Pyramids Are Tops

You may have seen pictures of Egyptian pyramids, but do you know their history – or the history of other pyramids around the world? They are also great examples of design thinking. There’s lots to figure out with these activities about pyramids. Get the point?

CONNECT:

• See how the ancient Egyptian pyramids look today at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtc0LQuA3z4
• The ancient Mayans built pyramids too. See what they look like now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyvw6G9Max0
• In fact ancient pyramids are found around the world; see ten examples at https://www.heritagedaily.com/2018/05/10-ancient-pyramids-around-the-world/119856
• Today’s buildings are sometimes constructed as pyramids, the most famous one at the Louvre. Get the facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Pyramid_of_the_Louvre
• Math is the basis of pyramids – of several sorts; figure them out at https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/pyramids.html

CREATE:

• How do you build a pyramid? See the science and math behind the hard work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52V9jmrgSbI
• Try this range of pyramid projects: https://study.com/academy/lesson/pyramid-projects-for-kids.html
• Learn about ancient Egypt with these fun activities: https://www.curiositychronicles.org/single-post/2017/09/08/19-Activities-for-Ancient-Egypt
• Make ancient Egypt come alive with these fun activities: https://egypt.mrdonn.org/games.html

CARE:

• See the history of the human pyramid at https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/a-visual-history-of-the-human-pyramid
• Use this activity pyramid for kids to keep in shape: https://www.mdpedi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/eKids1.pdf
• The U.S. used to use a pyramid to explain how to have a healthy diet; see the history of USDA food guides at https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/brief-history-usda-food-guides
• The pyramid of conservation is a good way to figure out where to start to green your home: https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/the-pyramid-of-conservation-is-a-terrific-tool-for-figuring-out-where-to-start-to-green-your-home.html

CAREERS:

Be they old or new, pyramids can lead to an inspiring career: from archeologist to architect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BXkL5nba40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImTTW94ZicM

https://www.world-archaeology.com/features/pyramids-excavation-and-preservation/

Make It Your Mission

Make It Your Mission

Spanish missions are distinctive features of South and Southwestern United States. Easter time is a good time to discover these historic structures.

CONNECT:

• Read about the role of Spanish missions in US history at https://www.history.com/topics/religion/california-missions
• See how Spanish missions were built: http://www.designing-america.com/contenido/the-spanish-missions-in-the-united-states/?lang=en
• Read about the cultures of Texas missions at https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/its02
• Remember the Alamo! At https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTCcnbzSMc8

CREATE:

• Sing about missions with these songs set to familiar songs: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/songs.htm
• Use games to teach about missionaries: https://oureverydaylife.com/childrens-games-to-teach-about-missionaries-12083036.html
• Use a map to virtually walk on the California Missions Trail: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/feature/california-missions
• Try living in a mission with these activities: https://education.texashistory.unt.edu/lessons/notebook/SpanishMission/docs/Mission_PlacardC_J.pdf

CARE:

• You can use crafts to remind the family about missionary work and caring for others at https://www.ehow.com/info_8170549_missionary-crafts-kids.html
• How were people cared for in mission times? It depends on whom you ask. Here is an indigenous perspective: https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/its02
• Read how the National Park Service is trying to preserve historic Spanish Colonial missions: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/travelspanishmissions/architecture-and-preservation.htm
• Many missions were made of adobe clay; here is how to maintain it: https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/5-adobe-buildings.htm

CAREERS:

Want to make it your mission to work on missions? You can be an historian, a preservationist, an archeologist, an anthropologist, a park ranger, an architect, a photographer or artist, a landscaper, a writer, or even a religious member. Get inspired from the possibilities.

https://www.drkit.org/historic-preservationist/

https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/preservation-planner

https://today.uconn.edu/2011/08/the-impact-of-anthropology-on-native-american-culture/#

https://www.saa.org/about-archaeology/archaeology-as-a-career