Lesson Plan - What’s Up, World? Egypt

Watch a Video: Ancient Egypt
Discuss: What facts about Egypt’s history did you find most surprising or interesting?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• pharaohs
• preserve

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why people might want to visit Egypt.

1. Why did ancient Egyptians mummify the dead?
Ancient Egyptians mummified the dead in order to preserve the bodies. They believed that people would need their bodies in the afterlife.
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2. Describe a part of ancient Egyptian culture that people can still experience today.
Sample responses: Handball was played in ancient Egypt and is still popular today. The Great Pyramids of Giza were built in ancient times but are still there.
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3. Based on the article, photos, and captions, what might people do on a visit to Egypt?
When visiting Egypt, people might see the Nile River, camels, or pyramids. They might play handball, enjoy shawarma, or experience the capital city of Cairo. They might celebrate Sham El-Nessim at the start of spring.
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FEATURED SKILL: Compare and Contrast
Use the skill builder “Comparing Communities” to have students compare and contrast their own communities with Egypt. 
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