Students are encouraged to have an adult editor look at their work by Thursday. Parents and guardians are asked to suggest revisions and edits, but students should make the changes themselves. Here are some items to look for:

1. The format should follow the example page.
2. The introductory paragraph should include a topic sentence that provides a concise answer to the research question.
3. The body paragraphs should include specific details to support the topic sentence.
4. The body paragraphs should include at least one image and at least one hyperlink to a related page.
5. Check spelling (when editing a page, click the “ABC ✓” button (pictured above left) to run spell check.
6. Check beginning capitalization and ending punctuation.
7. Sentences should be clear with no major grammar mistakes.
8. Book and electronic source citations should be listed at the end of the page

Important Wiki Pages

• Directions and Rubric
• Sample page about obelisks
• Student pages – note: student pages are currently hidden from the public and require a login to view.

The edit toolbar when editing a PBWorks wiki page.

Image of Thoth, Egyptian God of Wisdom

We have begun work on a research project about Ancient Egypt. Students will select a topic and take notes in class for the next week. We are going to work on the skills of narrowing a topic, writing a research question, searching for keywords, taking notes, and documenting sources. After finishing note-taking, students will summarize their findings in a report (more information about the report will be posted later).

Handouts for the Research Process

Research Directions – this handout explains the process we will follow. After students complete each step, they must get a teacher to initial that they have completed that step.

Research Notes and Bibliography Sources – students will use this worksheet to write notes about their topic and record where they found the information.

Ideas for Research Topics

Here are some of the topics students are researching:

• The pyramids or the Great Sphinx
• Burial tombs and mummification
• Hieroglyphics
• Uses of papyrus (paper, reed boats)
• Agriculture along the Nile River
• Specific pharaohs such as Ramses II, King Tut, Hatshepsut, or Cleopatra
• Life at the bottom of the social structure (slaves)
• The Egyptians gods such as Ra, Osiris, Anubis, and Thoth
• Palaces and temples
• The Valley of the Kings

Students can choose other topics, but they must relate to one of the seven characteristics of civilization:

1. Stable food supply
2. Social structure
3. Government
4. The arts
5. Technology
6. Religion
7. Writing

Handouts

• Egypt Map Directions
• Egypt Map Blank
• Egypt Map Challenge Task – this required for period 4 Spectrum students. It is optional for all other students.

Coloring the Map

This map should be colored to show the fertile area along the Nile River and the surrounding deserts. Here are several resources to help you find these areas.

• High resolution satellite photo from NASA
  

  Satellite Photo of the Nile River agricultural area

• Wikipedia image showing the Nile River from the Nile Delta to Lake Victoria

Google Map

I created a Google Map showing the locations of the cities and some of the geographic features that need to be labeled on the map. Click here to view the Google Map of Ancient Egypt.

Preview of the Google Map about Ancient Egypt