Barbara Lee
Pyramids Across the World
Tools for the Visualization of Information EDTC 635
This lesson is designed to integrate various
cultures’ use of pyramidal structures. Many
students think of the Egyptian pyramids;
however, pyramids exist from prehistoric times
to current times throughout the world. For
some reason, China has some spectacular
pyramids which are blocked from Google
Earth, but pictures exist throughout Google.
TSW measure the distance between the Egyptian
necropolis and other pyramids.
World History and Cultures
5-8 Grade Level. May be adapted for younger
students; however, my students are functioning on
a low to middle high school reading level.
Class:
World History and Cultures
Timeline (length of time for the Project):
1 weeks of 5 days with a 45 minute period
List and Description of Activities:
Measure Distance:
TSW measure the distance between Egyptian necropolis and
other pyramid sites.
Calculate the Direction:
TSW measure the direction between the Egyptian necropolis
and other pyramid sites.
Determine Composition of Site:
TSW write composition of the building material of the pyramid.
6.1.4.B.1
Compare and contrast information that can be found on different types of maps, and determine when the
information may be useful.
6.1.4.B.3
Explain how and when it is important to use digital geographic tools, political maps, and globes to measure
distances and to determine time zones and locations using latitude and longitude.
6.2.8.B.4.e
Analyze the motivations for civilizations to modify the environment, determine the positive and negative
consequences of environmental changes made during this time period, and relate these changes to current
environmental challenges.
8.1.4.A.4
Create a simple spreadsheet, enter data, and interpret the information.
8.1.4.A.5
Determine the benefits of a wide range of digital tools by using them to solve problems.
Identifying Your Own Home:
1.
TSW pair up as a team and find their homes and record the season when that
the pictures were taken.
Discuss Latitude and Longitude
1.
Introduce latitude and longitude. TSW research from the web the latitude and
longitude of 10 museums.
Illustrate how Wikipedia has the location of most major structures on the upper
right side of the page and a brief history of the construction:
1.
Demonstrate how various statues are explained both with location and
history of the images.
Illustrate how Wikipedia has the location of most major structures on the upper
right side of the page and a brief history of the construction:
1.
Demonstrate how various statues are explained both with location and
history of the images
2.
Measure Distance and Specify Construction:
A.
TSW measure and record the distance between Egyptian necropolis and
other pyramid sites.
B.
TSW use the websites www.google.com, www.wikipedia.org and
http://www.european-pyramids.eu/wb/pages/european-pyramids/italy/santaagata.php to read the latitude, longitude, age shape and construction purpose
for the 12 pyramid sites.
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http://www.european-pyramids.eu/wb/pages/europeanpyramids/italy/santa-agata.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giza_Necropolis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramids_of_Meroe_(Begar
awiyah)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_pyramids
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnian_pyramid_claims
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silbury_Hill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_of_the_Magician
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chichen_Itza
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xochicalco
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuicuilco
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monks_Mound
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1. TSW use a Venn Diagram with three intersecting circles
to compare and contrast three civilization’s pyramids and
give a reason why their environment may have changed
the structure’s features. (Logical- Mathematical)
2. TSW create a spreadsheet which (Logical- Mathematical)
3. TSW list seven reasons why a culture might create a
pyramid. (Logical- Mathematical)
4. TSW create a map of a pyramid’s important
characteristics. (Visual- Spatial)
5. TSW write a newspaper summary of the history of a
culture and the impact on their culture of creating a
pyramid. (Verbal- Linguistic)
6. TSW demonstrate as a team how the blocks could have
been moved using ancient technology. (Body- Kinesthetic)