KidZone Mythology:
Egyptian Mythology Challenge Cards

Here are five challenge card designed to immerse children in the world of Egyptian mythology. These cards can be used in a number of ways including as part of a classroom learning station, homemade board game, or for an outdoor adventure quest.

Ra's Solar Voyage

Objective: Help Ra, the sun god, complete his daily journey across the sky to ensure the sun rises again.

Challenge: Construct a simple sundial that demonstrates the movement of the sun across the sky.

Task: Using basic materials like a plate, a stick, and some stones, children create a sundial. They place the stick (gnomon) in the center of the plate and mark stone positions based on the shadow cast by the stick at different times, demonstrating how the sun's position changes.

Educational Element: This activity teaches children about the importance of the sun in Egyptian mythology and basic principles of solar movement and timekeeping.

The Riddle of the Sphinx

Objective: Solve the Sphinx's riddle to gain wisdom and avoid its wrath.

Challenge: The Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, challenges you with a riddle that has baffled many travelers.

Riddle: "What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?"

Task: Children must decipher the riddle (the answer is "man"—crawling as a baby, walking on two legs as an adult, and using a cane in old age) to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and understanding of metaphorical language.

Educational Element: This challenge encourages critical thinking and introduces children to one of the most famous myths of ancient Egypt, emphasizing the Sphinx's role in guarding sacred sites.

Anubis's Weighing of the Heart

Objective: Learn about the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife by recreating the Weighing of the Heart ceremony.

Challenge: Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife, weighs the hearts of the deceased against the feather of Ma'at to determine their worthiness for the afterlife.

Task: Construct a simple balance scale from common materials such as a coat hanger, string, and two cups or small baskets -- attach a string and basket to each side of the coat hanger to create a simple balance scale. Children are given various small items of different weights to put into the cups (e.g., pebbles, marbles, paper clips). They must estimate and then test which items weigh more.

Educational Element: This activity teaches children about weight, estimation and measuring.

Hieroglyphic Messages

Objective: Decode a message written in hieroglyphs to uncover a secret about the ancient Egyptian gods.

Challenge: Print a simple word such as your name in hieroglyphics.

Task: Using a hieroglyphic alphabet chart, children print a word or message, learning about the ancient Egyptian writing system.

Educational Element: This challenge introduces children to hieroglyphics while teaching about Egyptian culture and mythology.

Cleopatra's Diplomacy

Objective: Engage in a diplomatic mission like Cleopatra, using wisdom and negotiation to secure peace between competing factions.

Challenge: As Cleopatra, you must negotiate peace between two groups, represented by different animals or symbols in Egyptian mythology (e.g., the falcon for Horus and the crocodile for Sobek).

Task: Children participate in a role-play activity where they must use persuasive language and problem-solving skills to come to a peaceful agreement between the two groups.

In the fertile lands along the Nile, a dispute has arisen that threatens the harmony of the kingdom. The followers of Horus, represented by the majestic falcon, and the devotees of Sobek, symbolized by the mighty crocodile, have found themselves at odds over the use of the river's resources. The falcon followers, valuing the skies and the higher grounds along the riverbanks, wish to expand their territories for better vantage points and worship sites dedicated to Horus. Meanwhile, the crocodile devotees, deeply connected to the water and the river's lush marshes, seek to preserve these areas for Sobek, fearing that expansion could disrupt the delicate balance of the Nile's ecosystem.

As Cleopatra, the wise and revered ruler, you are faced with the daunting task of bridging the divide between these two groups. The falcons speak of the need for protection and height to watch over the lands, while the crocodiles emphasize the sacredness of the Nile's waters and the life it sustains. Both groups hold valid concerns, deeply rooted in their devotion to their deities and the well-being of the people. The challenge lies not only in finding a solution that respects the spiritual and practical needs of both factions but also in weaving this resolution into the tapestry of Egyptian society, ensuring lasting peace and prosperity along the banks of the mighty Nile.

Teacher Notes: Encouraging children to fully immerse themselves in the role of Cleopatra during a negotiation role-play can be facilitated by thoughtful prompts and guiding questions. Here are some prompts a teacher might use to deepen the engagement and understanding of the students in their roles:

1. Understanding Perspectives: "As Cleopatra, how do you think the followers of Horus feel about their lands? What about the devotees of Sobek and their connection to the Nile? Remember, understanding both sides is key to being a fair leader."

2. Expressing Concerns: "If you were speaking for the falcon followers, what would you say is your greatest concern about the river's use? Now, switch roles: as a crocodile devotee, what would you argue is most important for the Nile's ecosystem?"

3. Finding Common Ground: "What are some things that both groups might agree on? Think about the well-being of the Nile and how it benefits everyone. How can you, as Cleopatra, highlight these shared interests to build a bridge between the two sides?"

4. Compromise and Solutions: "Can you think of a creative solution that respects the falcons' need for space and the crocodiles' need to protect the Nile? How would you, as Cleopatra, propose this idea to both groups in a way that makes them feel heard and valued?"

5. Reflecting on Leadership: "What qualities do you think Cleopatra needs to have to solve this dispute? How can you show these qualities during your negotiation? Think about fairness, courage, and wisdom."

6. Considering Consequences: "What might happen if an agreement isn't reached? How would that affect the people of Egypt and the Nile itself? As Cleopatra, how do you convey the importance of peace to both groups?"

7. Appealing to Unity: "How can you, as Cleopatra, remind both groups of their shared love for Egypt and the Nile? Think about ways to inspire unity and cooperation for the greater good of the kingdom."

8. Role of the Deities: "How do you think involving the gods Horus and Sobek in your discussion could help find a resolution? Maybe there's a way to honor both deities that satisfies everyone."

By using these prompts, a teacher can guide students through the complex process of negotiation and diplomacy, encouraging them to think critically and empathetically as they step into the shoes of one of history's most iconic leaders

Educational Element: This challenge teaches children about Cleopatra's role as a leader and diplomat, emphasizing communication, negotiation, and the importance of peaceful resolutions.

Each of these challenge cards offers a unique way to explore Egyptian mythology, making learning interactive and fun while providing valuable educational content.