Ask students to study the many variations of hieroglyphics and provide them with a basic list comparable to the 26 letters in the English alphabet . Have them write one fact about hieroglyphics and translate the fact to hieroglyphic images. Pair up students and have them trade the secret code with their partner and use the guide to translate the fact back to English.
Because hieroglyphics were used as the only form of formal writing in ancient Egypt, ask students to study one aspect of the time period. Have them create a poster with at least five facts based on their library research. Include pictures or drawings to enhance the poster and allow them to present their projects to the class. Display the posters around the room and refer to them during other lessons about ancient Egypt.
Hieroglyphic writing is still discovered in pyramids today. Ask students to research a pyramid discovered in Egypt within the last 100 years and write a report on the discovery. Require that the reports include not only the date the discovery was made, but also what the archeologists found as far as treasure and hieroglyphics. Combine the reports and create a class book titled, "Pyramids and Hieroglyphics Found in the Last 100 Years."
One of the places hieroglyphics were found is in the tomb of King Tut. Study the writings found on the walls and have students create their own King Tut mummy. Take any plastic doll and wrap it to look like they did in ancient Egypt using cut strips of white paper. Cover the mummy in a water-based glue to seal the paper. Create a name plate to glue on the mummy that says "King Tut" in hieroglyphics.