EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS IN FOCUS. Sample file

Transcription

1 Egyptian Pyramids in This Enrichment4You E-guide focuses on the Egyptian Pyramids. In this e-guide you will: Focus History Egypt *Read about Egyptian Pyramids *Write about an Egyptian Pyramids *Make 3-D Pyramids ENRICHMENT4YOU Published by Henrich Incorporated Copyright 2006 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without first obtaining the written permission of the copyright owner.

2 ABOUT THIS ENRICHMENT GUIDE This enrichment guide is designed to give you a short, but interesting description of the pyramids of ancient Egypt. This e-guide is divided into five fun sections for you to explore: 1. Overview of ancient Egyptian pyramids - Pages Selection of Setting Development Statements - Pages Selection of vocabulary - Additional Details for Setting - Pages Write a description of an Egyptian Pyramid - Pyramid Writing Recipe - Page Make 3-D Pyramids - Pages History Egypt

3 The Pyramids of Gaza are located on the desert plateau of Egypt. Known the world over as one of the most amazing engineering and construction feats of their day, the pyramids continue to fascinate all who visit or read about them. Located along the Nile River the three main pyramids were constructed during the Old Kingdom or the Age of Pyramids for the pharaohs of Menkaura, Khafra, and Khufu. There are three smaller pyramids that are located nearby that are referred to as the queen s pyramids. These were used to house the mummified remains of the children and wives of the pharaohs. During the reign of King Djoser, Imhotep, his scholar was ordered to construct his tomb. This tomb was a step pyramid. This pyramid was build sometime during the Third Dynasty, approximately 2630 BC which was several hundred years prior to the pyramids of Menkaura, Khafra, and Khufu. Djoser s pyramid was called a mastabas. It was made of mud brick slabs. History 1 Egypt The pyramids that followed years later were constructed of massive stone blocks. Each block weighed approximately 5,000 pounds. Historians believe these huge blocks were transported along the Nile River. They were then moved by a series of ramps to their location in the desert. It is estimated that it took 100,000 men over a twenty-year period to construct each pyramid. Of particular fascination is the interior of each pyramid. Inside each pyramid is a complicated maze of tunnels and hidden rooms. These tunnels would on occasion lead to nothing, where others led to the burial chamber of the pharaoh and rooms filled with amazing treasure.

4 The Great Pyramid which is the largest of the three pyramids as the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world to have survived to present day. The Egyptians refer to the site of the pyramids is El-Ahram ( the Pyramids.) The Great Pyramid of Khufu stands 755 feet square at its base and stood originally 482 feet high. The entrance as on the north side and its corridors are aligned with the circumpolar stars which are everpresent on the horizon. This alignment was designed to ensure immortality. Since the pyramid is nothing more than a tomb, all aspects of its construction were designed to usher the deceased pharaoh into the afterlife. The interior of the pyramid incorporates chambers and passage ways. Some of the chambers include the Grand Gallery, Queen s Chamber, and King s Chamber. Although the splendor of the King s Chamber no longer contains the vast treasures that would be buried with a king, the 33 foot by 16 foot wide and 16 foot high granite chamber is still astounding. History 2 Egypt *NOTE IN HISTORY: Although the Israelites would have seen the pyramids of Egypt during captivity, they are mentioned only in the apocryphal book 1 Maccabees. Sometime during the second century, the Maccabean leader Simon constructed a monument for his family. It consisted of seven pyramids around which a ring of columns was erected. The reason for this appears to be for political and cultural independence for the Jewish people. He also erected seven pyramids, opposite one another, for his father and mother and four brothers. -1 Maccabees 13:28

5 SETTING DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS Sometimes it is just plain difficult to start writing. The following collection of statements can be mixed and matched to develop a writing recipe. We have created a sample writing recipe for you to try on page 9. Try this recipe first. Then, when you are ready, follow the directions below to develop your own special setting description. DIRECTIONS: Pick any 10 statements from the following list to create a paragraph on a setting of your choice. Use the Additional Details for Settings on pages 5-8 to help you write about your setting. INTRODUCING A SETTING 1. Write one or more sentences of introduction explaining the location and the setting you will be writing about. 2. Write one or more sentences describing the time period in history you will be describing. 3. Write one or more sentences describing the first impressions you get when seeing your setting for the first time. History 3 Egypt DESCRIPTIONS OF A SETTING THROUGHOUT A 24 HOUR DAY 4. Write one or more sentences describing your setting in the morning. 5. Write one or more sentences describing your setting in the afternoon. 6. Write one or more sentences describing your setting in the evening. 7. Write one or more sentences describing your setting at sunrise. 8. Write one or more sentences describing your setting at sunset. 9. Write one or more sentences describing your setting during a storm. 10. Write one or more sentences describing your setting after it rains.

6 SETTING DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS DESCRIPTION OF A SETTING S APPEARANCE 11. Write one or more sentences describing your setting s colors when close to it. 12. Write one or more sentences describing your setting s colors when faraway. 13. Write one or more sentences describing your setting s general appearance. 14. Write one or more sentences describing your setting s reputation. 15. Write one or more sentences describing your setting s size and shape. 16. Write one or more sentences describing your setting s state of repair. 17. Write one or more sentences describing the interior and exterior of your setting. 18. Write one or more sentences describing the building materials that makeup your setting. 19. Write one or more sentences describing how busy the setting is with visitors. SENSORY DESCRIPTION OF A SETTING 20. Write one or more sentences describing any sound you may hear in your setting. 21. Write one or more sentences describing your setting s odors. 22. Write one or more sentences describing your setting s climate/weather. 23. Write one or more sentences describing your setting s animals. 24. Write one or more sentences describing the season of the year that your setting is currently experiencing. 25. Write one or more sentences describing the movement of your setting. (Use this statement for settings describing bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls, etc.) History 4 Egypt