North Africa /Egypt

Right now, we are learning a lot about North Africa and particularly Egypt. It was really fun because we created a desert-model (Sahara) in our classroom. Using an aquarium we placed sand and cactus' and the students definitely understood that this is the hottest continent. We took a look at the river Nile, comparing it with the size of five American states--children seemed shocked to find it is the longest river in the world.
Students got to see how people living in North Africa have different lifestyles. Using books and pictures, they got to see directly how everyday things are different--we carry groceries in our hands, and many people in Egypt people carry things on their heads!
The pyramids and the Sphinx really fascinated all the children. We even mummfied a cat because this is something that was done in ancient Egypt! I brought different shawls (wished they were white) and the  students each picked a color; we carefully wrapped them and turned them into a mummy. Oliver G. amazed us all by his ability to stand still for so long. Mrs. Carpenter's room was surprised to see us mummies marching on over.
The children have made flags of Egypt and have done some mosaic art work about the Mediterreanean Sea. This week we will be working on more Pyramids and more flags of additional North African countries.
Pictures to come :)