Last semester, sixth grade social studies students discovered that history is more than dates and textbooks – it’s something they can explore, question and create for themselves. During an Ancient Egypt unit, students researched topics of personal interest and designed final products of their choosing to showcase their learning.
Projects ranged from Minecraft recreations of King Tut’s tomb to step-by-step demonstrations of the mummification process. Some students collaborated to model the Nile River using cookies, while others transformed the ancient “Weighing of the Heart” ceremony into an interactive game. Other students built pyramids using paper mache and cardboard, turning research into hands-on, three-dimensional creations.
By giving students ownership over both what they studied and how they presented their knowledge, the project encouraged curiosity, collaboration and creativity. Students were highly engaged and eager to share their work with classmates – often teaching both peers and teachers something new along the way.
The Ancient Egypt project highlighted how student-centered learning can make social studies meaningful, memorable and fun.
