Activity Overview
Two of the most enduring aspects of ancient Egypt are the Pyramids and the practice of mummification. While they're familiar with these two practices, students are not often aware of why the Egyptians developed them. In this activity, students will create a spider map or grid to describe these iconic traditions.
Students should provide research that answers the following questions:
- Why did Egyptians create mummies?
- Why did the Egyptians build pyramids?
- How did Egyptians create mummies?
- How did the Egyptians build pyramids?
Adjust the complexity of questions to the level of your students. Other questions might include:
- Besides the mummified body, what else was put into Pharoahs’ pyramids?
- How do we know about pyramids?
- What is the process of mummification?
- Who performed the mummification?
- How long did it take to build a pyramid?
- How were ordinary citizens’ bodies treated differently from Pharoahs’ bodies?
Extended Activity
Students could be assigned specific pyramids to research and create a storyboard about when it was built, who was buried there, and when it was rediscovered. There are well over 100 pyramids for students to choose from! Students could also deconstruct and annotate burial tombs in a storyboard format.
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 spider chart about how and why the Egyptians used mummies and pyramids.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter the questions you will be answering (the How and Whys of pyramids and mummies).
- Write your answer in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each answer using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Two of the most enduring aspects of ancient Egypt are the Pyramids and the practice of mummification. While they're familiar with these two practices, students are not often aware of why the Egyptians developed them. In this activity, students will create a spider map or grid to describe these iconic traditions.
Students should provide research that answers the following questions:
- Why did Egyptians create mummies?
- Why did the Egyptians build pyramids?
- How did Egyptians create mummies?
- How did the Egyptians build pyramids?
Adjust the complexity of questions to the level of your students. Other questions might include:
- Besides the mummified body, what else was put into Pharoahs’ pyramids?
- How do we know about pyramids?
- What is the process of mummification?
- Who performed the mummification?
- How long did it take to build a pyramid?
- How were ordinary citizens’ bodies treated differently from Pharoahs’ bodies?
Extended Activity
Students could be assigned specific pyramids to research and create a storyboard about when it was built, who was buried there, and when it was rediscovered. There are well over 100 pyramids for students to choose from! Students could also deconstruct and annotate burial tombs in a storyboard format.
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 spider chart about how and why the Egyptians used mummies and pyramids.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter the questions you will be answering (the How and Whys of pyramids and mummies).
- Write your answer in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each answer using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Why did Ancient Egyptians use Mummification and Build Pyramids?
Engage students with a hands-on pyramid-building STEM challenge
Capture student interest by transforming pyramid studies into an interactive STEM project. Students work in teams to design and construct small-scale pyramid models using everyday materials—like straws, clay, or sugar cubes—to explore engineering concepts and teamwork.
Gather and organize simple building materials
Choose accessible items such as toothpicks, marshmallows, cardboard, or plastic cups. Encourage students to experiment with different materials to evaluate which creates the most stable structure.
Guide students to brainstorm design ideas
Facilitate group discussion on what makes a pyramid stable and why ancient Egyptians chose this shape. Prompt teams to sketch their pyramid designs before construction begins.
Support teams as they build and test their pyramids
Monitor progress as students assemble their models, offering tips on balancing weight and connecting pieces securely. Encourage students to test and improve their designs for strength and accuracy.
Lead a reflection and connection discussion
Ask students to share challenges and successes from their building process. Connect their experiences to the real engineering feats of ancient Egypt, reinforcing key takeaways about history and STEM.
Frequently Asked Questions about Why did Ancient Egyptians use Mummification and Build Pyramids?
Why did Ancient Egyptians mummify bodies?
Ancient Egyptians practiced mummification to preserve bodies for the afterlife. They believed the soul needed a well-preserved body to recognize and return to, ensuring a safe journey and existence after death.
Why did the Ancient Egyptians build pyramids?
The pyramids were built as monumental tombs for pharaohs and important leaders. Egyptians believed these structures protected the deceased and provided a place for their soul to ascend to the afterlife.
How did Ancient Egyptians mummify bodies?
Mummification involved removing internal organs, drying the body with natron salt, wrapping it in linen, and placing it in a coffin. This careful process helped prevent decay and prepared the individual for the afterlife.
What items did Egyptians place inside pyramids besides mummies?
In addition to mummified bodies, pyramids contained treasures, food, clothing, amulets, and personal belongings. These items were meant to help the deceased in the afterlife.
How were ordinary Egyptians buried compared to pharaohs?
While pharaohs received elaborate mummification and pyramid tombs, ordinary Egyptians were often buried in simple graves or sand pits, with fewer burial goods and little preservation.
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