Bringing Pyramids to the Classroom- Innovative Aid on Egyptian Civilization

 An innovative aid refers to a new or unconventional tool, resource, or method that enhances the learning experience, making it more engaging, effective, and accessible. In the context of education, innovative aids can include:

1. Technology-based tools: software, apps, virtual reality, augmented reality, etc.
2. Multimedia resources: videos, podcasts, interactive simulations, etc.
3. Hands-on materials: manipulatives, makerspaces, DIY kits, etc.
4. Collaborative platforms: online forums, social media groups, etc.
5. Gamification elements: puzzles, quizzes, games, etc.
6. Real-world connections: case studies, field trips, guest speakers, etc.
7. Adaptive learning systems: AI-powered tools, personalized learning platforms, etc.

Innovative aids aim to:

- Increase student engagement and motivation
- Improve understanding and retention of complex concepts
- Facilitate personalized learning
- Enhance accessibility and inclusivity
- Support diverse learning styles and abilities

By incorporating innovative aids into teaching practices, educators can create a more dynamic, interactive, and effective learning environment.

 As part of the Second Phase Teaching Practise, a teacher trainee is expected to create an innovative aid on any part of the chapter, and upload the report on the blog.

The content of the topic was to teach the Egyptian Civilization.This was part of the history chapter- The River Valley Civilisations, in class VIII social science text book.

Back then, the kings of Egypt were known as 'Pharaoh'. The practice of preserving the body of the dead prevailed in Egypt. A corpse preserved thus is called a 'mummy'. Pyramids were tombs where the  mummies were preserved. They remain as evidence for the excessive use of labour and wealth. This civilization flourished in the valley of the river Nile. Agriculture was the backbone of this civilization. The Egyptians also engaged in weaving and production of glassware. They formed an art of writing. It is  known as 'Hieroglyphics', which means 'sacred writing'. They used the leaves of the plant called papyrus for writing.The Egyptians also attained amazing advancement in the field of .science. They formulated a solar calendar. As per this calendar a .year had 365 days. A year was divided into 12 months, of 30 days each. The remaining five days were set aside for .celebrations. Their advancement in the field of  Mathematics is also significant. They could calculate the area of triangles and rectangles. To determine time they made sundial, a clock that tells time by the shadow cast by the sun and water clock that works on water current. The Egyptians were also skilful in sculpture. It is evident from the sphinx, a statue with lion's body and human head.

Eventhough most of the students have heard about Egypt, mummies and pharaohs, to create a clear picture and lasting impression, I decided to make a working model, which can be opened to show the inside of Pyramid.
Advantages of this model :
1.The pyramid structure was located along side Nile River.
2. Pyramids to remember Egyptian Civilisation- mathematical progressions
3. An active model of Mummy inside

4. Mummy to be connected with Pharaohs

5. Light set inside to create a better learning experience

6. Hieroglyphic script used inside the walls.

7. More experience based elements such as stairways and religious significance

Through the model, I wanted the students to imagine and experience the feel of Pyramids. It will be easier for them to recall and remember the parts and have an experiential learning with the use of a model. They could also study and analyse the parts of the Egyptian Civilisation better with the help of the model.

Since it is a movable model/working model, students also showed the factory of wow, or unexpectedness through the aid. Students were not expecting to see the Pyramids open, which made them interested in the topic suddenly.

I took the class on Friday, 28th of June, 2024, at the VIII C of Government Girls Higher Secondary school, Peroorkada. Students showed an engaging and positive response to the aid. The objectives with which the aid was created was met during the presentation. Combined with the presentation on the chart, students were eager to know more and kept asking doubts about the portion. The aid was substantially with other aids such as an Egyptian Sundial working model and charts.backed





Overall, I felt much confident in the aid I could present and that the content has been successfully transmitted to the students.


Video of the innovative aid :



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