August+29+-+Sept.+1+Ancient+Egypt

The light from their torch flickers as the dim yellow light struggles to stay lit due to the lack of oxygen. They tomb raiders move slowly through the corridors, working their way to the center of the pyramid. They have managed to work past all the secret traps, the dead end hallways, and are about the make it to their destination. They use picks made of bone to break through their final barrier as they peer into the kings chamber. There, with barely enough light to see by, they climb inward to fetch the many riches that were buried with the king. Standing inside they look around grabbing all the gold they could carry when suddenly the small opening which they crawled through begins to close up. Sentry's have discovered that the tomb robbers have broken through and are now closing up the entry way. The light grows dim, till finally it goes out. Darkness surrounds the robbers as they sit, waiting for death to come. You are now entering into the world of mystifying kings,as you enter into the world and Ancient Egypt.

**Interesting websites:**
To convert any English word to hieroglyphics at: [] An extensive listing of Egyptian rulers is available at: [] To investigate recent excavations at the Great Pyramids and teh Sphinze at Giza, visit the Pyramids: the Inside Story at []

Reading Assignment
Students are to read "Ancient Egypt" pages 34-55.

Discussion Questions
Students will make an intial post to two Discussion Questions for each week. Students will also post a minimum of two responses to Discussion Questions. The use of Discussion Questions allows for students to exchange ideas and knowledge to certain subjects. It is also important that students read each of the entries, even if it doesn't pertain to the questions that they addressed. The reasoning for this is that the exchange of information allows for further learner and a better understanding of the material. You are to go to the "Discussion" section to find the Discussion Questions for this week.

**Performance Objectives**
Each week students will be required to perform one of the Performance Objectives that has not been answered by another student. The purpose of the Performance Objective is to take the information you have learned to another level through researching the material through online sources and posting the additional information in your answer. This means that you will become the expert on this subject so when questions are raised by your peers you will need to answer them to the best of your ability. Students will also be required to post a response to two of your peers Performance Objectives giving you a chance to ask questions and comment on the material so that you can learn more about the subject. Students are to go to the "Discussion" section and post their answers in the Performance Objectives section.

**Performance Objective Questions**
Students are to answer one Performance Objective. You are also responsible to respond to a minimum of two PerformanceObjectives by your peers. You are to go to the "Discussion" section to find the Discussion Questions for this week. Chapter 1 Dawn of Culture

2.1: Powerful and very inventive, the civilizations of both Mesopatamia and Egypt were very strong and survived for thousands of years. Yet, even for thriving for so long, these cultures finally fell. How did the cultures of Mesopatamia and Egypt collapse?

2.2: The Egyptian cutlure was unique with its developement of human burial and entombment. Bodies of dead pharoahs, queens and even important people of this period of time, were mummified as part of the burial ritual. How did mummification effect ancient Egyptian society/culture?

2.3: The pyramids are a special, unique and even controversial part of Egyptian history. They were a part of the original "Seven Wonders of the World" list with the mystical presence they displayed across the baren desert land. The question remains, what was the culteral significance of the Egyptian Pyramid?

2.4: The ability to construct such great pyramids and the great sphinx have baffled scientist and archeologist for more than a century. The amount of man power alone to create a pyramid is beyond thought. The degree of precise cuts, the layout of the pyramid and the engineering needed to complete such a task leaves today's society scratching our head as to how in the world this was ever accomplished. I want you to research the construction of one the the great pyramids at Giza and provide detailed information as to the number of years it took to construct, who (if you can find the information) was the creator/engineer of this pyramid, the number of manpower hours associated with the creation of the pyramid, any special tools that are believed to be used in the creation of the pyramid, and anything pertinent to the building of the pyramid you find interesting.

2.5: The Egyptians were excellent at keeping records of their culture and history. The use of heiroglyphics played a key in providing information as to the peoples lifestyle and history of the country itself. Today we use our own form of heiroglyphics, the alphabet, to record our own history as do others in countries around the world. Yet the question is, how does the development of heiroglyphics affect the culture of Egypt?

Reflections
Reflecting on what you have learned is a very important step in the learning process. The student is to write a 1 to 2 page paper telling about their learning experience and the material that was covered that week. This is an excellent time for the student to ask questions about areas they had difficulty understanding, that wasn't answered in their discussion questions. You can post your reflections in the Discussion section look for "Reflections" to post you thoughts to.

Museum Web Link
After reading the material for the week students are to do a web search to find additional information on a subject that was covered in the reading. Example would be the Mona Lisa by Leonarda da Vinci. The student could take a tour of the Louve and tell about the experience of this virtual tour of the museum and seeing the Mona Lisa on display. The student will be required to share this information by posting their thoughts about the tour and also post the web link for others to have an opportunity to take the tour. Invariably, students will post the same link from time to time, but your interpretations should be different as each of your opinions will reflect the likes and dislikes of the individual. Students are to post your museum web link with your opinion by going to the Discussion sectoin and look for "Musem Web Link" to post your link and response.