On January 28th, our sixth graders began a 78 day mummification project.  Throughout this 78 day activity, our students will gain a better understanding of the religious order, social order, and political order that exsisted in ancient Mesopotamia and anchient Egypt. Students used their text book, library books, and the internet to gather valuable information regarding Ancient Egypt and their customs.  They learned about Egyptian art, the use of hieroglyphs, deities, scribes, pharaoh, dynasties, the making of paper (papyrus), and mummification.  The mummification project was created to help our students gain a deeper understanding of the ways of ancient Egypt.

Our sixth graders were divided into groups of 4.  Each member of the group was trained to be an expert in the mummification process.  They utilized a circle map to gather as much information about mummification.  Through their research, our students discovered the ingrediants used, the formula for the mummification mixture, the length of time needed to create a mummy, and the Egyptians purpose for mummification.  Staying clean and sanitized throughout the mummification process was one of their goals.  To ensure cleanliness and safety, each group used a flow map to write down step-by-step proceedures for each phase of the mummification process.  Each group of four sixth graders had a scribe (a.k.a. recorder), a stuffer, and a bag/chicken holder.  Every 6-8 weeks, our mummification experts got together to review their hypothesis regarding the mummification process.  After their review, the group removed the old natron and added fresh natron on and around their mummy. During this time, the scribe's sole job was to write down everything they saw, heard, and smelled.  For your enjoyment, we have included a few of our scribes written observations during this mummification process.

Group A:

"The chicken is finnaly here  It looks as if it has hair and the oesophagus is shown in its beak  We see what looks like nose hairs, wings, claws.  It looks sad, cold, and wet."

Group B:

"The chicken is slimmy, sticky, hairy, squishy, bare, wet, and has sharp claws."

Group C:

"The chiken arrived. It has white beady eyes, the skin is pinkish tan, the natron is a white bluish color, and the body looks scaly but it is smooth."

Group D:

"We poured the chemicals (i.e. natron) in and around the chicken."

This hands-on science and social studies project was possible because of the donations of time and supplies provided by our sixth grade parents and community members.  In addition, through our sixth grade recycling program and monetary donations, our sixth graders were able to raise over $210 for their mummification project.

To all who participated through volunteering, through a financial contribution, or through donating the supplies needed (i.e. bleach, salt, gloves, zip-lock bags, etc...), we want to say 'Thank You'!  Without your continued support many of the extra-curriculuar activities like this mummification project would not happen.