Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the process of mummification and the significance of hieroglyphics in ancient Egypt.

Materials and Prep

• Plastic wrap
• Masking tape
• Small toy or object
• White paper
• Markers or crayons
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Internet access or books about ancient Egypt

Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the process of mummification and basic hieroglyphics symbols.

Activities

1. Mummification Experiment:

   Wrap a small toy or object in plastic wrap, securing it with masking tape to create a mummy. Discuss the purpose and process of mummification in ancient Egypt.

2. Create Hieroglyphics Art:

   Using white paper, markers or crayons, and scissors, have the student create their own hieroglyphics artwork. Encourage them to research and include symbols that represent their name or a word of their choice.

First Grade Talking Points

• "In ancient Egypt, people believed in mummification. They preserved the bodies of important people after they died."
• "Mummification was done to honor and prepare the person for the afterlife. It involved removing the organs, drying out the body, and wrapping it in cloth."
• "Hieroglyphics were a form of writing used by the ancient Egyptians. They used symbols to represent words and ideas."
• "Hieroglyphics were often written on walls, papyrus scrolls, and even on the coffins of mummies."
• "Each hieroglyphic symbol had a specific meaning. Some symbols represented objects, while others represented sounds or ideas."
• "The Egyptian language was written using hieroglyphics, and only a few people in ancient Egypt knew how to read and write them."