THE SCIENCE OF ANCIENT EGYPT:
Adding a Science Perspective
to an Art Exhibit
This guide, created especially for educators and presented by Mellon, makes connections between Tutankhamun exhibit content and K-12 science curriculum. The guide features science-related resources and activities geared toward three specific audiences: grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12.
Within each grade grouping, there are three areas of scientific exploration, with corresponding connections to the National Science Education Standards and the Pennsylvania state science assessment anchors. For activities beyond the topics presented here, there are also annotated lists of links to external websites for more information about Ancient Egypt. While the content presented here is designed with science teachers in mind, there are many obvious connections for social studies teachers.
"Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" brings nearly 130 Egyptian antiquities, many outside of Egypt for the first time, to The Franklin Institute, February 3 through September 30, 2007.
The 18th Dynasty, also known as the "Golden Age," produced some of the most exquisite pieces of art for some of Egypt's most famous rulers. 50 artifacts in the exhibit have been excavated from King Tutankhamun's tomb, from his royal diadem or crown to the coffinette that contained one of his internal organs. In addition to the artifacts from Tut's tomb, there are more than 70 pieces from the tombs of his ancestors, rulers who were also part of the "Golden Age." All of the antiquities within the exhibit date back more than 3,300 years.