The Last Crusade

Discovering the Tombs of Ancient Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza

Subject Matter: Ancient Egypt

Grade Level: History, Ancient Civilization - Grade 6

Lesson Objective: Learners will demonstrate an understanding of the purpose, contents, and structure of the pyramids of Ancient Egypt.  

Subject Matter Content Standard: History 6.2 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Kush.

•  5 . Discuss the main features of Egyptian art and architecture.

Technology Standard, NETS for Students: 4. Research and Information Fluency. Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. 

Background: You are on an archaeologist on a crusade to find the knowledge of treasures of the tombs of Ancient Egypt. You will travel down the Nile River in search of the resting place of the great pharaohs where you will learn about mummification, hieroglyphics, and architecture that has stood the test of time.      

Use the following websites and videos to help you answer the questions in your crusade for knowledge through the tombs of Ancient Egypt. Answer the Essential Question last. 

Walk Like an Egyptian

• Egyptian Tomb Adventure (interactive site) 

• Ancient Egypt - The Pyramids (informative site)

• Explore Real Egyptian Mummies (interactive site) 

• Building the Pyramids (video)

Essential Question: What purpose did the pyramids of Ancient Egypt serve?  

Question & Responses:

1. What is a stela?

2. What is a hieroglyph?

3. What is the name of the largest pyramid and how long did it take to build it?

4. Name three things that can be found inside a pyramid.

5. What is the shape of the base of a pyramid?

6. On which side of the Nile do the pyramids stand and why?

7. Why did the Egyptian's mummify their dead?

8. Name two things that mummies can show us about daily life in Ancient Egypt.

9. Describe the relationship between the pyramids and the sun. 

10. How are the pyramids aligned?