Lesson plan based on Mummy Case

Calculate the volume of the mummy case using ancient Egyptian, U.S. customary, and metric measurements.

Skills and Focus: Measuring, Calculation

Subject Area: Mathematics

Thematic Connection: Counting and Calculating

Grade Level: Secondary School

Time Needed: 45 minutes

Objectives

• Practice measuring in different systems.

• Convert between different measuring systems.

• Consider why conversion ratios between lengths and volumes are different.

Instructional Materials Needed

MummyCase

Ruler divided into 1/8" units or millimeters

Activity

Step 1: Have students estimate the width and depth of the mummy case of Paankhenamun, assuming that the case is 67" in length. Convert the dimensions to cubits (1 cubit = 21").

Step 2: Ask students to determine the volume of the mummy case in cubits.

Step 3: Students should convert the volume of the mummy case in cubits3 to meters3 and ft3. Are the results surprising? Determine decimal conversions between cubits and feet, cubits and meters, cubits3 and ft3 and cubits3 and m3.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 6: Demonstrate and apply a knowledge and sense of numbers, including basic arithmetic operations, number patterns, ratios, and proportions.

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