Hieroglyphics Activity
1.)Introduce the lesson by giving background information about scribes in ancient Egypt. A
sample introduction follows:
"How do we know so much about ancient Egypt? The scribe. The scribe was one of the most
important people in society because the Egyptians wanted to keep records of what they did and
what they had. There are over 500 different characters in Egyptian hieroglyphics so boys began
learning this useful skill when they were nine years old. Parents wanted their sons to be scribes
because it was easier work than building pyramids and paid much better than being a farmer.
Scribes worked keeping records of the king's treasure, his commands, and wise sayings. They
also recorded weather, flood levels, crops, and inventories for merchants."
2.)Students will explore various hieroglyphic translator sites on the web. If time allows students
should search for hieroglyphic translator sites on their own by using an approved search engine.
If there is not time for students to complete their own search, the teacher may bookmark the
hieroglyphic translator sites in the attached document for students to access. (If there are not
enough computers available for student use, those students waiting to use computers can take
this time to use colored paper to make beads that will later be attached with the cartouche to the
necklace.)
3.)Instruct students to translate their names into hierloglyphics using one of the translator
websites. Students should print their translated name and return to their seats.
4.)Upon returning to their seats students will use scrap paper to draw their names in
hieroglyphics as found during the computer search. Once students have copied or traced the
hieroglyphics onto the scrap paper they will turn the paper over and scribble under each picture
with pencil to create carbon paper.
5.)Show students pictures of cartouches and explain that they will be using hieroglyphics to
make a cartouche with their name on it. Pass out the cartouche templates to trace. Instruct
students to roll the clay into a flat slab. Then have students trace the cartouche shape and cut it
out with the wooden stylus. With the carbon side down, students will trace over the
hieroglyphics to transfer the symbols to the clay. Remove the paper. Symbols will need to be
refined with the stylus. Punch a hole in the top of the cartouche for attaching the raffia string
later.
6.)Allow the clay to harden according to package directions. If they have not done so previously
students may use colored paper to roll beads to add to the necklace. Once cartouches have
hardened attach the raffia and beads.
Salt Dough
This is a home-made version of a play-dough-type clay.
Ingredients
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2 cups (500 ml or .5 liter) flour
2 cups (500 ml or .5 liter) salt
About 1 cup (250 ml) water
Instructions
1. Mix flour, salt, and water to make a stiff mixture.
2. Knead mixture for about ten minutes to dissolve salt.
3. Clay is ready to shape.