H E L E N   K E L L E R  M I D D L E  S C H O O L

One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar...Helen A. Keller

TOPIC CHOICES

1. Famous Pharaohs : choose a male or female leader from ancient Egypt and describe, in detail, his/her life, reign, beliefs and effect on that culture. (must also answer “big questions”)

2. Dynamic Dynasties : describe one or more of the well-known dynasties of ancient Egypt. Tell of their rise to power, some of the leaders, length of reign and reasons for their downfall. (must also answer “big questions”)

3. Who’s Your Mummy? :  give a detailed description of the mummification process, when and why it began and ended, how long it takes to mummify a body and the reason for each step in that process. (must also answer “big questions”)

4. Great Giza!:  describe the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and other well-known Egyptian structures, telling where, when and why they were built.  (must also answer "big questions")

5. The Ba, the Ka and the Afterlife: describe how ancient Egyptians viewed death and the afterlife. Tell about the “ba” and “ka”, and comment on Egyptian funerary customs. (must also answer “big questions”)

6. The Mighty Nile : fully describe the physical characteristics of the Nile River and its influence on the development of the Egyptian civilization. (must also answer “big questions”)

7. A Day in the Life : describe what daily life was like for someone from the middle, lower or slave class of ancient Egypt. Mention their shelter, clothing, food, activities, jobs, customs, beliefs, etc. (must also answer “big questions”)

8. Great and Gruesome Gods and Goddesses : tell about the religious beliefs of ancient Egyptians, giving details about their myths as well as specific gods and goddesses that they worshiped or feared. (must also answer “big questions”)

9. Excavators and Egyptologists : report on at least two different people who have been part of archaeological digs in Egypt, and describe the impact of their findings. (must also answer “big questions”)

VISUAL

a.    Ideas: model pyramid, funerary mask, doll “mummy”, sarcophagus, drawing/model of the Nile, “portraits” of pharaohs, diorama depicting daily life, replicas of items from ancient Egypt, ankh, crook and flail, map of an archaeological dig, etc.