Author: Mrs Freeman

The Ancient Egyptian pyramids are some of the most impressive structures built by humans in ancient times. Many of the pyramids still survive today for us to see and explore.

Why were the pyramids built?

The pyramids were built as burial places and monuments to the Pharaohs. As part of their religion, the Egyptians believed that the Pharaoh needed certain things to succeed in the afterlife. Deep inside the pyramid the Pharaoh would be buried with all sorts of items and treasure that he may need to survive in the afterlife.

Yesterday, Year 4 created their very own pyramids. Using a 2D net of the shape, the class decorated the inside and outside of the pyramids. The children thought about items that they would want or need in the afterlife. These were placed inside the structure.

When complete, work began on making the 2D shape into a 3D shape.

“This is a square based pyramid ,” commented Alexander.

We now have our very own desert complete with pyramids on the classroom floor.

Feel free to pop in and have a look.

 

Year 4 have observed their mummified apples one week after we started the experiment. WOW! What a difference!

The natron we made, had most definitely preserved the skin of the apple. The colour of the apple skin remained green and in relatively good condition.

We noted that the flesh of the fruit had dried up and the apple had shrunk in size.

“Our starting weight was 24g and now it has gone down to 9g!!”

“I think the natron has dried up the water in the fruit.”

“The apple smells strange and it feels soft.”

“Look how green the skin still is.”

Note the difference with the apple that wasn’t in any preservatives.

We compared these apple slices and noted the differences.

The children, will again, weigh their mummified apples next week to find out if the natron has done its job!

Stay posted ….

 

Have you ever wondered why every time you eat salty foods, you get thirsty? Or why fresh vegetables tend to shrivel up when you sprinkle salt on them?

The answer is simple. Salt is a desiccant – it helps remove water from things, including human bodies. Which is why the Ancient Egyptians used salts when they were mummifying bodies.

Year 4 decided to put this to the test and used a quarter of an apple for the experiment.

First, we had to make natron.

Classically, natron was gathered from a salt mixture derived out of dry lake beds in ancient Egypt and was used as a cleansing product for personal use. The consistency of natron removes oil and grease and was often used as a type of soap when mixed with oil.  To make our own natron we mixed together salt and baking soda.  After mixing these together in a sealed bag, we had our own form of natron.

Baseline measurement

Why is this important?

“We had to weigh the apple first because that would give us a starting weight. If we didn’t do this then we would have nothing to compare the next weight measurement to.”

Predictions

“I predict that the apple will shrivel up and rot.”

“I think the natron will get rid of all the water and the apple will weigh less next time.”

We will be observing this experiment over three weeks, with weekly weigh ins.

In order to make some comparisons about the effectiveness of preservatives, we put a piece of apple in just sugar and another one without anything at all!

Stay posted to find out if our apple mummifications were a success.

 

It’s been a very busy, hot week! Our days have been filled to the brim with healthy learning activities. Year 4 have really enjoyed our themed week and have lots to share with you.

D-Side

The class learnt about alcohol and the effect it can have on our bodies. The children asked very mature questions and also gave some very detailed answers.

“The special googles made me feel shaky and I couldn’t see clearly.”

“I stumbled into the chair.”

The googles gave the children an opportunity to experience disorientation and the feeling of loss of control caused by the effects of alcohol. We discussed how these impaired our actions and impacted on our movements and reactions.

Tai Chi

A fun activity aimed to develop children’s concentration and coordination.  The clam, gentle moves certainly captured everyone’s attention. Tai Chi emphasizes a fun element while developing children’s mind and body.

……….. and relax!

Make your own muesli.

As a more healthy option to sugar loaded cereals, Year 4 have created their very own muesli. The children were given the choice of ingredients and the amounts needed. Our classroom was transformed into a muesli bar with various options around the room. Measuring carefully, the children selected their choices and added them to a bag. Each and everyone’s mixture was different and, hopefully, went down well at home.

“I’m going to have mine with yoghurt and fresh fruit.”

 

 

An exciting day was had by staff and children alike at the Leeds City Museum today.

The children took part in an Egyptian themed workshop where they studied a real mummy, removed organs from a body, wrapped bandages for mummification and made an amulet to take home.

We were impressed by  detailed responses to questions given by lots of the class. Year 4 were an absolute pleasure to take out for the day and they represented our school superbly!

Here’s a few photos of our day. Ask your child to explain what is happening in each picture.

Year 4 have been very busy continuing on with our topic ‘Ancient Egypt.’

As part of a DT lesson, the children learnt all about an invention created by the Egyptians to carry water – a shaduf.

How did the Egyptian farmers water their crops?

To lift the water from the canal the Egyptians used a shaduf.

A shaduf is a large pole balanced on a crossbeam, a rope and bucket on one end and a heavy counter weight at the other. By pulling the rope it lowered the bucket into the canal. The farmer then raised the bucket of water by pulling down on the weight. He then swung the pole around and emptied the bucket onto the field.

This lead us on to designing our own  shaduf. 

Once the design process had been completed, it was time to start constructing. The children faced several challenges during this stage and had to find ways to overcome them.

“How will it stand up?”

“We need to make it sturdy and secure.”

Time to test the shadufs. Will they carry water from one place to another?

Success!

As well as making shadufs, Year 4 have enjoyed other Egyptian activities including painting their (now dry) Scarab beetles.

Studying Ancient Egypt is proving to be a very fascinating and exciting topic. Today, we looked closely at Scarab beetles and why they were sacred to the Egyptians.

The ancient Egyptians used symbols in their art and religion. One symbol was that of the common scarab bug, a beetle found all over ancient Egypt. The scarab bug symbolized the restoration of life.
The scarab was a popular design for good luck charms, for seals used to stamp documents, and for jewellery made from clay or precious gems.
The rich colors used in the scarab design had meaning.
Red signified the god, Ra. Touches of yellow were used to symbolize the sun and the desert. Blue symbolized the Nile and green was the symbol for growth.

Why do scarab beetles push around balls of dung?
When a scarab beetle decides to be a parent, they lay their eggs inside some animal dung. The beetle then moulds the dung into a neat little ball. The ball that contains their eggs can be easily rolled around. That way they can take their unhatched babies with them wherever they go. It’s actually pretty clever.
Why did scarab beetles become sacred?
When the eggs hatch, tiny babies run out of the ball. To anyone watching, it looks like the babies magically appear out of nowhere. Because of this, the scarab beetle was believed to have magic powers. The beetle symbolized creation, life, and even rebirth. It was associated with the creation god Atum.

After the children had learnt about these precious creatures, work began on making their own. Take a look at the beetles so far. They will be painted and decorated next week.