Explore nature, science, engineering, the arts, and architecture at Taliesin West! Each lesson focuses on a new concept, and every activity takes inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, the Sonoran desert, and our wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taliesin West.
Registration fees are per student. Each class will be taught outside, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
All classes meet at the ticket kiosk. A parent/guardian must accompany each student. Students and their families must stay with their Museum Educator during the lesson.
A tour of the historic area of Taliesin West is not included in this program. To purchase tour tickets, please go to our visitors page.
Questions? Email education@franklloydwright.org
Homeschool Explorations
October 4 and October 6
What is Organic Architecture? (recommended for students age 6-8)
Tuesday, October 4, 9:00 am- 10:30 am
Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs were all based on the principles of organic architecture. What is that? During this lesson, students will find out, and learn how the natural world helped inspire some of the most beautiful buildings on the planet!
What is Organic Architecture? (recommended for students age 9-11)
Thursday, October 6, 9:00 am- 10:30 am. This session is Sold Out
Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs were all based on the principles of organic architecture. But what does that mean? During this lesson, students will find out, and learn how the natural world helped inspire some of the most beautiful buildings on the planet, and sketch the façade of their own nature-inspired building.
October 18 and October 20
Decomposition and Saguaro Skeletons (recommended for students age 6-8)
Tuesday, October 18, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn about plant decomposition, the saguaros’ important role in the desert, and how Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by their shape. We will read Saguaro’s Gifts by Kurt Cyrus, then create a cactus-themed craft.
Decomposition and Saguaro Skeletons (recommended for students age 9-11)
Thursday, October 20, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn about plant decomposition, the saguaros’ important role in the desert, and how Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by their shape. Students will then create their own mini-compost bin to decorate and take home.
November 1 and November 3
All About Bridges (recommended for students age 6-8)
Tuesday, November 1, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will use the engineering design cycle to design model bridges using K’nex pieces. Through building structural bridges, students will learn about load, span, designing for a purpose, and working in collaborative dynamics like engineers and architects. Students will also examine bridges from around the world.
All About Bridges (recommended for students age 9-11)
Thursday, November 3, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will use the engineering design cycle to design model bridges using K’nex pieces. Through building structural bridges, students will learn about load, span, designing for a purpose, and working in collaborative dynamics like engineers and architects. Students will also examine bridges from around the world.
November 15 and November 17
Dream and Design a City, (recommended for students age 6-8)
Tuesday, November 15, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s city design, Broadacre City. They will then learn about key features of cities, such as transportation, open spaces, and topography. They will then draw their own cities on paper, and craft a piece of public art for their city.
Dream and Design a City, (recommended for students age 9-11)
Thursday, November 17, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s city design, Broadacre City. They will then learn about key features of cities, such as transportation, open spaces, and topography. They will then draw their own cities on paper, and craft a piece of public art for their city.
December 6 and December 8
Holiday Treasure Box Project (recommended for students age 6-8)
Tuesday, December 6, 9:00 am-10:30 am
When Frank Lloyd Wright lived at Taliesin West with his students, they would create special gift boxes for him at Christmas. These gift boxes were often elaborated painted and hid special artworks or poems. A few creative students even create special puzzle boxes, for Frank Lloyd Wright to unlock! In this tradition, students will create their own holiday puzzle boxes, and special written work to hide inside them.
Holiday Treasure Box Project (recommended for students age 9-11)
Thursday, December 8, 9:00 am-10:30 am
When Frank Lloyd Wright lived at Taliesin West with his students, they would create special gift boxes for him at Christmas. These gift boxes were often elaborated painted and hid special artworks or poems. A few creative students even create special puzzle boxes, for Frank Lloyd Wright to unlock! In this tradition, students will create their own holiday puzzle boxes, and special written work to hide inside them.
January 10 and January 12
Asian Influence in Wright Designs (recommended for age 6-8)
Tuesday, January 10, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn how Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by Chinese and Japanese culture. They will study Chinese ceramics and create their own art inspired by Japanese woodblock prints. We will also explore poetry and craft haikus inspired by our artistic creations and nature.
Asian Influence in Wright Designs (recommended for age 9-11)
Thursday, January 12, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn how Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by Chinese and Japanese culture. They will study Chinese ceramics and create their own art inspired by Japanese woodblock prints. We will also explore poetry and craft haikus inspired by our artistic creations and nature.
January 24 and January 26
Frank Lloyd Wright and the Automobile (recommended for age 6-8)
Tuesday, January 24, 9:00 am-10:30 am
During this history-focused class, students will learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s interest in the technology and science of cars. Students will then be able to create their own rubber band car.
Frank Lloyd Wright and the Automobile (recommended for age 9-11)
Thursday, January 26, 9:00 am-10:30 am
During this history-focused class, students will learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s interest in the technology and science of cars. Students will then be able to create their own rubber band car.
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February 7 and February 9
Gone with the Wind…Resistance (recommended for age 6-8)
Tuesday, February 7, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn about different types of energy, learn about wind resistance and wind power, and create their functioning own windmill.
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Gone with the Wind…Resistance (recommended for age 9-11)
Thursday, February 9, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn about different types of energy, learn about wind resistance and wind power, and create their functioning own windmill.
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February 21 and February 23
Creating the “Wright” Furniture (recommended for age 6-8)
Tuesday, February 21, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn how Frank Lloyd Wright often designed the furniture to go in his spectacular homes. They will then have a chance to make a model of their own furniture pieces, inspired by the natural world.
Creating the “Wright” Furniture (recommended for age 9-11)
Thursday, February 23, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Students will learn how Frank Lloyd Wright often designed the furniture to go in his spectacular homes. They will then have a chance to make a model of their own furniture pieces, inspired by the natural world.
March 7 and March 9
The Women of Taliesin West
Tuesday, March 7, 9:00 am-10:30 am (recommended for age 6-8)
Celebrate Women’s History Month and learn about the ladies of Taliesin West! Students will discover the story of Heloise Christa, who studied here and became a sculptor, and create their own sculptures to take home.
The Women of Taliesin West (recommended for age 9-11)
Thursday, March 9, 9:00 am-10:30 am
Celebrate Women’s History Month and learn about the ladies of Taliesin West! Students will discover the story of Heloise Christa, who studied here and became a sculptor, and create their own sculptures to take home.
March 21 and March 23
Desert Rocks Sometimes Roll
Tuesday, March 21, 9:00 am – 10:30 am (recommended for age 6-8)
Discover how rocks are made and destroyed to create our desert landscape, and how Frank Lloyd Wright used them to create the walls of Taliesin West. Students will create their own mini piece of “desert masonry” to take home.
Desert Rocks Sometimes Roll
Thursday, March 23, 9:00 am – 10:30 am (recommended for age 9-11)
Discover how rocks are made and destroyed to create our desert landscape, and how Frank Lloyd Wright used them to create the walls of Taliesin West. Students will create their own mini piece of “desert masonry” to take home
April 4 and April 6
Why is a Blueprint Blue?
Tuesday, April 4, 9:00 am – 10:30 am (recommended for age 6-8)
Students will learn about the chemical process used to create a blueprint, called a “cyanotype.” They will create their own basic blueprint, and then create a blueprint copy, using the actual process from the 1800’s!
Why is a Blueprint Blue?
Thursday, April 6, 9:00 am –10:30 am (recommended for age 9-11)
Students will learn about the chemical process used to create a blueprint, called a “cyanotype.” They will create their own basic blueprint, and then create a blueprint copy, using the actual process from the 1800’s!
April 18 and April 20
Celebrate Earth Day at Taliesin West!
Tuesday, April 18, 9:00 am – 10:30 am (recommended for age 6-8)
Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by nature every day, and used its beauty in his designs. We’ll learn about his inspiration, and how we can help through earth during this special Earth Day themed class.
Celebrate Earth Day at Taliesin West!
Thursday, April 20, 9:00 am – 10:30 am (recommended for age 9-11)
Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by nature every day, and used its beauty in his designs. We’ll learn about his inspiration, and how we can help through earth during this special Earth Day themed class.
Homeschool Group Tour:
A child-friendly tour can be arranged for your homeschool group! Together with a Museum Educator, your group will explore the architectural history, the natural wonders of the Sonoran Desert, and more! You will see many spaces at Taliesin West that visitors of all ages enjoy, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s office and a special movie theatre from 1949 called “The Cabaret.” To inquire about booking a homeschool group visit, please email education@franklloydwright.org.
Price: $30 per adult, $10 per child (age 6-18). 5 and under are free. A minimum of 10 paid guests are required to book the tour.
