Ancient Egypt Achievements - Part 2

​Achievements of Ancient Egypt

By Emily Earp

Math in Ancient Egypt

​Read the passage below:

The ancient Egyptians used math to build their world. They developed a number system based on powers of ten and used fractions long before many civilizations. Their most impressive mathematical work appears in pyramid construction—surveyors measured angles, calculated slopes, and used geometry to make perfect triangles and straight edges. Egyptian math was also practical: they used it to collect taxes, measure farmland after flooding, and keep track of trade. Their mathematical ideas influenced Greek scholars and continued to shape architecture and engineering for centuries.

​I have paper copies as well for you to notate.

Open Ended

How did the Egyptians use math outside of pyramid building?

Medicine in Ancient Egypt

​Read the passage below:

Egyptian doctors were among the first to keep written medical records. They studied the body, recognized symptoms, and created treatments using herbs, minerals, and surgeries. Some procedures were surprisingly advanced—setting broken bones, stitching wounds, and even using molds and honey to prevent infection. Religion influenced medical care too: priests treated illnesses they believed were caused by spirits, while doctors treated physical causes. Their medical ideas were recorded on papyrus scrolls that later inspired Greek and Roman doctors.

​I have paper copies as well for you to notate.

Open Ended

What made Egyptian medical knowledge advanced for its time?

The Egyptian Calendar

​Read the passage below:

Egyptians created one of the earliest solar calendars. They noticed the star Sirius rose just before the Nile River flooded each year. Using this pattern, they built a 365-day calendar divided into 12 months. This calendar helped farmers plan planting and harvesting seasons and organized religious festivals. Their system influenced later calendars used by the Greeks and Romans—eventually shaping the modern calendar we use today. Their careful study of the stars laid the groundwork for the calendars and timekeeping systems still used around the world.

​I have paper copies as well for you to notate.

Open Ended

Why was the star Sirius important to the Egyptian calendar?

Would You Rather???

​Directions for the next question:

1. You will pick a question.

2. Answer that question using the steps below.

   1. State your choice

   2. Give one reason

   3. Give one similarity between the two

   4. Give one difference between the two

Open Ended

Please, put 1, 2, or 3 before your answer so I know which question you chose.

1 - Would you rather be an Egyptian mathematician or an Egyptian doctor? Why?

2 - Would you rather help create the Egyptian calendar or help build the pyramids? Why?

3 - Would you rather use Egyptian medicine or Egyptian math in your daily life? Explain your choice.

Poll

How did you feel about today's lesson?

• 🙂 I understood today’s lesson

• 😐 I sort of understood

• ☹️ I’m still confused