Ancient Egypt

Learning Theories Addressed:

This unit uses two predominant learning theories. One theory is the constructivist method which maintains that students learn by building knowledge. The students will work in groups to create the most meaningful learning experience for themselves. The other theory that is used is Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory of Learning which states that we all learn differently and that intelligences is not measured using a pen and paper test.

All students are capable of learning although at different speeds. There is much the teacher can do to help students learn quicker, easier, and retain more knowledge. This set of lessons uses several different theories of learning to address student learning. It uses the multiple intelligence theory and constructivism through cooperative grouping.

Intelligence theory was revolutionized by Howard Gardner who says, "It is not how smart you are, it is how you are smart." He maintains that humans learn through a variety of ways. He has identified 8 major intelligences of learning. They are kinesthetic, linguistic, logical - mathematical, visual - spatial, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and the naturalist. Learning can be aided by teaching to these intelligences. When some of the frustration can be taken away from learning students are more excited and willing to become active learners.

The computer lends itself wonderfully to teaching through the multiple intelligences because of its ability to create multimedia. One of the first activities will be to have students find out the ways in which they learn best. They will take an online assessment and then using what they discover, will then complete projects from a web quest. The online assessment will be completed at the Accelerated Learning web site, http://www.accelerated-learning.net/learning_test.html , where they will print out and complete a learning inventory that will help them discover how they learn best. This will aid them in choosing which activity to complete in the "Die Like an Egyptian" web quest.

As far back as the dawn of man, humans have worked together cooperatively to survive. Working cooperatively is a natural part of who we are. Cooperative grouping is used because it capitalizes on our natural instincts while allowing students to learn actively, engage in critical thinking and conceptual understanding. It will also aid students in long-term retention of material while maintaining high levels of student satisfaction because they will be engaging in conversations with others as they work. Students will be working in groups to create videos, multimedia presentations, and other learning activities.

State Standards:

The Kansas State Standards addressed by this unit are here.

Resources Used: You may view the resources used to create this site at my resource page.

Disciplines addressed by this unit include social studies, writing, listening, speaking, and technology skills. To view how they tie in you may view the Kansas State Standards addressed page. This unit could be made to address science by completing the Mummify a Chicken Lesson located under Mummies and Burials. There are several cute ways to incorporate math activities as well. You can have students learn about some of the Egyptian numerals and solve math problems at this site http://webinstituteforteachers.org/99/teams/egyptmath/mathproblems.htm or you can have them go to http://www.jimloy.com/egypt/numbers.htm and see the numbers used to be written, then have them translate some of their math problems using ancient Egyptian numerals. Art can be integrated by having your students “Draw Like an Egyptian” with the lesson plan found at http://www.cmi.k12.il.us/Urbana/projects/AncientCiv/egyptdraw/egyptdraw.html . Lastly, if you would like your students to have a little fun while practicing their grammar skills, have them try some Egyptian MadLibs at http://www.neferchichi.com/madlibs.html.