Ancient Egypt: Lesson 5 Send In Activity 5 Option A

Ancient Egyptians made their paper out of papyrus, a reed that grew on the banks of the Nile River. Make your own sheet of paper or a scroll using a similar method. Then write your name in hieroglyphs on the sheet. (15 marks)

1 full newspaper page torn into 5 cm squares
Food processor
1 tablespoon white glue
500 mL water
ink with 10 cm water
Old panty hose (or insect screen and old picture frame)
Coat hangers
Electric iron

Step 1
Make the frames that you'll use to make paper. Undo the coat hanger and use the wire to make a flat square about 150cm by 150cm. Stretch one leg of the panty hose over it. Take your time or it could snag. If you put tape on the ends of the wire, it will snag less. Make sure the nylon is tight and flat. Tie knots in the hose to maintain tension. (If you use insect screen, you can staple it to an old picture frame.)

Step 2
Put a handful of the paper and some water into the food processor. Close the food processor and turn it on high. Keep adding paper and water until you have a big gray blob. You may have to add a little more water to keep things moving smoothly. Keep the food processor on until all the paper has disappeared. Then leave it on for two whole minutes. Put the glue in the sink water and add all of the paper pulp you just made. Mix it really well. Use your hands. Mix up the sink water again and then slide the frame to the bottom of the sink. Lift it slowly. Let the water drain out for about a minute.

Step 3
Hang the frame on a clothesline or put them out in the sun. Wait until it is completely dry then gently peel off the paper.

Step 4
Have your home instructor use the iron (set on the hottest setting) to steam out your paper. Now you are ready to write your name on your Ancient Egyptian scroll.

Marking Guide

Lesson 5: Hieroglyphics