Egyptian Tomb Treasures

Egyptian Tomb Treasures lesson plan

Ornate sarcophagi are often found in ancient Egyptian burial sites. Create an artistic treasure fit for a queen or king.

  • 1.

    Ancient Egyptian kings and queens were often buried in elaborately decorated chambers. A stone or cement box (sarcophagus) was usually found inside the tomb. Images and words on the sarcophagus showed important events and interests in the person’s life. A sarcophagus could contain a coffin of solid silver, a gold mummy-board, and even a solid gold mask covering the face of the mummified pharaoh!

  • 2.

    <STRONG> Choose authentic designs</STRONG>. Find out more about ancient Egyptian burial procedures so you can create a realistic sarcophagus. These are a few ideas to get you started. Sketch Egyptian patterns and designs with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. Change your mind? Just erase!

  • 3.

    <STRONG>Decorate your sarcophagus</STRONG>. Cover your art area with newspaper. Air-dry your project after each of these steps: Paint a recycled box with Crayola Tempera and a brush. Paint your patterns on the box with metallic colors of Crayola Premier Tempera. Add Crayola Glitter Glue to highlight prominent designs.

  • 4.

    Cut a flap on top of the box. Cut a paper strip with Crayola Scissors. Cover it with glue from a Crayola Glue Stick and roll up tightly to form a knob. Glue it on the flap with Crayola School Glue. If you wish, fill the box with other replica burial treasures.

Benefits

  • Students learn about the culture and customs of ancient Egyptian civilization.
  • Students recognize Egyptian symbols, patterns, and artwork.
  • Students describe Egyptian burial traditions.
  • Students demonstrate their knowledge of Egyptian funeral procedures by creating replica sarcophagi.

Adaptations

  • Create other Egyptian artifacts such as a cartouche or a canopic jar.
  • Research Egyptian architecture and re-create a sphinx (triangular pyramid).
  • Research Egyptian hieroglyphics and create a chart or poster showing the meanings of various symbols.
  • Assessment: Students explain the meaning of the designs on their sarcophagi and the context in which they were used.