Opportunities for Inquiry: The Ancient Egypt Living Museum

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Photo1:  the sixth grade, Ancient Egyptians all;  photo2:  Franzi (Germany), the glass-maker;  photo3: Mariama (Sierra Leone), the musician;  photo4:  Filipa (Portugal), the noblewoman, representing the role of women in Ancient Egyptian culture;  photo5:  Damir (Belgium/England), Pharaoh Thutmose III, speaking of his military campaigns into the Levant;  photo6:  Charbel (Burkina Faso), the sun god Ra;  photo7:  Anthea (Australia), Queen Nefertiti;  photo8:  Emily (USA), painter. 

You'll find many more images of the Living Museum on BOT, Gallery 3.  Contact me if you'd like the username/password.

On Friday the sixth grade performed a Living Museum of Ancient Egypt, with students assuming the roles of historical figures, from the Pharaoh Ramses II, to the goddess Isis, and a variety of government officials and artisans, 24 in all.

The Living Museum is the culmination of about six weeks of independent research, with topics and roles selected by the students.

The project touched on a several big ideas:  the need for students to have the opportunity to explore topics of their own interest;  a performance view of understanding, which is practiced and demonstrated -- made visible (particularly powerful when the context is rich, and students become, or act as if they were in the role);  the importance of project-based work, culminating with with a well-crafted project, both with respect form and content;  and the opportunity to explore the meaning of good work.

The project marks a shift in our school year, being the final BIG project, akin to the completion of the science fair process at ISMonterey.  We now settle a bit, and navigate quieter waters, past a series of Senegalese holidays and special events toward the close of the sixth grade year.