Resources: Handouts, scissors, glue, colouring pencils, apples cut into slices, plastic cups, salt, and kitchen roll
Teacher tool: DE has provided a set of instructions to support the children in mummifying apple slices.
Support Handout (1): This handout explains each stage of mummification for the children to sort in the correct order, and asks children to draw a picture.
Core Handout (2): This handout provides space to write an explanation of each stage of mummification and asks children to draw a picture. A word bank is also provided.
Stretch Handout (3): This handout provides space to write an explanation of each stage of mummification and asks children to draw a picture.
Challenge Handout: This handout asks children to explain the purpose of mummification.
Using the presentation, recap what Egyptian hieroglyphs are, who wrote them and how we know what they say. Using the starter slide, ask the children to decode a word in hieroglyphics.
Using the presentation, explore with the children Ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. They will understand that the rulers of Egypt were called ‘Pharaohs’ and that they believed they were representatives of the gods. They will begin to understand Ancient Egyptian religious beliefs, particularly around the afterlife. Use the slides to explore the stages of mummification, which the teacher could also role-play with willing members of the class.
Using the handout, ask the children to write a set of instructions for mummification.
Challenge Task
Using the handout, ask the children to explain why the pharaohs were mummified.
Use the teacher tool handout to support the children in mummifying apple slices. Keep one slice in a cup without any salt as a control. Keep these somewhere dry until the next session.
The Ancient Egyptians believed strongly in an afterlife, where a person’s soul would continue to live after death, provided their body was preserved and their name remembered. Pharaohs were considered representatives of the gods on Earth, and their proper burial was essential to ensure both their journey to the afterlife and the continued prosperity of Egypt. The process of mummification involved several stages: the body was first washed and purified, then the internal organs were removed and placed in canopic jars, while the heart was often left inside the body. The body was then dried using natron (a type of salt) before being wrapped carefully in linen bandages and treated with resin to protect it.
For a simple demonstration, such as mummifying a slice of apple, you should: 1) peel and cut the apple slice, 2) soak it in a solution of salt or baking soda to dry it out, 3) wrap it in small pieces of tissue or cloth, and 4) leave it in a dry, warm place for several days to allow it to desiccate, mimicking the ancient preservation process. This hands-on activity shows how the Egyptians carefully prepared bodies to last for eternity.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2026 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
