Canopic jars were decorated with the heads of the four sons of Horus, who was one of the most important gods of Egypt. For this craft, begin with round, quart-sized ice cream containers, washed and dried. Using air-dry clay or papier mache, have the kids mold the heads of the gods -- a human, a falcon, a baboon and a jackal -- to place on the lids. When dry, paint the heads. Cover the jars themselves with paper and decorate with hieroglyphics.
Once you’ve made your own canopic jars, learn more about the characters featured on them. Divide your class into five groups, and set them a research project. One group should research the god Horus, each of the other four should pick one of the sons. The research should include finding out the names of these particular gods, why they were featured on the canopic jars and what each jar contained. Have them present their findings to the full class.
Discuss the organs that were preserved in the canopic jars and their functions in the body. Have your students learn why these particular organs were removed and preserved. Have them research their significance to ancient Egyptians. One major question to ask student to answer: why the heart wasn't among the organs removed during mummification?
Find the nearest museum to your school that features an ancient Egyptian section. Visit with your students to see actual canopic jars and other artifacts associated with mummification. Seeing the artifacts in context gives your students a deeper understanding of the place of canopic jars in the ritual of mummification. If a visit isn't possible, have students conduct research online or at libraries.