Building the pyramids accurately (pt 1/2)
Description
The Great Pyramid of Khufu is 147m from the ground to the top and each side of the base is 230m long. The Egyptians positioned the sides of the pyramid facing north, south, east and west. They did not have compasses so archaeologists believe that they used the stars as a guide. They used the circumpolar stars that circle the North Pole of the Earth. The ancient Egyptians also used a cubit rod to measure out the sides of the pyramid.
Classroom Ideas
Students could be asked to name the shape of the pyramid and to describe its proprieties. Students could list the number and shape of its faces, edges or corners. Students could also look for examples of square-based pyramids in the classroom or at home. Using construction materials, how quickly can the students build their own pyramid? Once complete, students could compare their efforts to those of the ancient Egyptians.
Ancient Egypt
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