Ancient Egypt: Mummies
This learning block represents one week’s work. Aim to watch at least one video and choose at least one activity or project to complete.
There are two videos to choose from about Ancient Egyptian mummies. The first one is better for younger kids, the second one will appeal to older kids. Feel free to watch one, or both!
Now choose an Activity
MAke a Mummy
Mummify a doll.
You’ll need:
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Doll
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1 cup flour
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4 cups water
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1 cup glue
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Large mixing bowl
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Scissors
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White paper or cloth (amount relative to the size of your doll)
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Foam rectangle (relative to the size of your doll)
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Brown acrylic latex paint
When you’re done you’ll have a replica of a mummy!
If you want to get fancy, make a sarcophagus out of a shoe box or other small box.
Make Canopic jars
Make your own canopic jars, complete with “internal organs” inside.
Colour your own gods and have fun making the “organs” to go inside the jars.
You’ll need:
- Four empty glass jam jars
- White cardboard or heavy paper
- Sticky tape
- Scissors
- Colouring pens
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Black marker pen
- Orange
- Used tea bag
- Dried pasta ribbons or spaghetti
- Pink balloon
Here’s the link with instructions to get you started!
You can also print out a fact sheet and colour in the canopic jar with this link.
Mummify an Apple
The ancient Egyptians used salt to dry out the bodies before they were wrapped for burial.
You can experience a similar result with this experiment in dehydrating and “mummifying” an apple using salt and baking soda.
Watch the video, then raid the kitchen and get started on your own apple mummy. Don’t forget to carve a face in the apple first if you want to get super creepy!
Document your process over a few days. Take photos for your portfolio!
Books About egyptian Hieroglyphs
Click on a book to buy it from Amazon. Or, you can ask for them at your local library.