Egyptian Pyramid Project Instructions

Egyptian pyramid at Giza--glue sand to a base for your project.

Egyptian pyramids evolved from the early step-pyramids--tombs made of flat layers called mastabas that look like staircases when stacked with the largest on the bottom and the smallest on top. Step pyramids were the first stone buildings. As the art of pyramid building progressed, pyramids reached the sophistication and precision of the pyramids at Giza. The debate continues as to exactly how the ancient Egyptians constructed these massive, mathematically-precise structures. Making a pyramid offers a straightforward project. Create a realistic pyramid with a few common materials.

Things You'll Need

• Card stock from a stationery store
• Computer printer
• Scissors
• White glue
• Coarse sand available from landscaping supply
• Board or wooden tray at least 12 by 18 inches
• Miniature figures, such as camels and people from a craft store, if allowed

Instructions

1. Print a scale model pyramid pattern from an educational website. The Public Broadcasting System Nova website recommends printing a pyramid model to scale for pyramid projects.

2. Print out the pyramid model and cut it on the solid lines. Glue the model to cardboard and cut the cardboard in the shape of the pyramid panels.

3. Fold the pyramid on the dotted lines.

4. Apply glue to the cut edges. Press each set of pyramid triangles against each other and hold them for a slow count of 40 to help the glue hold. Allow to dry for at least 30 minutes.

5. Paint the pyramid with a color similar to the pyramid you want your project to look like, such as a golden beige for one of the pyramids of Giza. Allow the paint to dry.

6. Set the pyramid on its side. Apply a layer of glue with a sponge brush to the pyramid triangle that's facing up. Pour sand over it immediately and tilt the pyramid from side to side to spread the sand evenly over the glue. Repeat, gluing sand on each pyramid face. Allow the pyramid to dry.

7. Place the pyramid on the tray or cardboard and trace around the bottom of it with a pencil. Spread a 2-inch path of glue inside the pencil lines and in an "X" from corner to corner of the square where the pyramid will rest.

8. Set the pyramid model for your project onto the glue, making it even with the lines you traced. Press down gently and hold it in place for a slow count of 30.

9. Spread glue on the tray with a sponge brush and pour sand all over the glue. Tilt the tray from side to side to spread the glue. Think Quest.org suggests mixing the sand and glue together and then spreading it on a board to create the pyramid setting. This creates a thick layer of sand.

Tips & Warnings

• For a larger scale model pyramid project, enlarge the pattern of the scale model on a photo copier and then cut each part out of a separate piece of card stock.

• Add camels, people, a sphinx or any other elements to your pyramid project.

• For a school project, check the instructions or ask your teacher if miniature figures are allowed. Some projects require that you make all the parts by hand.

References

• Think Quest: Ancient Egypt: Pyramids
• Public Broadcasting System: Nova: Scale Pyramid Model
• Think Quest: Build a Pyramid