
Egypt Explorer
About Egypt Explorer
How and why were Egyptian objects brought to the museum in Scotland?
During a gallery tour and object handling session, pupils will engage with and investigate burial objects in a respectful and considered manner and discuss the debates behind colonial histories and legacies.
What will my pupils do in the workshop?
This workshop is delivered by our Learning team in our Ancient Egypt Rediscovered Gallery and in our Learning Centre.
Pupils will be split into two groups and take part in two activities.
- A guided tour of the Ancient Egypt Rediscovered gallery, exploring exhibits and interrogating them for clues about their origin and the stories they reveal
- A hands-on enquiry session, where pupils will examine real and replica objects, learn about Egyptian archaeology and gain new perspectives on this fascinating historical period
By handling objects, exploring exhibits critically, working collaboratively and thinking inquiringly, children will gain a richer, more inclusive understanding of ancient Egypt's diverse legacy.
Content warning
Please be aware that the session will include viewing coffins containing a mummified person and discussions about death. Human remains displayed as mummified people are on display in the Egypt Rediscovered gallery, which is visited during the session. We recommend informing any pupils who may need advance warning.
We offer two ancient Egyptian workshops. Please check you have booked the correct one. Our early years session is An Egyptian Adventure.
Pupils really enjoyed both aspects of the visit; being 'archaeologists' and studying the artefacts and exploring the Ancient Egypt gallery.
P3 teacher, Edinburgh
- Curriculum links
SOC 1-01a SOC 2-01a
SOC 1-04a SOC 2-04a
LIT 1-02a LIT 2-02a
LIT 1-07a LIT 2-07a
LIT 1-10a LIT 2-10a
HWB 1-10a HWB 2-10a
HWB 1-19a HWB 2-19a
HWB 1-20a HWB 2-20a
- Sustainable development goals
4, 10, 11, 16
- Meta skills framework
Self-management: Focusing, Adapting, Integrity
Social intelligence: Communicating, Collaborating, Feeling
Innovation: Curiosity, Sense-making, Critical thinking
Available dates
November 2025
Tue 4 Nov 2025 -10:15 and 11:45
Wed 5 Nov 2025 -10:15 and 11:45
Thu 6 Nov 2025 -10:15 and 11:45
December 2025
Tue 2 Dec 2025 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 3 Dec 2025 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 4 Dec 2025 - 10:15 and 11:45
Tue 16 Dec 2025 -10:15 and 11:45
Wed 17 Dec 2025 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 18 Dec 2025 - 10:15 and 11:45
January 2026
Tue 13 Jan 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 14 Jan 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 15 Jan 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Tue 27 Jan 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 28 Jan 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 29 Jan 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
February 2026
Tue 10 Feb 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 11 Feb 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 12 Feb 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
March 2026
Tue 10 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 11 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 12 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Tue 24 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 25 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 26 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
April 2026
Tue 28 Apr 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 29 Apr 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 30 Apr 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
May 2026
Tue 12 May 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 13 May 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 14 May 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Tue 26 May 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 27 May 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 28 May 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
June 2026
Tue 9 Jun 2026 (10:15 and 11:45)
Wed 10 Jun 2026 (10:15 and 11:45)
Tue 23 Jun 2026 (10:15 and 11:45)
Wed 24 Jun 2026 (10:15 and 11:45)
Thu 25 Jun 2026 (10:15 and 11:45)
Request a visit
Booking Terms and Conditions
Payment process
- Scottish State schools should raise a Purchase Order through their Local Authority procurement system for the cost of charged sessions. Purchase Order numbers should be notified to schools@nms.ac.uk at least 7 days in advance of the visit.
- Independent Schools will be invoiced after the visit. Payment terms are 15 days from date of invoice.
Cancellation Policy
- National Museums Scotland reserve the right to charge a fee for short notice cancellations or no-shows.
- Bookings cancelled less than 3 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 50% of the value of chargeable events.
- Bookings cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 100% of the value of chargeable events.
- A charge of 100% of the value of booked sessions will apply to no-show or last-minute cancellations.
- In certain circumstances National Museums Scotland may waive the administration fee.
- Cancellations should be notified in writing to schools@nms.ac.uk.
Free access for SIMD 1&2 schools
National Museums Scotland (NMS) Free Workshop Policy: Terms and Conditions
Eligibility and Access Policy for Free Workshops
As part of our commitment to inclusive education and community engagement, National Museums Scotland (NMS) is pleased to offer 20% of our educational workshops free of charge to schools located in areas designated as SIMD 1 and 2, based on the Scottish Government's Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The following terms and conditions apply:
Eligibility Criteria
- SIMD Designation: Schools must be located in areas classified as SIMD 1 or SIMD 2 to qualify for free workshops.
- Verification: Eligibility will be verified using the latest SIMD data provided by the Scottish Government. Schools may be required to provide documentation or additional information to confirm their eligibility.
Workshop Availability
- Limited Slots: Free workshops are subject to availability, with 20% of our total workshop offerings reserved for eligible schools.
- Exclusions: Please note that this offer only applies to workshops delivered by National Museums Scotland staff and excludes special events, study days and special exhibition visits.
- Advance Booking: Schools are encouraged to book early to secure a place, as free workshop slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Waiting List: In the event that all free workshop slots are filled, eligible schools can be placed on a waiting list and will be notified if a slot becomes available.
Terms of Participation
- No Transport Cost Support: NMS does not provide financial support for transport costs. Schools are responsible for arranging and funding their own transportation to and from the museum.
- Cancellations: Schools must notify NMS at least two weeks in advance if they need to cancel a booking. Repeated cancellations without adequate notice may affect future eligibility for free workshops.
- Feedback: Participating schools may be asked to provide feedback on the workshops to help us improve our educational offerings. Participation in feedback activities is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Class cap: Workshop offer is limited to 4 classes from a school for each school session.
Application Process
- Application Form: Interested schools must complete the appropriate section in the booking request form.
- Supporting Documents: Schools may need to submit supporting documents to verify their eligibility based on SIMD status.
- Confirmation: Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with details of their workshop booking.
We are dedicated to making our educational resources accessible to all and look forward to welcoming eligible schools to National Museums Scotland.
By participating in our workshops, schools agree to adhere to the above terms and conditions. NMS reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time.
July 2024
Resources
- Schools resource
Ancient Egypt workshop - accompanying resources
A range of themed classroom resources to accompany our ancient Egypt schools sessions.Find out more - Schools resource
Ancient Egyptian maths resources
Our ancient Egyptian maths worksheets are designed to explore maths and ancient Egypt for First Level learners.Find out more
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Keep up to date with our latest resources, digital sessions and more by subscribing today.
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