagement. By observing artifacts up close, students gained a deeper understanding of the achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization. This event broadened their horizons and sowed the seeds of curiosity and a desire for knowledge. We believe these invaluable experiences will enrich their future, inspiring them to embark on new journeys, opening doors to the vast world, and guiding them in their pursuit of truth and dreams.

Written by Nina Kang

Pictures by Elaine Zhu

Edited by Cong Luo

Reviewed by Chris Zhu, Chenli Shen, Cong Luo, Callum David Browning, Samuel James Alexander