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Culminating Activity

Students have gained new insights into ancient Egypt and explored various themes related to the King Tut exhibit. In the Culminating Activity Section, there are two activities suggested that offer ways to synthesize student learning about ancient Egypt and make valuable connections to life today. Culminating Activity 1 enables students to research, develop and debate various topics relating to the contribution of ancient Egyptian society to cultures today. In Culminating Activity 2, students work in groups to demonstrate their discoveries by creating an on-line art exhibit focusing on one specific theme.

Culmintating Activity 1: Debatable Issues

The discovery of King Tut's tomb unearthed many mysteries from ancient Egypt for us to learn from. The discovery also raises various debatable issues that are not easily explained by science. In this lesson, students will have an opportunity to explore and research these issues. After establishing a solid case, groups will participate in a debate while the rest of the class decides on the more convincing argument.

  • Possible debate topics include:

    • Was King Tut murdered?
    • Ancient Egypt: An advanced civilization ahead of its time?
    • Did ancient Egyptian culture have a large impact on contemporary society?
    • Was King Tut actually a significant pharaoh or was he significant because of the discovery of his tomb?
  • Explain the debate process to students. Each team will get an opportunity to present their argument in the following format (and roles):

    • Opening statement presenter: This person gathers the main arguments into an introductory statement. He/she does not give specific information, just presents the points to be discussed. For example, "this is true because of A, B, and C.
      2-3 minutes each side
    • Topic presenter: this person presents the main arguments for the team. The presenter gives specific details that prove A, B, and C.
      3 minutes each side
    • Rebuttal presenter: This person answers the arguments of the other team. This presenter must take notes as the other team is presenting their arguments so that they can respond to every argument using specific information to disprove them.
      Rebuttal conference: 5 minutes to meet with your team to discuss ideas and strategy
      2 minutes for actual rebuttal for each side
    • Closing statement presenter: this person presents the closing statement for the team. This person repeats the main idea for reasons A, B, and C in an interesting and convincing manner.
      2-3 minutes each side
  • Provide students with research period(s) to find facts and evidence to support their opinion. Remind students to anticipate their opponents reasoning so they can find counter points. This will help in the rebuttal.
  • Review good techniques for debating including: voice, listening to the opponent, anticipating their point of view and facts, starting with a meaningful quote, use examples from history, pulling at people's emotions, humour, etc.
  • While groups present, classmates can use specific criteria following a point system to decide on the stronger case.

Culminating Activity 2: Creating an online exhibition on Collection X

In this Culminating Activity, students work in groups to demonstrate their discoveries by creating an on-line art exhibit focusing on one specific theme. Students can continue to share their work with classmates, families and friends.


    • What was the most relevant artifact you analyzed? Why?
    • What was the least relevant artifact you analyzed? Why?
    • How is it different analyzing primary resources versus secondary sources?
    • What questions do you still have about ancient Egypt?
  • Divide students into small groups and allocate one theme per group.  Groups meet to brainstorm initial ideas and questions about their theme.

1. Identify main research question

  • Why is this exhibition important?
  • What will visitors experience?

2. Identify areas of research

  • What insights into this topic are you contributing?
  • What else do you want visitors to know?

3. Explore Collection X

4. Select artworks

  • How will you organize/order your artworks?

5. Writing the text

  • What tone of voice will you use?
  • How much background information will you include?

6. Create the online exhibition

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