Students can make an Ancient Phoenician boat model to symbolize the Phoenicians' skill at sailing. Each student will need a large cork, two wooden skewers and a small piece of paper. Break one of the skewers into five pieces. Insert two piece of the broken skewer into each of the long sides of the cork. These will be the oars. Insert the remaining broken skewer into one of the ends of the cork. This will be the prow of the boat. Insert the second skewer into the center of the cork, standing up vertically. Poke the top of the skewer through a paper rectangle that measures about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. This will be the sail of the boat. Float the Phoenician boat on water.
The Ancient Phoenicians were known for trading beautifully dyed items. You can learn how to dye cloth or yarn using natural dyes like those the Phoenicians used. Pour 1 lb. of blueberries or blackberries into a pot filled with 32 oz. of water. Boil the mixture for 30 minutes, then strain out the berries. Dip the yarn or cotton cloth into the dye bath, and allow it to remain in the bath for at least five minutes to effectively dye it.
The Ancient Phoenicians used to trade utilitarian items, such as clay bowls, cups and other vessels. You can make a simple clay bowl to replicate one that was traded thousands of years ago by the Phoenicians. Start by kneading a ball of terra cotta clay for five minutes to remove any air, then push your thumbs into the center of the ball. This will be the middle of the bowl. Squeeze the sides around the middle to create the walls of the bowl. Allow the bowl to dry completely, then fire it in a kiln to bake it.