Ancient Egyptian Pyramids Lesson

Learning objectives

In this lesson, students will learn why ancient Egyptian pharaohs built pyramids, focusing on beliefs about the afterlife, the ka, and the religious purpose of mummification and burial goods. They will also examine how pyramid design developed from mastabas to the great pyramids at Giza, and how economic cost and tomb robbery led to new burial methods in the Valley of the Kings. Students will have the opportunity to achieve this through choosing their own method of learning, from reading, source analysis, and research options, as well as the chance to engage in extension activities. This lesson includes a self-marking quiz for students to demonstrate their learning.

How would you like to learn?

Option 1: Readings


Step 1: Download a copy of the reading questions worksheet:

Download
Pyramids Reading Questions.docx
Microsoft Word Document 27.9 KB

Step 2: Answer the set questions by reading the webpage below:


Option 2: Source analysis


Step 1: Download a copy of the source analysis worksheet below: 

Download
Egyptian Pyramids Source Analysis Worksh
Microsoft Word Document 29.9 KB

Step 2: Answer the set questions by reading the sources on the following web page: 


Option 3: Internet research


Download a copy of the research questions worksheet below and use the internet to complete the tables.

Download
Pyramids Research.docx
Microsoft Word Document 22.4 KB

Test your learning



Extension activities



Resources for subscribers