Ancient Mesopotamian people wrote on clay tablets. All of the numbers were written by combining two simple wedge-shaped signs. One idea for a classroom project involving cuneiform numbers is to provide each student with clay or clay-like material and a Popsicle stick to use as a stylus. Have them copy the cuneiform numbers in the manner of the Mesopotamians. This will help them learn about the ancient writing system.
Students can make their own jewelry in the style of ancient Mesopotamia. As they work on their projects, they can learn about the ways in which Mesopotamians dressed and adorned themselves. Students can make beads from salt dough, pierce them through the center, allow them to dry and paint them white, terracotta and turquoise. They should then arrange the beads on a cotton string. If possible, provide metal beads to intersperse between the dough beads.
Students can develop their computer skills while learning about Mesopotamia. In order to participate in this project, each student should sign up for a free website. There are numerous sites on the Internet that offer this service. They can make introductory pages and separate pages for categories, such as writing, religion, home life, food and agriculture. There is a wealth of information about Mesopotamia on the Internet that they can use for research. There are also many images that can be used to add visual interest to the projects.
Ziggurats were large structures that served as temples. Built of stone in the shape of a type of pyramid, they had a system of stairs built up the sides. Ziggurats were so well constructed that you can still see them in modern Iraq. This project involves the building of a diorama in a cardboard box. The scene should include a ziggurat. Have the students include landscape elements as well as animals such as camels and donkeys and people in ancient Mesopotamian dress.