UKS2 Topic: Earliest Civilisations: Ancient Egyptians Block C: Pharaohs & Pyramids
Learn about the mighty rulers of Ancient Egypt, their dynasties, battles and burials. Discover their
symbols and crowns. Share knowledge and understanding of the pharaohs by staging an Ancient
Egyptian exhibition.
Block C: Ancient Egyptians Main outcome: History
Pharaohs and pyramids
Other outcomes: D&T, English, Art, Maths, Science
[9 sessions]
By the end of this block you
will have achieved the
following outcomes:
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Know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the
nature of ancient civilisations; characteristic features of past non-European
societies.
Gain and deploy a historically grounded understanding of abstract terms such as
‘empire’ and ‘civilisation’.
Understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, similarity,
difference and significance.
Gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different
contexts, understanding the connections between short- and long-timescales.
Gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different
contexts, understanding the connections between economic, military and social
history.
Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical
tasks.
Select from and use a wider range of materials and components.
Noting and developing initial ideas, drawing on reading and research where
necessary.
Selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary.
Using further organisational and presentational devices to structure text and to
guide the reader.
Participate in presentations.
Improve their mastery of art and design techniques including sculpture and
painting with a range of materials.
Find out about great architects in history.
Calculate the area of rectangles.
Recognise when it is possible to use a formula for area.
Identify 3-D shapes, from 2-D representations.
Recognise, describe and build simple 3-D shapes, including making nets.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
UKS2 Topic: Earliest Civilisations: Ancient Egyptians Block C: Pharaohs & Pyramids
Session 1: History and D&T
Dynasties
Explain how the rulers of
Ancient Egypt were divided
into families or dynasties
and know how rich and
powerful the pharaohs were.
Describe the crowns and
symbols of pharaohs; make a
double crown (Pschent) of
Ancient Egypt.
Session 2: History and
English
Well-known Pharaohs
List some well-known
pharaohs. Research and
record facts about an
individual pharaoh to make a
fact file.
Children will
 Explain how the rulers of Ancient Egypt were divided into families or dynasties.
 Understand how rich and powerful the pharaohs were.
 Describe the crowns and symbols of pharaohs.
 Make a double crown (Pschent) of Ancient Egypt.
Session 3: History and D&T
Defence of Ancient Egypt
Name some Ancient
Egyptian pharaohs who led
their army into battle
successfully; list the
weapons used by the
Ancient Egyptians; design,
build and decorate a model
of an Ancient Egyptian
chariot.
Session 4: History and Art
Early burials
Describe early burials in
Ancient Egypt. Explain why
mummification was
developed to preserve
bodies for the afterlife;
describe the mummification
process; make a model of a
mummy; understand the
importance of The Book of
the Dead.
Children will
 Name some Ancient Egyptian pharaohs who led their army into battle
successfully.
 List the weapons used by the Ancient Egyptians.
 Design, build and decorate a model of an Ancient Egyptian chariot.
Children will
 List some well-known pharaohs.
 Research and record facts about an individual pharaoh.
 Understand that dates and details about many individual pharaohs are
approximate.
Children will
 Describe early burials in Ancient Egypt.
 Explain why mummification developed to preserve bodies for the afterlife.
 Describe the mummification process.
 Make a model of a mummy.
 Understand the importance of The Book of the Dead.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
UKS2 Topic: Earliest Civilisations: Ancient Egyptians Block C: Pharaohs & Pyramids
Session 5: History and
Maths
Pyramids
Explain how the structure of
pyramids developed over
the years. Describe the
purpose of the pyramids and
make 3D models of pyramids
using 2D nets.
Session 6: History and
Science
Pyramid building enquiry
Appreciate what a hard task
it was for the Ancient
Egyptians to build the
pyramids. Understand that
we cannot be sure of the
methods that were used to
build pyramids and learn of
some of the difficulties they
may have faced!
Session 7: History and Art
The Sphinx
Describe the shape of The
Sphinx at Giza. Understand
the importance of The
Sphinx to the Ancient
Egyptians and make a model
of The Sphinx.
Session 8: History and Art
Rock-cut tombs
Explain why it is thought that
pyramids were no longer
built for Pharaoh’s tombs
during the New Kingdom;
describe the Ancient
Egyptian style of depicting
people; draw and paint a
figure in the Ancient
Egyptian style.
Children will
 Explain how the structure of pyramids developed over the years.
 Describe the purpose of the pyramids.
 Make 3D models of pyramids using 2D nets.
Children will
 Appreciate what a hard task it was for the Ancient Egyptians to build the
pyramids.
 Understand that we cannot be sure of the methods that were used to build
pyramids.
 Understand that friction is a force that slows down objects moving across a
surface.
 Plan an enquiry to find the best way to pull a ‘block’ up a ramp.
 Present their findings in writing and orally.
Children will
 Describe the shape of The Sphinx at Giza.
 Understand the importance of The Sphinx to the Ancient Egyptians.
 Make a model of The Sphinx.
Children will
 Explain why it is thought that pyramids were no longer built for Pharaoh’s tombs
during the New Kingdom.
 Describe the Ancient Egyptian style of depicting people.
 Draw and paint a figure in the Ancient Egyptian style.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
UKS2 Topic: Earliest Civilisations: Ancient Egyptians Block C: Pharaohs & Pyramids
Session 9: History and
English
Exhibition
Bring together your findings
about pharaohs and their
burials. Prepare and give a
presentation to an invited
audience, making
connections between
different periods of Ancient
Egyptian history.
Children will
 Bring together their findings about pharaohs and their burials.
 Prepare and give a presentation to an invited audience.
 Make connections between different periods of Ancient Egyptian periods.
 Give some examples of continuity and change, cause and consequence and
similarity, difference and significance of events in Ancient Egyptian history.
Resources
Session 1
Provided:
You will need: Red, white & yellow card; White A3 paper; Double-sided tape; Glue; Scissors; Rulers;
Pencils; Egyptian crowns; How to make a crown; Cobra images; Symbols of Pharaohs; The Social
Pyramid.
Session 2
Provided: Plan of Tutankhamun’s Tomb; Some Great Pharaohs; Cities of Ancient Egypt.
You will need: Access to internet; Timelines from Block A.
Session 3
Provided: Egyptian chariots; Images of Abu Simbel; Temple of Karnak.
You will need: Junk materials, wheels, dowelling, 1cm square wood strips, matchsticks, lolly sticks,
card, paints, brushes, scissors, hacksaws, rulers, glue, glue gun (adult help!).
Session 4
Provided: Burial in sand; Mastaba images; Canopic jars; Mummy making!; Book of the Dead; Make
your own Mummy; Mummy images; Shabtis images.
You will need: Access to internet; Modelling clay or Plasticine; Plaster of Paris or Modroc; Water;
Aprons; Scissors; Paints (acrylic work best); Fine brushes.
Session 5
Provided: Zoser’s Step Pyramid; Inside the Step Pyramid; Net of a Square-Based Pyramid; Step Pyramid
Evaluation Form; Pyramid Development sheets.
You will need: Access to internet; Thin card; Rulers; Protractors; Scissors; Pencils; Glue; Paints;
Brushes; Lego® bricks.
Session 6
Provided: Pulling Pyramid Blocks.
You will need: Access to internet; Containers for sand; Sand; Wood plank/blocks for making ramp;
Newton meter/force meter; Bull dog clips; Wood for runners/rollers, etc.; Water; Plastic sheet if water
is used.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
UKS2 Topic: Earliest Civilisations: Ancient Egyptians Block C: Pharaohs & Pyramids
Session 7
Provided: Images of The Sphinx.
You will need: Access to internet; Clay/salt dough; Paints; Brushes.
Session 8
Provided: British Museum powerpoint and notes on reading a papyrus; British Muesum powerpoint
and notes on painting a tomb; Valley of the Kings resource.
You will need: Access to internet; Paints: red, blue, yellow, green, white & black; Brushes, including
fine ones; Sketching pencils.
Session 9
Provided: Egyptian poems resource.
You will need: Models made previously.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.