Lesson plan based on Mummy Case

Decide which personal items would be necessary for success and happiness in the afterlife.

Skills and Focus: Cultural Comparisons, Studio, Discussion

Subject Area: Social Science

Thematic Connection: The Afterlife, Comparing Cultures

Grade Level: Elementary School

Time Needed: 30-40 minutes

Objectives

• Understand ancient Egyptian burial practices, especially why certain items were buried with the mummy and how they functioned in the afterlife.

Instructional Materials Needed

Story: How Were Mummies Made?

Drawing paper

Colored pencils or crayons

Activity

Step 1: Have your students imagine items that Paankhenamun would have wanted in the afterlife. To begin, ask students the following questions:

• What items are necessary for his survival?

• What items would provide him with entertainment?

• What items would make his life easier?

• What items would provide him with eternal good luck?

Step 2: Then, have students draw and write about each of the items that they believe should accompany Paankhenamun in the afterlife. Students should justify their choices. Then, compare the student’s responses to determine which items are the most popular. Be sure to discuss whether or not these items existed in Paankhenamun’s time and, if not, what the ancient Egyptian equivalent might have been.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 18: Understand, analyze, and compare social systems.

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