Title: Exploring Ancient Egypt: Mummification

Grade Level: 4th-6th grade

Objective: - Students will understand the process of mummification in Ancient Egypt. - Students will engage in a hands-on activity to simulate the mummification process using a potato. - Students will analyze the significance of mummification in Ancient Egyptian culture.

Materials: - Large potatoes (one per student or group) - Plastic wrap - Salt - Baking soda - Cloves or cinnamon (optional) - Craft supplies (markers, construction paper, yarn, etc.) - Scissors - Glue - Ancient Egypt books or online resources - Chart paper - Markers

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about Ancient Egypt and mummification.
   • Write down their responses on chart paper.
   • Show images or videos of mummies and explain that mummification was a process used by the Ancient Egyptians to preserve the bodies of the deceased.
2. Background Information (10 minutes):
   • Provide a brief overview of Ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife and the importance of preserving the body.
   • Use books or online resources to share interesting facts about mummification, such as the steps involved and the materials used.
3. Hands-on Activity: Mummifying a Potato (30 minutes):
   • Divide students into pairs or small groups.
   • Give each group a large potato and explain that they will be simulating the mummification process using the potato.
   • Instruct students to carefully peel the potato, symbolizing the removal of the deceased’s skin.
   • Next, have students cover the potato with a mixture of salt and baking soda, representing the drying and preservation process.
   • Encourage students to add cloves or cinnamon to the mixture for a pleasant scent (optional).
   • Wrap the potato tightly with plastic wrap, mimicking the linen wrappings used in mummification.
   • Once the potatoes are wrapped, place them in a dry area for the remainder of the lesson.
4. Discussion and Analysis (15 minutes):
   • Gather students together and have them unwrap their mummified potatoes.
   • Ask students to observe and describe the changes they see in the potato.
   • Discuss how the salt and baking soda mixture affected the potato’s appearance and texture.
   • Lead a class discussion on the purpose of each step in the mummification process and its significance in Ancient Egyptian culture.
5. Extension Activity: Creating a Mummy Case (20 minutes):
   • Provide students with craft supplies such as markers, construction paper, yarn, scissors, and glue.
   • Instruct students to design and create a mummy case for their potato mummy.
   • Encourage them to incorporate Ancient Egyptian symbols, hieroglyphics, and patterns into their designs.
   • Once completed, students can display their mummy cases alongside their mummified potatoes.
6. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Recap the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the significance of mummification in Ancient Egyptian culture.
   • Allow students to share their mummy cases and explain the symbolism behind their designs.
   • Encourage students to reflect on what they have learned and ask any remaining questions.

Assessment: - Observe students’ engagement and participation during the hands-on activity and class discussions. - Review students’ mummy cases and assess their understanding of Ancient Egyptian symbols and concepts. - Optional: Assign a short written reflection where students explain the mummification process and its importance in Ancient Egypt.