Year 7 Students Step Back in Time to Ancient Egypt
Our Year 7 Humanities students have recently stepped back in time as they explored the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt.
Students investigated Egyptian history and explored the achievements of pharaohs, the construction and purpose of pyramids, Egyptian gods and goddesses, hieroglyphics, mummification, social hierarchy and beliefs about the afterlife.
Bringing Pharaohs to Life
As part of their learning, students selected a pharaoh and researched their achievements, leadership and legacy. They then chose one of two creative ways to present their learning.
Students completing a diorama worked individually to create a representation of their pharaoh’s tomb. Their tombs needed to include at least 10 visual symbols or images representing different aspects of the pharaoh’s life.
Students also wrote an obituary for their chosen pharaoh, exploring important events from their life, their legacy as a leader and any mysteries or myths surrounding their death or tomb.
Those who chose the podcast option worked in pairs to create a talk show-style interview, imagining what it would be like to interview their chosen pharaoh about their life and achievements.
Creating a Life-Size Sarcophagus
Ms Russell’s small Humanities group took their learning one step further, spending six weeks collaboratively creating a life-size Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus.
The project featured hieroglyphic wallpaper, an elaborately decorated death mask, authentic-looking canopic jars and a carefully wrapped mummy complete with protective amulets and charms.
Students also researched the importance of mummification in Ancient Egyptian society and presented their findings on handmade ‘papyrus’ paper.
Year 7 student Jason enjoyed discovering more about Ancient Egyptian beliefs.
“I really enjoyed learning about the afterlife and how not everybody could get in. I liked learning about the gods too. My favourite part about this subject was getting to learn about Ancient Egypt but show my learning in a cool way.”
It was a great project for students to take their learning beyond the classroom and bring Ancient Egypt to life.