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Egyptian Tomb Treasures

Students will learn about ancient Egyptian sarcophagi (tombs) and the treasures that were buried in them, then create a model of a sarcophagus.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Craft Materials
  • Recycled Cardboard Box

Steps

  • Step 1

    A sarcophagus is a container that holds a coffin. Leaders and wealthy residents of ancient Egypt were often buried in sarcophagi, which were made of stone and displayed above ground. Ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife, and the sarcophagus was meant to be the eternal dwelling place for the person within it. Have students research these tombs and some of the items that were buried with the deceased, which often included jewels, books (such as the "Book of the Dead" that contained texts to help the the deceased navigate the afterlife), ceramic "shabti" figurines, amulets in the shape of beetles, and other objects. External decorations on the sarcophagus often depicted information about the life of the person inside.

  • Step 2

    Have students create a model of a sarcophagus and some of the treasures and other items that might be included in it. They can cut a flap in a recycled box, paint it, and adorn it with symbols of ancient Egypt. They can then create some objects that might be buried in it, such as jewels, shabti, and other items they researched.

  • Step 3

    Have them present their sarcophagi to the class and talk about some of the items they included and what they represent.

Standards

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture.

SS: Culture: Through experience, observation, and reflection, identify elements of culture as well as similarities and differences among cultural groups across time and place.

Adaptations

The tomb of Tutankhamun - "King Tut" - was discovered in 1922 by a team of excavators led by Egyptologist Howard Carter. Have students research this king and some of the notable items found in his tomb.

The scarab beetle was a significant symbol in ancient Egypt. Have students learn about this symbol, which was associated with the divine manifestation of the god of the early morning sun. Ask them to investigate what they were made of and how they were used.