When it comes to teaching ancient history, Ancient Egypt is one of the most captivating topics. The impressive achievements of this civilisation, its religious beliefs, daily life, and architectural wonders create a deep well of knowledge to draw from in the classroom.
With this 10-week program, we’ve created a resource that will help you structure your lessons effectively. By combining engaging PowerPoint presentations, interactive worksheets, and hands-on activities, this program ensures that students not only learn about Ancient Egypt but experience it through meaningful engagement.
Each lesson is designed to immerse students in a specific aspect of Egyptian life—whether it’s exploring the importance of the Nile, deciphering hieroglyphics, or investigating the process of mummification. Here’s how you can structure a 10-week program with two built-in assessment weeks to maximise learning.
The Importance of Word Walls and Anchor Charts
Incorporating word walls and anchor charts throughout the Ancient Egypt program provides essential literacy and visual support for students. Word walls help reinforce key vocabulary terms, such as “pharaoh,” “hieroglyphics,” and “mummification,” making it easier for students to grasp complex historical concepts. Anchor charts offer visual aids that summarise important information, such as timelines, social hierarchies, or the mummification process, which students can refer back to throughout the lessons. These tools not only enhance understanding but also promote independent learning, helping students retain and apply knowledge throughout the program.
Suggested Resources:
• Ancient Egypt – Vocabulary Word Wall
• Ancient Egypt History – 22 Anchor Charts
• Ancient Egypt History Card Sorting
Week 1: Introduction to Ancient Egypt
In the first week, set the stage by exploring Ancient Egypt’s geography and the social hierarchy. The lesson begins with an introductory PowerPoint, guiding students through the role of the Nile River and how it influenced the development of this advanced civilisation. Students then shift to investigating the Egyptian social pyramid, understanding the different roles that each class played in society—from the pharaoh to the farmers and labourers.
Suggested Resources:
• Introduction to Ancient Egypt
• Geography and the Nile Worksheet
• Ancient Egypt Comprehension task
• Social structure sorting task
Week 2: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt
In week two, students explore the ins and outs of Egyptian daily life. You’ll start by comparing the homes of the rich and poor, highlighting how housing structures were influenced by the hot, dry climate. Then move on to food and drink, where students can even try out a bread recipe based on ancient Egyptian ingredients! The week ends with an examination of clothing and jewellery, showing how garments and accessories varied across social classes.
Suggested Resources:
• Ancient Egyptian Housing Worksheets
• Food and Drink in Ancient Egypt Worksheet
• Clothing and Jewellery Worksheet
Week 3: Farming, Trade, and Transport
Egypt’s success was largely due to its ingenious farming techniques and its location along the Nile. In week three, students will dive into the methods Egyptians used to irrigate their fields, such as the shaduf and canal systems. They’ll also explore how the Nile was used for trade and transport, examining the materials used to build ships and how Egyptians navigated the river.
Suggested Resources:
• Farming Techniques Worksheet
• Transport in Ancient Egypt Worksheet
Week 4: Religion and the Afterlife
The Egyptians had a deep reverence for the afterlife, which is the focus of week four. Using a PowerPoint introduction, discuss the Book of the Dead and mummification. Students will engage with activities such as sorting the steps of mummification and exploring the meaning behind canopic jars. Finish the week by learning about the gods and goddesses worshipped by the Egyptians, such as Ra, Osiris, and Isis.
Suggested Resources:
• Gods and Goddesses Worksheets
Week 5: Assessment Week 1
To solidify their understanding, students will complete assessments based on the topics covered so far. This can include short answer questions, matching activities, and creative projects that test their knowledge of Egyptian daily life and society.
Week 8: Important People of Ancient Egypt
This week, students will dive into the lives of key figures who shaped the course of Ancient Egypt’s history. From Pharaohs like Ramses II and Tutankhamun, who ruled with divine authority, to Cleopatra, whose reign saw the end of the Egyptian empire, these individuals left a lasting legacy. Students will also explore influential figures like Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs, and Khufu the architect behind the first pyramid. Using an introductory PowerPoint, students will connect how these leaders influenced Egypt’s culture, politics, and monumental achievements. By the end of the week, students will create character profiles or timelines to summarise the key contributions of these figures.
Suggested Resources:
• Rise and Reign of Egyptian Dynasties
• Akhenaten: The Heretic Pharaoh
• Khufu builder of the Great Pyramid
• Menes: Pharaoh’s Legacy: Interactive Activity
Week 6: Myths, Rituals, and Symbols
Week six begins with an exploration of Egyptian myths, such as the story of Ra’s journey across the sky. Students will learn about the symbolism behind Egyptian rituals, such as hygiene practices and beauty rituals, which had both religious and social significance. This week is an ideal time for creative tasks like designing their own scarab amulets, linking symbols to their personal meanings.
Suggested Resources:
• Personal Hygiene in Ancient Egypt Worksheet
Week 7: Hieroglyphics and the Rosetta Stone
One of the most significant discoveries in history was the Rosetta Stone, which unlocked the secrets of Egyptian hieroglyphics. In this week, introduce students to the importance of hieroglyphics in recording laws, religious texts, and daily activities. They’ll have the opportunity to practice writing in hieroglyphics and decode messages like an archaeologist.
Suggested Resources:
• Hieroglyphics Writing and counting Activity
Week 8: Engineering and Architecture
In week eight, students will learn about the grand architectural achievements of Ancient Egypt, from pyramids to temples. This is a perfect opportunity to discuss the skills of Egyptian engineers and craftsmen, whose knowledge and techniques were passed down through generations. A PowerPoint presentation introduces these topics, followed by a worksheet where students explore the construction of these monumental structures.
Suggested Resources:
• Egyptian Architecture and Engineering Worksheet
• The Dream Stela and the Great Sphinx
Week 9: Scarabs and Egyptian Symbols
Symbols were incredibly important in Egyptian culture. The scarab beetle represented protection and rebirth. This week, students will research famous scarabs found in tombs and create their own symbolic scarab amulets, connecting the power of symbolism to their learning about Egyptian beliefs.
Suggested Resources:
Week 10: Assessment Week
The final week of the program assesses students’ understanding of Egyptian religious beliefs, symbolism, and architectural achievements. This is a great time to include creative assessments where students can apply their knowledge to new scenarios, such as designing a tomb or writing a myth inspired by Egyptian gods.
Conclusion
Teaching Ancient Egypt offers an engaging journey through one of the world’s most fascinating civilisations. By integrating a mix of visual presentations, hands-on activities, and structured worksheets, you can ensure that students remain engaged and curious about the past. This program not only teaches the content but also encourages critical thinking and creativity.
All the lessons mentioned in this blog post are available as resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, including detailed PowerPoints, worksheets, and activities that will help you bring Ancient Egypt to life in your classroom.