Project Ideas for Pyramids in Giza
GISELLE MAZUR
CLASS
Located in the Valley of Giza in Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza are considered to be one of the great wonders of the world and to this day represent an enduring feat of ancient architecture. If your class is learning about ancient Egypt, you may have to do a project about these pyramids.
1 Sugar Cube Pyramid
Build a replica of the pyramids at Giza by gluing sugar cubes to a piece of cardboard and then painting them. The sugar cubes represent the bricks of the pyramids. Along with the model, you could discuss the techniques the ancient Egyptians used to build the pyramids and how long it took them to build each one. If your project involves a class activity, pass out sugar cubes and have each member of the class build a pyramid.
2 Doll Mummification
Pyramids house the graves of ancient kings, called pharaohs, and the members of their staff. These people underwent a process called mummification to preserve their bodies. Wrap a doll in strips of cloth or gauze to show what an ancient mummy looks like, or even go to class dressed as a mummy yourself. Discuss the process of mummification and highlight some of the most famous mummies in history. If your project needs to involve the class, give your classmates gauze or cloth and invite them to “mummify” you or another member of the class.
3 Clay Sphinx
The Great Sphinx of Giza is a large statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human that guards the ancient pyramids of Giza. There has been much speculation about the nose of the Great Sphinx, which is no longer on his face. Build a model of the sphinx out of clay or papier-mâché with a removable nose, and show the class what the statue looked like when it was new. Discuss what you learn in your research about why the sphinx was built near the pyramids and what happened to his nose. If your project needs to involve the class, have the students guess what happened to the nose of the sphinx before you begin.
4 Hieroglyphic Writing
The ancient Egyptians wrote using a series of pictures called hieroglyphics. Hieroglyphics are found on the pyramids at Giza and on the sarcophagi (coffins) of the mummies found inside. Do a report on hieroglyphics and talk to the class about when hieroglyphics were discovered and how to read them. Write out your name in hieroglyphics and help your classmates do the same. You could also have your classmates make up their own hieroglyphics if your teacher doesn’t mind you getting a little more imaginative.
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