Class Project: On the Nile

• On the Nile!

On a map locate Africa, Egypt, the Nile River, the Sahara Desert, and the Mediterranean Sea. Explain to students that the Nile River is the longest river in the world and flows through the middle of Egypt. Brainstorm activities that would take place along the river, such as boating, hunting, fishing, washing clothes, etc. Why was the Nile River so important to the Egyptians? Why was mud the greatest gift? Look at pictures of this area today and compare it to ancient Egypt. What are the similarities and differences?

• The Farmer on the Nile

The Egyptians were great farmers and relied very heavily on the flood cycle of the Nile. Hold a discussion about the importance of flooding, planting and harvest. Address the question  "Why was the Black Land so good for farming?" Have students research what items the Egyptians would have planted and harvested, and then ask them to illustrate the cycle of their farm year. Discuss what type of climate and soil is needed to grow various crops. Decide as a class what would be a good choice of plant to grow in the classroom and then begin your very own harvest. Keep science journals to track the growth of each plant.

Curriculum:

• Science

You may ask the children to work in groups, pick one of the activities that took place along the Nile river and build a  3D model for an oral presentation. You can invite other classes or have an open class. This first picture shows  the Nile river . As it  floods every year,this model mimics that idea...The children  love to flood the river  to water the winter wheat they planted. The second picture shows a game the children created based on what they had studied about the Nile. The waves are the spaces for moving towards the sea. Of course you have to know how to sail safely by answering some  revision questions to reach the Mediterranean. The tokens can be boats made of clay.

    

Curriculum:

• Social Studies
• Art

I hope you put this project into practice and have fun! I asure you the children will enjoy and learn a lot. I did, too! Lara