The Science of Ancient Egypt

This 6-class course will cover the scientific aspects of the ancient Egyptian culture. It will begin by studying the geography, climate, and ecosystems surrounding the Nile River and the Sahara Desert. Students will appreciate the richness of the Egyptian environment and the annual floods that fertilized the crops with nutrients, thus allowing this great civilization to flourish. Other early topics include irrigation, the many crops and foods that the Egyptians grew, and the science of bread-making. Students will make their own pickles! 

The course will highlight the natural resources available to the Egyptians, including natron, sand, and limestone—the ingredients used to make glass. The kilns of the Egyptians were used not only to make pottery and glass but to smelt metals from ores. Particular attention will be given to copper and its scientific properties in the context of modern science. Gold and silver were used for jewelry, and the course will cover their physical characteristics as well.

Students will also learn about the animals of ancient Egypt, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. As they learn about the simple tools and machines used in ancient Egypt, students will appreciate the unsolved mysteries of the pyramids and the amazing construction of the Great Pyramid. The course will also cover the astronomy of ancient Egypt, blending ancient beliefs with modern knowledge of the constellation Orion and the Star of Isis (Sirius). The course will culminate with the study of mummies, and students will make their own mummies as they examine the science of osmosis and decomposition. The live classes will include interesting demonstrations.

General Course Outline 
Class 1  Introduction, Climate, Sahara Desert, The Nile River Ecosystem
Class 2  Annual Floods, Silt,  Agriculture and Foods, Vinegar,  Astronomy
Class 3  Wheat and Flour, Bread making, Animals of Egypt, Animal Gods
Class 4  Animals of Egypt, Natural Resources, Papyrus, Copper, Natron
Class 5  Giza, Mysteries of the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx
Class 6  Mummies and the Mummification Rituals

Assignments: There will be optional activities and worksheets for students to complete.