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Target Curriculum: History and Social Sciences
Target Grades: 2-8
SOLs:
- Primary - HSS 2.1, HSS 8.2, HSS 10.3, HSS 10.7, HSS 10.8
- Secondary - C/T 8.4
Objective and Goals:
- To use maps, atlases, and Internet sites to learn about the geographic features and topographical features of Egypt.
- To compare and contrast the importance of the Nile River through the Pre-Dynastic, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, and Modern Egypt eras.
- To design a booklet to compile information regarding the Nile River and its importance.
Purpose:
To acquire knowledge and information about how the geography of the Nile River Valley influenced and continues to influence Egyptian life.
Materials:
- Library resources
- Reproducible maps of various Egyptian eras
- White drawing paper
- Colored pencils
Procedure:
- Discuss with students the characteristics of an arid (desert) climate. For example, a dry climate is bad for agriculture and a sunny climate is good for agriculture.
- Discuss with students the importance of the Nile. Have students brainstorm the reasons why Egypt is referred to as the "gift of the Nile."
- Remind them that without the Nile, there would have been no great civilization in Egypt with its mathematical and engineering skills, its art and written language.
- In groups of twos, have students research the importance of the Nile in ancient times as well as in modern day. Record the information in report form for a booklet.
- Create several maps of Egypt from the different eras labeling important features. The following items need to be labeled on appropriate maps: Upper Egypt, Lower Egypt, Nile Delta, Sahara Desert, Mediterranean Sea, and Nile River.
- Partners are to compile their information and maps into booklet form.
Observation:
Students gather information separately and then get together with their partner to compile all the information. Maps are done together.
Conclusions:
This activity allows students to do independent research on the Nile River Valley. They enjoyed seeing how Egypt changed over the different eras and how important life around the river was and still is today.
For Your Information:
The following sites provide excellent information:
For reproducible maps and worksheets, contact me through e-mail at amerrihu@wcs.k12.va.us.
Extension:
Using the information gathered regarding the geological and topographical features of Egypt, have students create a relief map of the Nile River Valley.
Class Discussion Questions:
- How does the geography of Egypt affect both the amount of land that is used and how it is used?
- How does the climate affect the people living in Egypt and their use of the land?
- Why do you think Egypt is often called the "gift of the Nile"?
- Where does the Nile River begin and where does it end?
- Do you think that the direction of the flow of the Nile has anything to do with the sections of Egypt called Upper and Lower Egypt and their location?
- What do the Egyptians associate with the Nile River?
- What changes occurred when the Aswan Dam was built?
Written By: Amy Merrihue
Submitted By: Amy Merrihue (amerrihu@wcs.k12.va.us)
Grade Taught: 8
School: E.B. Stanley Middle School (school homepage: http://ebsms.wcs.k12.va.us)
Division: Washington County Public Schools
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