The geography of ancient Egypt, the Nile civilization, the Old Kingdom, the Egyptian Empire, ancient Egyptian art and architecture, the Kush Civilization
Ancient Egypt unit contains 6 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Ancient Egypt Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Ancient Egypt: Geography and Environment
Students learn about the effect of geography on ancient Egyptian civilization. The main attention is given to the Nile River, whose flooding made the soil fertile and compensated for the absence of rain and the confining influence of the desert. Students learn how a climatic event at approximately 6000 B.C.E. shrank the arable portion of the region and forced humans to settle close to the Nile. Finally, they read an ancient “Hymn to the Nile” and collaborate to write verses of their own about the Nile.
Nile Valley Civilization
Students examine an interactive map overview of ancient Egyptian civilizations. Then, they watch a video about farming the Nile. They explore Egyptian social structure and economy. Next, they explore the Egyptian hieroglyphic writing system. Digging deeper into Egyptian farming and economics, they learn how Egypt’s social classes made use of a proto-banking system based on grain surplus. Finally, they learn about the Rosetta Stone, whose discovery in 1799 enabled modern people to decipher hieroglyphics.
Old Kingdom
Students delve into history of ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom, when the growing nation became a truly great civilization. They begin by encountering the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt. They proceed to examine the pyramids, which the pharaohs built as tombs and to honor the gods. Finally, students analyze the entire social structure of the kingdom.
Egyptian Empire
Students explore the Middle and New Kingdoms of the Egyptian Empire. They learn about the basic history of the Middle and New Kingdoms and take a close look at the life and legacy of Hatshepsut. Then they do their own research on other important pharaohs of the era. Finally, they research the last pharaoh of Egypt—Cleopatra.
Ancient Egyptian Art and Architecture
Students examine art and architecture from various periods of ancient Egyptian history, including the Old and New Kingdoms. The genres include pyramids, tombs, sculpture, painting, and hieroglyphics. Then, students write a short description and critique of a work of ancient Egyptian art.
Civilization of Kush
Students encounter the ancient kingdom of Kush, located south of Egypt in what is now Sudan. Then they watch a video emphasizing the role that iron smelting and production played in Kush’s success. Finally, they build a timeline showing the intersection between the Kush civilization and ancient Egypt.
