Students in Year 4 and 5 at St Laurence Junior Academy in Ramsgate have been busy exploring the ancient Egyptian practice of mummification. Under the guidance of their teacher, the students replicated the mummification process using tomatoes.
As part of the experiment, the students created a solution to mimic natron, a type of salt used in the mummification process, by mixing anti-bacterial gel, salt and bicarbonate of soda. The tomatoes were then submerged in the solution and left over the Easter holiday.
Upon their return to school after the holiday, the students eagerly checked on their tomatoes and were amazed to see how well they had been preserved. The tomatoes had become dehydrated and shrivelled, just like the ancient Egyptian mummies they had learned about in class.
Mrs Mountjoy, Phase lead, was thrilled with the students’ enthusiasm for the project. She said: “The students were really engaged in this project and were excited to learn about the ancient Egyptian mummification process. They showed a great deal of curiosity and were eager to see the results of their experiment.”
The hands-on activity gave the students a unique opportunity to learn about history in a fun and interactive way. They were able to gain a deeper understanding of the mummification process and the significance it held in ancient Egyptian culture.
The project also helped to develop the students’ scientific knowledge, as they learned about the properties of natron and how it was used in the preservation process. It was a great way for the students to integrate history and science and see how the two subjects are interconnected.
Overall, this project was a huge success, and the students in Year 4 and 5 at St Laurence Junior Academy had a fantastic time learning about ancient Egyptian mummification. It was an excellent example of how hands-on learning can enhance a student’s educational experience, and the students are already looking forward to their next historical adventure.