The Crown of Cleopatra

1. Introduce Cleopatra by showing some pictures and locate the area that she ruled on a world map. Describe how long ago this took place and set the stage by showing pictures of Egypt and Rome.
2. After sharing the story of the famous pair, Anthony and Cleopatra, show a map of where the two countries were located and some pictures of what historical dress was at the time. In most pictures Cleopatra is depicted wearing a golden headdress encrusted in jewels and adorned with the head of a cobra.
3. Make a simple headdress using a white paper plate and Crayola® Twistables® Slick Stix™ Crayons.
4. Cover table with recycled newspaper and wear a smock to protect clothing.
5. Cut a slit about an inch in a half on the edge of a white fluted paper plate. This will allow it to fit on anyone’s head. Remove the center of the plate by cutting around the inside edge to form the crown.
6. Cut out a shape from the cut out center to form a cobra and glue to inside of crown. Bend up to form a 3-D shape.
7. Decorate the edge of the plate and cobra using Slick Stix. Stain advisement: Slick Stix contain pigments that may stain clothing, fabrics and other household surfaces. Wear a smock to protect clothing and cover your work surface with newspaper.
8. Embellish the surface with beads or sequins glued to the rim of the headdress.
9. Allow glue to dry before using. Always wash hand when finished working with Slick Stix and glue.

LA: Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.

LA: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade level topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

SS: Describe ways in which language, stories, folktales and artistic creations serve as expression of cultures and influence behavior of people living in a particular culture.

SS: Identify and describe factors that contribute to cooperation and cause disputes within and among groups and nations.

SS: Recognize and give examples of the tensions between the wants and needs of individuals and groups and concepts such as fairness, equity and justice.

VA: Students will investigate, plan and work through materials and ideas to make works of art and design.

VA: Students experience, analyze and interpret art and other aspects of the visual world.

Discuss the use of the term “BC”. Cleopatra lived in 69 BC, but the pyramids were built in 2560 BC. Explain how Cleopatra lived closer to the time of Abraham Lincoln than she did to the building of the Pyramids.

A great deal of conflict took place during Cleopatra’s time. Have a discussion about conflict in our everyday lives and write a paragraph about a specific incidence and how best to deal with it.