Animals in World Art History: Ancient Egyptian Hippos (Ages 7-12)

>>>PLEASE READ BEFORE ENROLLING:
The live portion of this class consists of two 45 minute-long, fast-paced, lecture-based presentations, with Q&A breaks as time permits -- you know your learner(s) best, so please consider if the session length and format is a good fit for them.*** 

Although the Nile Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious amphibious) is extirpated (locally extinct) in Egypt today, they once inhabited the northern reaches of the Nile River where they were both feared and worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. This session will introduce this complicated cultural history, as we view examples of ancient Egyptian art and artifacts which depict hippos (and hippo deities!). We will also survey the natural history of the subspecies itself, including its basic biology and evolutionary history, when and why it became extinct in Egypt, and where it can still be found today. 

There will also be instructions provided for an OPTIONAL art activity which students are invited to try on their own and share their creations on the Classroom board. :)

This class is part of the ANIMALS IN WORLD ART HISTORY series.

This class will meet live for two consecutive sessions. The format will consist of primarily slides accompanied by lecture, but there will be opportunities to ask questions, and of course the Classroom board will be available for open discussion before and after class as well. Students who choose to try the optional art activity can also post and discuss their creations to the board.