A Day in Egypt! (Around the World Series)
On the “plane ride” to Egypt, give each child a simple “Egypt Mini Book”, detailed “Egypt Mini Book", OR simply go through these Egyptian Definition Cards. Pass out some plane snacks while you watch these short video clips. There are a few options to choose from:
The Pyramids of Egypt from Freeschool
Inside the Pyramid Tour from Flying the Nest (watch from :36 - 4:20)
Valley of Kings Tour from Flying the Nest (watch from 1:15 - 6:00)
Mummies from National Geographic
➤ SCIENCE: Mummify a Squishy Human Body.
The purpose of mummification was to keep the body intact so it could be transported to a spiritual afterlife. To preserve the dead bodies, the Ancient Egyptians removed most of the organs. Part of the brain was removed with a hook through the nose and thrown away. The liver, intestines, stomach and lungs were placed in canopic jars. Next, the body was rinsed with wine to kill any remaining bacteria, and treated with a naturally occurring salt called Natron (baking soda). After 70 days, the body was wrapped in bandages and placed in a sarcophagus. Pharaohs were buried with their treasures, so they could take them to the next life. More mummification details here. The chief embalmer was a priest wearing a mask of Anubis (the jackal headed god of the dead). You can print and Color Anubis Masks by clicking the this link.
➤ SPORT: Egyptian Senet and/or Mancala (board games originating from Egypt!)
Senet: There is a painting of the Egyptian Queen, Nefertari, playing Senet in her burial tomb, and four games of Senet were found in King Tut’s tomb. To play Senet, you can either purchase the game by clicking the link above or print the game on page 23. Click to view a tutorial of how to play the game.
Mancala: You can purchase the game by clicking the link or play this less expensive DIY Egg Carton Mancala. Here's a link to see how to play.
➤ ART/CRAFT: Make Papyrus
Egyptian scribes wrote on a type of handmade paper, called papyrus. Learn about papyrus and how to “make papyrus" at home. Once it’s dried, you can either draw an ancient Egyptian drawing or learn how to write your name in hieroglyphs.
➤ RECIPE: Tiger Nuts
The original recipe for tiger nuts was found on a broken piece of ancient Egyptian pottery and dated to around 1600 BC. Recreate your own Tiger Nuts. We made them by adding 14 dates, 2 1/2 cups pecans (these were our "tiger nuts"), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 2 teaspoons vanilla into a food processor. Scoop the mixture out with a small cookie scoop or spoon and use your hands to mold it together into a ball.
➤ DINNER: Mummy Hot Dogs & Tiger Nuts
Wrap strips of refrigerated crescent rolls around a hot dog to make Mummy Hot Dogs. Serve with Tiger Nuts.
➤ MOVIE: The Prince of Egypt
Glue on your passport stamp!
We also loved learning about Egypt from: Magic Tree House Mummies in the Morning (adventure book) and Mummies and Pyramids (fact tracker book). We read these two books the week prior to Egypt Day.
Other Great Resources:
Print & Color Egyptian Head Dresses
Fly Home!
