Researching the scientific and technological achievements of Ancient Egyptians 

Cosmetic box of the Cupbearer Kemeni Egyptian, Middle Kingdom by Ralph Daily (CC BY 2.0)

Activity

This activity asks you to discover and evaluate how the Egyptians have helped in achieving both scientific and technological breakthroughs in the course of history. You will be put into small groups and asked to do some research on either a scientific or technological piece that the Ancient Egyptians have created that has significantly helped modern science and technology. Once you have collated all your research, you will present your learning to the class in a short 3-minute presentation outlining the significance of your findings. The presentation can be formatted in any manner, but it must include visual prompts.

Following your presentation, you will, as individuals, compose a short essay explaining your findings. Focusing on two key aspects, the first being the significance of the scientific discovery or technological breakthrough and the second being how it has helped 21st century science and technology.

Activity 1:  Research

Working in groups of 2-3, use whichever resources are available (textbook, laptop etc.) in order to find and collate your information. When using the internet, be aware of the resource and authors who publish the piece of work. Ensure the resource was published by a historian or it is from a credible source. To prepare for the next activity, it is advised that you gather a large amount of information, and from there you can decide which pieces of information you would like to use.

Research Prompt Images

Image 1: “Undecorated Kohl Jar with Lid” by The Brooklyn Museum, Openverse (CC BY 3.0)

Image 2: “Small Lump of Plaster with Black Ink Inscription” by The Brooklyn Museum, Openverse (CC BY 3.0)

Activity 2a: Present findings

As a group, present your findings to the rest of the class. Your presentation can be presented in any manner, try think outside of PowerPoint! Remember, your presentation must include visual aids, this will help the class better understand what you have found. Also, ensure that your presentation is clear and concise in that it is clear what you have found and how it has helped in achieving scientific and technological breakthroughs. Reminder that each presentation is a maximum of 3 minutes, use the time wisely and efficiently. Help your fellow classmates by explaining the links to when it was first invented/discovered to modern day society.

Presentation Prompt Questions

1. What did you find and how was it discovered?
2. Without this specific scientific discovery or technological breakthrough, where would we be today?
3. How has your chosen discovery or breakthrough helped or hindered the world?
4. Since its discovery or invention, how much has it changed?
5. How do we use the scientific discovery or technological breakthrough in our everyday lives?

Activity 2b: Short Essay

Now as individuals you will compose a short essay outlining your findings and argument about the significance of the scientific discovery or technological breakthrough and how it has helped 21st century science and technology. The essay should enable someone to understand what the discovery is, what it’s explaining and how the achievement has helped humankind.

Essay Prompt Questions

1. What was the historical significance of the discovery?
2. How has the discovery helped humanity?
3. How do we use it today as opposed to when the Ancient Egyptians used them? Is it different or the same?

For further support on evaluating historical significance see the NAME framework in this article for students on significance by HistorySkills.com