Don't Know Much About Mummies
Don't know much about Series
What’s inside...
In 'Don't Know Much About Mummies,' author Kenneth C. Davis explores the world of mummies, discussing the ancient practices of preserving bodies and their cultural significance. The book covers mummification across various civilizations, including Egyptians and Incas, and addresses common questions and misconceptions about the historical, religious, and scientific aspects of mummification. Through a mix of humor and scholarship, Davis aims to educate and engage readers, debunking myths and sharing surprising facts about famous mummies and their creators.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about the way mummies were made?
How do you think the beliefs of ancient Egyptians influenced their mummification process?
Why do you think people in ancient times felt it was important to preserve the bodies of the dead?
If you could ask an ancient Egyptian one question about mummies, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare and contrast the burial traditions in the book with modern practices.
Use a globe or map to explore Egypt together and discuss its geographical and historical significance related to the story.
Ask your child to imagine what it would be like to discover a mummy. Discuss what emotions and thoughts they might have.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking what other methods different cultures might use to remember their loved ones.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of History
Explanation: This book teaches children about the significance of mummies and the historical context around them, providing a gateway into ancient civilizations.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an appreciation for history and different cultures, fostering curiosity and respect for the past as they explore more about the world’s heritage.
Example Lesson: Scientific Inquiry
Explanation: Kenneth C. Davis explains the scientific methods used to study mummies, which introduces children to scientific reasoning and methodologies.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply critical thinking and questioning in their daily learning activities, enhancing their ability to understand and solve problems scientifically.
Example Lesson: Understanding Mortality
Explanation: The book delves into the topic of mortality in an age-appropriate way, discussing how different cultures handle death and remember the deceased.
Real-World Application: This can help children to better cope with the concept of death and enhance their emotional maturity by understanding and respecting various cultural beliefs surrounding mortality.
Example Lesson: The value of Preservation
Explanation: Through the preservation of mummies, the book highlights the importance of keeping historical artifacts safe to pass knowledge to future generations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of preserving significant objects and memories in their lives, appreciating the continuity between past, present, and future.
Example Lesson: Interdisciplinary Learning
Explanation: The book combines history, science, and cultural studies showing how interconnected knowledge is.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace a holistic approach to learning, understanding how different fields of study contribute to a comprehensive understanding of complex topics.