Introduction
Before you continue, you MUST have completed your learning activities on Google Classroom "Pyramids and Pharaohs" and have your work checked.
Task
Introduction to investigation
A museum curator has asked you to create a diorama for the museum's new Egyptian display. Your 3D scale model needs to accurately represent the Egyptian Pyramids at Giza. Guarded by the famous Great Sphinx, these pyramids were built for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
The museum's display also requires a timeline of Ancient Egyptian history to show when the pyramids were constructed.
Learning Intentions
Understanding, fluency, and problem solving:
1. Use nets to construct scale models of the three pyramids.
2. Calculate the dimensions of the three pyramids.
3. Produce a timeline showing when the pyramids of Giza were constructed. Plot major events from 3 000 BC to 500 BC
Reasoning:
4. Compare the dimensions of the model pyramids to the dimensions found on other websites. Explain any differences.
5. Discuss the construction of the model pyramids. Suggest ways to improve the accuracy of the pyramids.
Process
Steps
1. Create a new folder called 'Pyramids and Pharaohs' in your Maths folder in your Google Drive (the folder shared with the teachers).
2. Log into Google Classroom and complete 'Pyramids and Pharaohs' investigation plan.
3. Use this dictionary to understand the meanings of the following words and create a glossary in your investigation folder:
- diorama
- curator
- base
- tabs
- kingdoms
- dimensions
- dynasties
- authentic
- Giza
- Great Sphinx
- pharaohs
8. Research the Pyramids of Giza and make a document in your investigation folder with your findings.
(you will need to know the dimensions (length, width, and height) of all three pyramids listed in the table below - record these in your document!)
9. Continue to follow the instructions:
- Measure square base on map using the dimensions of the real pyramid
- Use the following dimensions: Khufu: 5.5cm x 5.5cm Khafre: 5.5cm x 5.5cm Menkaure 2.5cm x 2.5cm
- Use angles to draw the triangles
| Angles of triangular faces of pyramids |
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyramid | Angle of face | ||
|
Khufu Khafre Menkaure |
57° 58° 58° |
- After measuring all sides, create your nets for the three pyramids.
- Construct nets.
Discuss your mathematical methods:
Write your reasoning in a word document and save it in your investigation folder.
****If you can, use the scale 1:4300 to calculate how accurate your pyramids are compared to the real pyramids****
Guiding questions:
1. How did you construct your diorama?
2. How did you calculate the full size dimensions of the pyramids?
3. Why is it important to ensure that each pyramid's angle of face is measured correctly?
4. Why is it important to ensure that the scale on the diorama is correct?
5. How accurate were your scale calculations compared to the actual pyramids?
6. How could you improve the accuracy of your model pyramids?
Useful links when researching the pyramids and history of Giza:
http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/time/explore/time.html
https://www.ancient.eu/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza/
https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/the-egyptian-pyramids
Evaluation
Inquiry extension:
Answer the following questions and add your answers under the heading 'Inquiry questions' to your 'Reasoning/discussion' document.
- What professions use scale models and drawings to represent full-size objects?
- What are some important factors when deciding an appropriate scale for a model or floor plans?
- How does the Egyptian number system differ from our metric system?
- Why is it important to use more than one source of information when doing research?
Conclusion
Checklist
Check that all of the following steps and documents are submitted and saved into your 'Pyramids and Pharaohs' investigation folder in your Google Classroom.
1. Investigation Plan.
2. Glossary.
3. I have used nets to construct scale models of the three pyramids
4. I have calculated the dimensions of the three pyramids and included my calculations of the actual base length and height of the pyramids, calculated using the scale from my diorama (1:4300).
5. I have compared the dimensions of the model pyramids to the dimensions found on other websites and explained any differences.
6. I have discussed the construction of the model pyramids and suggested ways to improve the accuracy of the pyramids using the guiding questions provided to help me.