Egyptian animals and gods: past and present
This new workshop is based on ancient Egyptian animal gods and explores the living creatures that fascinated the ancient Egyptian people.
This workshop is available to book from March 2025.
Workshop details
Learners will find out about animals living in Egypt both in the present day and in the past and how their characteristics link to the different Egyptian gods.
The session will look at hieroglyphics and the use of animal imagery as part of this writing system. Interactive games and challenges are used to focus on several key Egyptian gods such as Sobek, Hatmehit, Anubis, Heqet and Horus and their animal counterparts.
Practical information for your visit
To help your pupils gain the most from their session and ensure safe handling of the collections, it is essential that you have a ratio of at least 1 adult helper to 8 pupils.
Please arrive on time for your workshop or we may not be able to run it for you. Please share these notes with your adult helpers before your visit. This will help them to support your pupils have a successful and enjoyable day.
Further information and resources related to our ancient Egyptian collections can be found on our Ancient Egypt resources page.
Curriculum links
History
Understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world and the nature of ancient civilisations.
English
Pupils should be taught to speak clearly and convey ideas confidently using Standard English. They should learn to justify ideas with reasons.
Science
Develop an understanding of methods of scientific enquiry so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions.
SMSC - Fundamental British Values
Through participating in this session students are encouraged to think about individual liberty and tolerance.
Individual liberty: Through the participative approach in the session individual liberty is promoted by enabling students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Mutual respect and tolerance: Learning about ancient Egyptian religion, encourages students to be tolerant and respectful of others’ culture, beliefs and faith.
Social skills: Working in teams through activities, chances to answer questions and discuss with class members.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Pupils will:
Develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of world history.
Understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world; the nature of ancient civilisations.
Appreciate ancient Egyptians’ knowledge and beliefs of different Gods.
Learn about different animals that live in Egypt and discuss the biological characteristics of the five vertebrate families.
Skills
Pupils will:
Have the opportunity to draw on and share their existing knowledge whilst also being encouraged to absorb and recall new information assimilated throughout the session.
Gain practice in working through an activity collaboratively and with consideration for their peers.
Improve their speaking and listening skills.
Improve their confidence by individual participation in dramatic sections of the presentation.
Concepts
Pupils will:
Be introduced to different gods in Ancient Egypt.
Appreciate that objects and props displayed and worked with in the museum are to be treated with respect.
Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.
Learn how concepts of afterlife inform practices around burial.
Attitudes
Pupils will:
See World Museum as a resource for historical research to help understand the ancient world.
Be confident in interpreting information about Ancient Egyptian times.
Have had opportunity to work collaboratively with peers.
See the World Museum as an enjoyable and stimulating place to visit.