Teachers can use Hatshepsut’s journey as a complete unit on ancient Egypt, which is geared towards 6th and 7th grade Ancient History and World History curricula.

In this unit on Egypt’s renowned female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut, students will determine how unusual her rule really was in the ancient world, and discover her greatest achievements and lasting legacy. One of the most prolific builders in ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut’s reign covers a period of peace and great prosperity. How did a woman of her time become so powerful in a male pharaoh-dominated hierarchy and culture? Hatshepsut’s successor ordered the destruction of her images and statuary, and her memory almost disappeared for centuries before being rediscovered.

Now, following Hatshepsut’s journey, students will explore the geography and rich culture of Egypt’s Nile Delta during the Middle Kingdom, from mummification and pyramid building to spiritual practices, the Nile’s importance, agricultural methods, and trade with Punt and Nubia. A 12 minute video featuring National Geographic’s renowned Egyptologist and Hatshepsut expert, Aliaa Ismail, will immerse students in Hatshepsut’s life and accomplishments, as well as various pertinent Egyptian topics. The video can be shown all at once or in short, 2-minute segments. Students will answer age-appropriate critical thinking questions on a graphic organizer. An additional, stand-alone 10.5 minute video on important aspects of ancient Egyptian culture is available for student exploration (“7 Wonders of Egypt”). An exciting, multiplayer 3D game called In the Footsteps of Hatshepsut will be a highlight for students, available to both individuals and multi-player groups, and will increase their learning retention and visualization of ancient Egypt’s geography, people and culture.

Assessments include an end-of-unit project that will offer students choices for individual topic exploration and class presentations. An initial KWL and an Egyptian Gods and Goddesses Match-Up supplement this lesson. Extension activities are offered for students who want to explore the historical importance of King Tut’s tomb, or dive into the environmental concerns that Egypt is struggling with right now. Class time required: 3-4 class periods, and about 2 weeks for project work and presentations. Extensions will add extra time to the unit, if used.