Activity Overview
The ancient Egyptians practiced a sophisticated religion that reflected a relatively optimistic world view. Massive temple and tomb projects are evidence of the importance religion played in ancient Egypt. In this activity students will explore a single facet of Egyptian religion: the afterlife.
Students will create a traditional storyboard that shows the path a soul must take as it navigates the afterlife. This storyboard should include the following gods:
Extended Activity
This activity can be extended in a number of ways. Students could create a storyboard character chart of Egyptian gods and goddesses, or focus on a single god. Students could also explore the connection between geography and religious world view. A good civilization to contrast Egypt with would be the city-states of Mesopotamia.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting the path a soul must take as it navigates the Egyptian afterlife.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify each step in the path.
- Write a summary for each step in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each step using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The ancient Egyptians practiced a sophisticated religion that reflected a relatively optimistic world view. Massive temple and tomb projects are evidence of the importance religion played in ancient Egypt. In this activity students will explore a single facet of Egyptian religion: the afterlife.
Students will create a traditional storyboard that shows the path a soul must take as it navigates the afterlife. This storyboard should include the following gods:
Extended Activity
This activity can be extended in a number of ways. Students could create a storyboard character chart of Egyptian gods and goddesses, or focus on a single god. Students could also explore the connection between geography and religious world view. A good civilization to contrast Egypt with would be the city-states of Mesopotamia.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting the path a soul must take as it navigates the Egyptian afterlife.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify each step in the path.
- Write a summary for each step in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each step using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Egyptian Book of the Dead
Organize a classroom debate about the influence of geography on Egyptian religion
Set up a lively debate between students on how Egypt’s geography shaped its religious beliefs. This encourages critical thinking and helps students compare Egyptian religion with that of other ancient civilizations.
Assign student teams to research and present on specific Egyptian gods
Divide your class into small teams and assign each group a different Egyptian god or goddess to research. Teams can create posters, digital slides, or short skits to share their findings, making learning interactive and memorable.
Facilitate a creative writing activity where students imagine a journey through the afterlife
Ask students to write a short story from the perspective of a soul navigating the afterlife, encountering gods along the way. This deepens empathy and understanding of ancient beliefs while building writing skills.
Design a classroom display highlighting the key gods in the Egyptian afterlife
Have students contribute drawings or fact cards about Anubis, Thoth, Horus, and Osiris. Display these in a central spot to reinforce learning and spark curiosity.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Egyptian Book of the Dead
What is the Egyptian Book of the Dead and how does it relate to the afterlife?
The Egyptian Book of the Dead is an ancient collection of spells, prayers, and instructions designed to guide souls through the afterlife. It served as a spiritual roadmap, helping the deceased safely navigate challenges and reach a blessed existence with the gods.
How can students create a storyboard showing the Egyptian afterlife journey?
To create a storyboard of the Egyptian afterlife, students should illustrate key steps a soul takes, including encounters with gods like Anubis, Thoth, Horus, and Osiris. Each step can be labeled and described, using images to represent scenes from the journey.
Who are the main gods involved in the Egyptian afterlife and what are their roles?
The main gods in the Egyptian afterlife are Anubis (prepares and weighs the heart), Thoth (records the verdict), Horus (guides the soul), and Osiris (judges the soul and grants eternal life).
What are some extension ideas for teaching about the Egyptian Book of the Dead in the classroom?
Extension ideas include creating character charts of Egyptian gods, focusing on a single god's role, or comparing Egyptian religious views with those of Mesopotamian city-states to deepen understanding of ancient beliefs.
How does ancient Egyptian religion compare to Mesopotamian beliefs about the afterlife?
Ancient Egyptian religion had an optimistic view of the afterlife, believing in a happy existence after death, while Mesopotamian beliefs saw the afterlife as bleak. Comparing both helps students see differences in how ancient cultures understood death and the soul's journey.
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