One social studies topic that is always a hit with students is Ancient Egypt. The history of this period, with its pyramids, mummies, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics, captivates children's imaginations. To enhance their learning, incorporating engaging crafts and activities can make this unit even more memorable. Let's explore some fun and educational Ancient Egypt crafts for kids!
Unveiling the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt
There is something especially alluring about the study of Ancient Egypt. The grandness of the Pyramids and the mysteriousness of such a wise and interesting civilization. Mummies, tomb hunting, and pharaohs all contribute to its allure. King Tutankhamun (or Tutankhamen) ruled Egypt as pharaoh for 10 years until his death at age 19, around 1324 B.C.
The reason that Tutankhamun is so well known today is that his tomb, containing fabulous treasures, was found early this century (1922) by British archaeologists Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon. His tomb lay undisturbed for almost 3 thousand years. One of the most special parts of King Tut’s tomb was just how untouched it was - even footprints made by the tomb’s builders were still there!
So when archaeologists got inside, they found every item King Tut had been buried with (5,398 items, to be exact) still there with the Boy King. The most important and impressive find was King Tut himself, in his solid gold coffin that sat within two other outer coffins, but there was also lots of jewelry, a chariot, bow and arrow, food, and even underwear!
But before that, When did ancient Egypt begin and end?The dynastic period started with the reign of Egypt’s first king, Narmer, in approximately 3100 BCE, and ended with the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BCE. During this long period, there were times of strong centralized rule, and periods of much weaker, divided rule, but basically, Egypt remained one, independent land.
Read also: The Language of the Pharaohs
Craft Ideas to Bring Ancient Egypt to Life
1. Egyptian Cat Mummies
Egyptian Cat Mummies are excellent history lesson crafts and a fascinating study of the burial practices of the ancient Egyptians. All you need for the cat mummies are paper tubes (toilet paper or paper towel rolls cut in half), some metallic colored paint, and a black marker. Simply squash in the top of your paper tubes to make the ears of the cat. Then paint the tube with any metallic color paint.
2. Building Pyramids
Kids love building things, and this is one that everyone will enjoy. Your students can build pyramids with Legos, Duplos, blocks, and even geoblocks! Break out those math manipulatives for social studies. Basically, if you can build with it, you can make a pyramid with it.
3. Hieroglyphic Cartouche
I usually just projected all the hieroglyphs for the alphabet on my white board and everyone drew their own names and decorated however they wished. A cartouche was the way that the names of Egyptian Kings and Queens were represented. Oval in shape with a line at the bottom their name was then engraved in the oval using hieroglyphics.
Rainy Day Mum shows how to create our own using air drying clay or salt dough to make a cartouche of your name. A history project for kids to make whilst learning about writing in Ancient Egypt.
When archeologists first studied Egyptian hieroglyphics they thought that each symbol represented a word. However, it turns out that this form of writing is more complex than that. A symbol can represent a word, a sound, a syllable, or a concept. Hieroglyphs as a form of communication, record keeping, and as a means for preserving and passing down history.
Read also: Pharaohs: A detailed look
Activity Ideas:
- Write the hieroglyphics for the alphabet in English (excluding letters that have no equivalent, such as “C” and “E”) on their own paper or on the two options given.
- Trace over the hieroglyphics.
- Find hieroglyphics in three lines from a primary source.
- Find the cartouche and symbols inside
Hieroglyphics Name Cartouche Art Tutorial - Art With Trista
4. Pharaoh Headband
These Ancient Egypt crowns bring history lessons to life. Your kids will love how easy these fun paper crowns are to decorate and cut. Ideal for social studies units, history projects, and quick coloring crafts for the classroom or home!
Materials:
- Pharaoh crown (COLORED)
- Cleopatra crown (COLORED)
- Scarab crown (COLORED)
- Isis crown (COLORED)
- Egyptian cat crown (COLORED)
- Ankh crown (COLORED)
5. Paper Making
Ancient Egyptians made their own paper-and you can, too! Then write a message in hieroglyphics or create a treasure map for more fun with your friends. hands-on, fun way to teach kids how the ancient Egyptians made papyrus paper. This lesson explores how ancient Egyptians used papyrus to make paper and food, boats, perfumes, and a variety of items.
Read also: The Art of Ancient Egypt
6. 3D Pyramid
Your learners can make their own 3D pyramid with this easy craft. All you need is scissors, glue and crayons, markers, or coloring pencils. Whether you're studying ancient Egypt or 3D shapes, this craft is low-prep and makes a pyramid that kids will be proud of.
The pack comes with two size options - a smaller one (approx. 3in/7cm) which is easier to make as it's all one piece, and a larger one (approx. 4.5in/11cm) which has two pieces to join, so it's great for those that can handle more of a challenge - or pairs can work together to help each other. Visual instructions are included.
7. Ancient Egyptian Amulet
Materials:
- Amulet Pattern
- Gold Patio Paint
- Dimensional Paint
- Yarn
Instructions:
- Print the pattern.
- Paint the pattern all over with the gold patio paint or similar paint. Don’t paint it on too thick.
- When the paint dries use the dimensional paint to give the amulet a 3D look. Outline the pattern and go over all the lines. Fill in the belly of the falcon with dots.
- Punch holes in the wings of the falcon at the top and one in the smaller piece. Tie yarn as shown.
8. Ancient Egyptian Costume
Materials:
- Fabric
- Shiny material for a belt
- Black wig (optional)
- Accessories (optional)
Instructions:
- To measure the amount of material you will need measure your child from floor to neck and double the length. Have your child raise his or her arms out parallel to the floor. Measure from elbow to elbow.
- Fold the material in half lengthwise.
- Cut a small half circle in the middle of the fold just big enough for the neck.
- Cut a slit about 3 inches down from the neck toward the back of the costume. See if it fits over your child’s head. If it doesn’t, make the slit longer. You can hem the costume if you would like, but it isn’t necessary.
- Cut a shiny piece of material for a belt and tie the costume closed with the belt. Have your child wear white clothes underneath the costume.
- Add a black wig and the other accessories below. Your child will love helping you color them and decorate them.
Additional Activities and Resources
- Directed Drawing: Use directed drawing techniques from Art Projects for Kids as a great addition to your Egyptian unit.
- Reading Practice: Check out non-fiction articles about Egyptian mummies for reading practice.
These crafts and activities aim to bring the wonders of Ancient Egypt to life for kids, making learning fun and engaging. Whether it's building pyramids, creating hieroglyphic cartouches, or making Egyptian cat mummies, these hands-on projects will leave a lasting impression on young minds.
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