Have your students write a simple report on the mummification process and why the ancient Egyptians practiced it. The report does not have to be long, only a few pages, and will provide an interesting introduction on how to write research reports for children. If you would like to also develop the children's reading fluency and speaking skills, have them write out a short paragraph about the process or its significance and present it to the class. Students should include information about materials used and the process itself.
Many ancient Egyptians chose the things they would like to take with them into the afterlife, which is why pets and everyday objects are found in an Egyptian tomb. For example, toothbrushes, plates and other everyday necessities are often found, as it was believed that the dead would need this once they crossed over. Ask your students to make a list of the things they would want in their tomb if they were to become a mummy and why. Students can read these lists aloud to one another or to the entire class.
While it may not be possible -- or legal -- to mummify a person or animal, children can still see the mummification process first-hand by doing hands-on experiments with mummifying meat. Ancient Egyptians placed the bodies in natron salt, but children can mummify meat using baking soda. Simply have the children place about an inch of baking soda on the bottom of a plastic airtight container. Have the children place the meat on top of the baking soda. They will then cover the meat with more baking soda and place the lid on top. The container should be stored in a dry, but shady area of the classroom. After one to two weeks, the meat can be removed and students can see that the meat has both changed color and reduced in size.
Have students create a mini-tomb within a shoebox featuring a mummy. The children can create this with store-bought objects intended for a dollhouse, by drawing the objects and placing them inside of the shoebox or by using clay models. Students should place a faux mummy inside by wrapping a doll or clay model of a mummy in tissue or toilet paper. The students will then fill the faux tomb with drawings, clay models or dollhouse objects of things ancient Egyptians might have wanted to take with them to the afterlife. Have each student explain his tomb and why he chose his objects.