Egypt to Gilpin

Lisa Kunz

04/10/2008 - The students in Mrs. Campbell’s sixth grade social studies class brought Egypt to Gilpin County last week.  The students spent weeks preparing for this anticipated project by doing intensive research and then preparing both a written report and a detailed board for display. While the students look forward to this chance to don a toga, they seemed unaware of how much they learned about not only their chosen subject but also the historical Egyptian characters chosen by their classmates. The homework they were assigned made the work fly by and the tasks seemed like fun—all the while, the students were learning important research, writing, and organization and presentation skills. Their teacher, who loves to share her love of social studies with the students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades, regularly assigns projects with a flare. In projects such as this, not only do the students learn the subject matter but they have a chance to learn on a deeper level than traditional methods, such as textbooks, would afford them. Mrs. Campbell says the best thing about Egyptian Day was having the students go back in time and learn about the characters and topics of the time.  She says that they learned that life in ancient Egypt was short lived and there were many obstacles to face (slavery, brutality dictatorship and assassinations). “The sixth graders have a better appreciation of our life today-- it seems magnificent compared to ancient Egypt times.”    

  After all of the sixth grader’s hard work preparing their reports, the students of Gilpin County Elementary and all invited guests were treated to a special production. The students, while dressed in their elaborate costumes, presented their new-found knowledge of specific Egyptians to the visitors. On their presentation boards were the pertinent facts on their subject, a timeline and many pictures. Each board varied in its look but each held the facts necessary to meet the requirements set out by the teacher. Together with the oral presentation it was a great way for the younger children and the guests to learn about some of Egypt’s most well known historical figures. And, it was a great way for the sixth grade students to learn while having a great time in a toga! After the fanfare of the day, the students discussed what they had gained in doing this project. While it seems fun to go back into those ancient times most said they would choose to live in these times with all of our conveniences and comforts.