The kids and I have spent the past five years learning American history. This year we took a break from it and are studying Ancient History. We have been using Susan Wise Bauer's The Story of the World, Ancient Times as a spine, along with its accompanying activity guide. While I think that SWB can be a bit of an overachiever, she certainly has some fun ideas packed into that activity book. There are reproducible maps to highlight the geographical area of study, supplemental reading lists, games to play, coloring pages and arts and crafts activities.
We decided to take her suggestion to build Egyptian pyramids out of sugar cubes. To build each pyramid, you need 55 sugar cubes, white glue and craft sand.
In order to build a pyramid that can be displayed and handled, it must be glued together. We began with a small piece of cardboard, which we covered with glue. On it we placed the first layer of the pyramid which consisted of 25 sugar cubes.
Follwing the first layer, a coating of white glue is necessary. The second layer of the pyramid is made of 16 blocks.
Each layer is coated with white glue and the correct number of blocks as follows: 25 for the base, 16 for the second level, 9 for the third, 4 for the fourth and lastly a single block on top.
The excess glue is fine because after building the pyramid, it will be covered in sand.
Next the layer of sand is added.
Voila! The finished pyramid...
When these are completely dried, I think we will use them in a diaorama of Egypt, just for fun.
Interestingly enough, Cheop's Great Pyramid stands 481 feet high, contains 2.3 million blocks which weigh 2 1/2 tons each and was built completely by the hands of 100,000 slaves over the course of 20 years. Quite amazing.
The kids and I had a lot of fun making this project. I have some books in the sidebar that we are working on for Ancient history. I welcome any other recommendations you might have to supplement our study. Thanks!
