Scoop!

TUTANKHAMUN'S FACE IS REVEALED

Published on November 16, 2007

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SUBJECT AREAS

Language Arts

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies

Technology

GRADE LEVELS

Grade 5-6

Grade 7-8

Grade 9-12

INTRODUCTION

On November 4^th, 2007, exactly 85 years after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, the Boy-king's face was unveiled to the public. After more than 3,000 years, science and technology have allowed us to finally see a rendering of what was behind his famous golden mask.

Preparation

Notes

3 (40 – 45 minute) Activities

National Standards

World History Standards 5-12

Science Standards 5-8

Science Standards 9-12

Geometry Standards 3-5

Geometry Standards 6-8

Geometry Standards 9-12

Technology Standards K-12

Language Arts Standards K-12

Click here to view the National Standards for this lesson.

National Standards Source

For further information to align with your state standards please visit Education World.

Objectives / Expectations

Students will:

- Identify general information about Tutankhamun.

- Learn what a mummy is and the significance of mummification to Egyptians.

- Learn the steps of the mummification process.

- Identify different kinds of mummies.

- Learn about the function of pyramid.

- Trace different kinds of pyramids with geometric software.

Curricular goals / Skills

- Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of finding Tutankhamun's tomb and his importance in Egyptian history.

- Demonstrate an understanding of the beliefs surrounding mummification and the mummification process.

- Recognize the geometric components of a pyramid and the various types of pyramids.

- Understand basic knowledge of pyramids including, how they were made, the floor plan, and their significance.

- Use graphic organizers and graphs to sort, classify, and connect information.

- Research a variety or resources on a given topic.

- Understand and comprehend information researched in a variety of articles read on a given topic.

Background information & Preparation

Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was only 8 years old when he became pharaoh. At age 19 he mysteriously died and was entombed. The mummy of King Tut was originally publically displayed in the city of Luxor, Egypt after it was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter.

Over the years, exposure to humidity and heat caused by millions of people entering the tomb to view King Tut caused damage to the mummy. Therefore, on November 4^th, 2007, experts placed Tutankhamun inside a climate-controlled Plexiglas case inside the tomb. “A silicone representation of the face of the legendary pharaoh, who died around 3,300 years ago at the age of just 19, was reconstructed in 2005 using images collected through CAT scans of his mummy.” Source: AFP

Materials needed

Inspiration, Internet access, Geometric software

Suggested activities

Activity 1: Tutankhamun (Approximately 40 minutes)

1. As a class, discuss what is known about Tutankhamun and what is known about Egypt.

2. Next, in teams, have students complete the diagram below by using information found in the Additional Information section of the lesson or other available resources.

Click on the image to enlarge it, print it or save it.

Download the Inspiration file.

3. Once the diagram is complete, address the following questions as a class discussion: Was Tutankhamun's reign as pharaoh historically significant; What has made Tutankhamun so popular to people of all ages; What are the speculations on the cause of his death; Why was the discovery of his tomb so famous; Where will the mummy be displayed until August 2008 and what will happen to Tutankhamun after August?

Activity 2: Mummification (Approximately 40 minutes)

1. As a class, discuss what is known about mummies and Egyptian mummification.

2. Next, direct students to work in teams of two or three using the diagram below to link each step in the mummification process in the correct order.

3. Instruct students to use the links in the Additional Information section of the lesson to complete the mummification diagram.

Click on the image to enlarge it, print it or save it.

Download the Inspiration file.

3. Once the diagram is complete, discuss the following ideas as a class: Why were Egyptians mummified; What are natural mummies (Ötzi the Iceman, Tollund Man); and what are the causes of these kinds of mummifications?

Activity 3: Pyramid (Approximately 45 minutes)

1. Brainstorm with students what they know about pyramids.

What is their purpose? Who constructed them? Is it a big labyrinth? Is it underground, above ground, or both? What is the name of the biggest Egyptian pyramid? What other questions do the students have about pyramids?

2. Write the questions on the board or in Inspiration to guide research later on in the lesson.

3. Allow time for students to research these questions using the links in the Additional Information section of the lesson or other available resources.

4. As a class, write down the answers to the questions brainstormed in #1.

5. Next, Discuss what students know about pyramid shapes. Are there only square pyramids in geometry? What are the names of other kinds of geometric pyramids?

6. Finally, instruct students to trace different kinds of pyramid with geometric software like GeoGebra.

LESSON EXTENSIONS…

What is the malediction of Tutankhamun?

Downloadable templates

Mummification

Click here to download the Inspiration file (.isf) related to activity 2. To know more about Inspiration software, click here.

National Standards

Click here to view a file containing the information relating to the National Standards for this lesson plan.

Tutankhamun

Click here to download the Inspiration file (.isf) related to activity 1. To know more about Inspiration software, click here.

FLP

Click to download the lesson.