There are over 500 ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Students will use the Internet to translate their names into hieroglyphs. They will use the translation to design a clay cartouche.

self-hardening clay, raffia strips, wooden stylus, scrap paper for design work, cardstock for cartouche templates, colored paper for making beads

Computer(s) with Internet access and printer

Teacher should be familiar with the following terms:
cartouche (See http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~ancient/gloss.htm for definitions.)
hieroglyphics (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieroglyphics for definitions.)
Use card stock to make several cartouche templates for students to trace. For an example of a cartouche to use in making the template visit: Cartouche Template.
Assemble books about hieroglyphics and ancient Egypt for classroom display. (See attached list for possible titles.)

1.)Introduce the lesson by giving background information about scribes in ancient Egypt. A sample introduction follows:
"How do we know so much about ancient Egypt? The scribe. The scribe was one of the most important people in society because the Egyptians wanted to keep records of what they did and what they had. There are over 500 different characters in Egyptian hieroglyphics so boys began learning this useful skill when they were nine years old. Parents wanted their sons to be scribes because it was easier work than building pyramids and paid much better than being a farmer. Scribes worked keeping records of the king's treasure, his commands, and wise sayings. They also recorded weather, flood levels, crops, and inventories for merchants."

2.)Students will explore various hieroglyphic translator sites on the web. If time allows students should search for hieroglyphic translator sites on their own by using an approved search engine. If there is not time for students to complete their own search, the teacher may bookmark the hieroglyphic translator sites in the attached document for students to access. (If there are not enough computers available for student use, those students waiting to use computers can take this time to use colored paper to make beads that will later be attached with the cartouche to the necklace.)

3.)Instruct students to translate their names into hierloglyphics using one of the translator websites. Students should print their translated name and return to their seats.

4.)Upon returning to their seats students will use scrap paper to draw their names in hieroglyphics as found during the computer search. Once students have copied or traced the hieroglyphics onto the scrap paper they will turn the paper over and scribble under each picture with pencil to create carbon paper.

5.)Show students pictures of cartouches and explain that they will be using hieroglyphics to make a cartouche with their name on it. Pass out the cartouche templates to trace. Instruct students to roll the clay into a flat slab. Then have students trace the cartouche shape and cut it out with the wooden stylus. With the carbon side down, students will trace over the hieroglyphics to transfer the symbols to the clay. Remove the paper. Symbols will need to be refined with the stylus. Punch a hole in the top of the cartouche for attaching the raffia string later.

6.)Allow the clay to harden according to package directions. If they have not done so previously students may use colored paper to roll beads to add to the necklace. Once cartouches have hardened attach the raffia and beads.
(Salt Clay recipe)
You may use salt clay if self hardening clay is not available.

Students will turn in the printed copy of their translated name. Teacher will use a hieroglyphic translator website or book to determine whether the names are translated correctly. Final product will be assessed for completion.

Students can visit Guardians Egypt website for childrens activities relating to ancient Egypt.