What do the preservation of organs, mummified cats and a hijacked tomb have in common? They are all part of the Grade 7 Individuals and Societies investigation into Ancient Egypt. Over the course of November, the Grade 7s have been investigating artifacts and their significance to the ancient civilization. Let’s put on our archaeologist hats and find out what they uncovered.
The Research Process
The investigation began with the classes browsing museum catalogues for each student to select an artifact. They then researched the object thoroughly, utilizing the Strategic Action Cycle: planning, using strategies, monitoring, adjusting and interpreting tasks and setting goals.
The cyclical approach to research encourages students to regularly reflect on their progress and to plan a route forward, adapting as they discover more information and how to identify proper sources. The investigation is a great opportunity for the students to practice their Approaches to Learning (ATL) such as research and communication, with strong note taking and time management skills taking a special focus in this project.
Students took pride in the final task of the project; producing a replica of their chosen artifact. From jars to clay figures, 3D models to dioramas, the students did an excellent job paying close attention to detail in their creations. Their work was then displayed in an Ancient Egypt showcase in the Atrium for SJS students and parents to explore.
SJS News chatted with a few of the students to see what they had learned throughout the process, with some surprising results.
Student Discoveries
I chose a Qebehsenuef canopic jar as my artifact. These jars were used to store the organs of the dead before their body was mummified. I chose this artifact because I had heard of it before and it surprised me that these jars were often carved out of stone, which I think would be quite hard to do. I made mine out of clay. I really enjoyed the research process, and I learned a lot about how to make my notes more detailed. I think that will help me on the next investigation. — Sanjana
My project was based on King Tutankhamun’s Tomb. I used a 3D model of the tomb I found during my research to recreate the room where he was buried. I thought it was really interesting how archeologists believe that the tomb was originally meant for someone else, but the Egyptians gave it to Tutankhamun because he died so young. I learned a lot about how to find proper sources during this project, like looking for official government or organization websites, or asking my teacher if it’s a resource they would use. — Jacob
My artifact is a mummified cat’s head. It’s closely related to the goddess Bastet who oversaw pregnancy and childbirth. She was also a warrior goddess and closely associated with cats, so sometimes they would be sacrificed in her honour. Other times families would mummify their house cats to honour them when they died. They would use the same mummification process as humans. I was shocked to learn that some humans would shave off their eyebrows after their cat died, and they would be in mourning until the eyebrows grew back. I think I used my time management skills really well to get this project done. — Zoe
Well done to all of the Grade 7 students for their hard work and dedication to their recreations of the artifacts. The skills they learned through this project will serve them well in the next investigation about being global citizens.
