Make an Egyptian necklace
Discover how to make a necklace inspired by ancient Egyptian jewellery
In this hands-on STEM activity for kids, learners will make an example of a necklace inspired by ancient Egyptian jewellery from easily sourced materials.
This free resource is aimed at primary school children and could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about user requirements or making skills within design and technology or graphics. It could also be used as a cross-curricular project with history. There are related activities that involve making an alternative pasta necklace and snake bracelet.
Activity: Make an Egyptian necklace
The ancient Egyptians were famous for their incredible engineering achievements. Can you make a piece of jewellery that is inspired by them?
Download our free presentation to see how you can make your own beautiful necklace inspired by those worn in Ancient Egypt.
What you will need
- Metallic card
- Kitchen roll/toilet roll tube x3
- Gold/silver/bronze paint
- PVA Glue/glue dots
- Scissors
- Rope/cord pre-cut into three lengths
The ancient Egyptians connection
This activity is inspired by the achievements of ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians influenced the modern world in many ways and made important contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Jewellery in ancient Egypt was highly valued. Men, women, and children would adorn themselves in rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, crowns, and amulets. These heavy, brightly coloured pieces of jewellery would reflect their wealth and social status. Wealthy Egyptians would use gold and copper, as well as precious and semi-precious stones to craft their jewellery. Others would substitute these materials with painted clay, stones, and shells.
Jewellery in ancient Egypt also had spiritual significance. Jewellery was believed to have the ability to protect against evil spirits and disease, as well as bring good fortune. Ancient Egyptians were even buried with their jewels as it was thought that jewellery could provide guidance through the afterlife and be enjoyed in their next life.
The engineering context
The ancient Egyptians were incredible engineers and built many remarkable pieces of engineering such as ramps, levers, and giant structural designs, including the pyramids. They also produced extremely vibrant looking jewellery.
Jewellery design is an interesting and exciting engineering career option. Jewellery designers use lots of different influences and inspirations to create new and unique items to sell. This can include animals, flowers, plants, and the work of previous designers.
Suggested learning outcomes
This activity will teach students historical facts about ancient Egypt and encourage them to design and create. By the end of this activity students will be able to understand the purpose of jewellery and why ancient Egyptians wore it. They will also be able to make an item of jewellery based on those worn by the ancient Egyptians and produce a model or prototype that meets a design brief.
Download the free activity sheet below!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.
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