The American section 7th graders visited the ancient sites of Giza and Saqqara on Monday, November 18th.   We had the awesome tour guide, Ibrahim Morgan, guiding us through history at the ancient Giza and Saqqara sites. Students learned so much about their own ancient Egyptian heritage.  I was very impressed to see how much the 7th graders already knew about ancient Egypt.  They learned a great deal more.  We started at Giza with a lecture in front of the giant pyramid.  Students learned the history of Upper and Lower Egypt, as well as, the importance of the Papyrus, Lotus, Cobra, Vulture, Red, White and Double Crown to ancient Egyptian history. 
After the lecture students had a chance to climb the pyramid and take photos.  We then visited the Solar boat; a boat built to take the deceased King into the afterlife. The boat is 4560 years old and put together using NO NAILS! This was amazing!  Then we rode horses behind the Giza pyramids. What an exciting thing this was to do. 
Lastly, went to the Saqqara Pyramids and learned about the first pyramid ever built, the Step Pyramid, which is 4761 years old.  We had a short lecture at Saqqara then walked around viewing the awesome sites.  Just as we were heading to the bus, the most exciting thing happened…it started to rain.  How thrilled the students were to finally see rain!  How happy the teachers and tour guide were to have the rain at the end of the trip.  
The students will be doing lessons in their Art and History classes to enhance their experience of the pyramid trip.  Mr Knutson will have his students create a video to share with a class in the United States and in Art the students will design a self-portrait making them into an ancient God or wearing one of the ancient crowns.
The students and staff would like to personally thank the administration and owners of El Alsson for providing them with the opportunity to go on such an exciting trip.
Written by, Lisa Zupon
America Instructor for 7th Grade