Pyramids of Ancient Egypt

The Grade One classes have already begun their investigation into the Pyramids of Ancient Egypt! We have been researching the pyramids using books, and will soon be viewing videos and using the internet. The students have already seen how many two and three dimensional shapes and objects are present in the art and architecture of Ancient Egypt, and have begun construction of their own paper models of 3-D objects.

During October, we began manipulating 2-D shapes to find out how to make shapes with equal sides, and we estimated and measured to check our work.

It's now late November, and our research has been compiled. Soon we will be able to build our own pyramid using authentic Egyptian principles. The class has begun to organize their knowledge.

In preparation for the construction of the "Great Pyramid of Grade One", the students have been experimenting with different construction techniques and mathematical concepts on miniature models made of small cubes or string. Our Egyptologists have had the opportunity to experiment with their models to find out how many blocks should go on each level of a pyramid, whether or not they should overlap levels, and how the size of the base will affect the proportions of the entire construction. We will even be using the Pythagorean Theorem to check our base for square, using a long rope with knots just as the Egyptians did! And these Egyptologists have certainly learned how much of a team effort is required to build such a huge monument!

All of the students are very excited to display the full extent of our learning at the upcoming Celebration of Learning. Keep eating that cereal!!!