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"Highly Recommended. Viewers are shown how to create six
items with an Ancient Egypt theme, including a cobra pencil-topper,
hieroglyphic prints, a collar and cuffs, a potpourri mummy, a papyrus fan,
and an Egyptian print project. Presenters from a variety of ethnic
backgrounds introduce the projects. Each is preceded by a materials list,
and each step of the project is shown clear and sequentially; also, as the
projects are introduced, their connection to Ancient Egyptian history is
briefly explained." -School Library Journal Five projects that date back to the days of the early Egyptians. Projects include: Cobra Pen Topper - The asp or Egyptian cobra is the smallest and most common type of cobra. Cobras were often used as a subject for jewelry and decorative items in ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphics - This is a form of picture writing. Hieroglyphics are small pictures that represent words, actions or ideas. There were over 700 letters but no vowels. Collar and Cuffs - Jewelry was an important part of the dress of ancient Egypt. Particularly the nobility adorned themselves with beautiful symmetrical collars of metal and precious stones and beautiful bangles and cuffs. Potpourri Mummy - Egypt is known for both their pyramids, the final resting place for those that have died and also their means of preserving bodies as mummies. The body was wrapped in strips of cloth and anointed with various oils and scents. Papyrus Fan - The word "paper' derives from the word papyrus. Papyrus is a triangular reed that grows along the bank of the Nile. Egyptians cut the reeds and laid them side-by-side. Then a second layer was placed over the top at right angles. This was then placed between fabrics and pressed between stones for about 6 days. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. Each craft project is clearnly and
simply explained, and easy to follow. The history lessons are brief, but
informative, and give children a purpose for the assignment. A good choice
to supplement units on ancient civilizations, the crafts could also be
integrated into math and language arts lessons. A valuable addition for
student clubs looking for new and unusual projects." -School Library
Journal Five projects that date back to the ancient Greek civilization. Projects include: Olive Wreath - Olive wreaths were a prize in the original Olympics. The first Olympic games were held in Greece in 776 B.C. Archimedes and Mathematical Solids - Archimedes lived from 287-212 B.C. Born in Sicily, educated in Egypt; he was the most well-known Greek mathematician. He is known for his studies of shapes. Greek Pots - Many different styles of ceramic pots were used in Ancient Greece. From storage, to drinking, they were decorated in many different colors with unique designs. The amphora shape is the traditional tall, handled pot and the klix is a wider bowl-shaped pot with a pedestal. Column Chalkboard - The Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns were the most common styles of architectural columns used in ancient Greece. Doric are the plainest and have no base. Ionic columns have a circular base and a shallow top with scrolls, and Corinthian are the most elaborate with a carved leave design at the top. Tragedy Comedy Mask - These masks are the symbol for theater and represent masks worn during the golden age around 500-300 B.C. This was the first time that theater as we know it was written and performed. All actors were male and they all played many different roles, so they wore masks to show their different characters or moods. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
| Five projects that date back to the ancient Romans. Projects include: Vellum Journal - Books were made of papyrus scrolls. Later, parchment or vellum, a sheer paper, was used to record events, write letters and make books. Samian Ware Tile - Many homes were decorated with pottery wall decorations called reliefs. Many different types of clay were used depending on the area. One style was called Samian ware, a red clay pottery popular after A.D. 100. Aqueducts - The land that surrounded Rome was abundant with springs. This water was channeled into the city of Rome through the channels of aqueducts. Large cisterns held the water at the end of the aqueducts and were used for baths and fountains. Mosaic Frame - Although mosaics originated in Greece, the Romans became famous for their mosaics, which are bits of glass and stone arranged to form designs for jewelry, vases and other art forms. Marine Mosaic Tile - Because of the proximity to water, marine or sea themes were an important design element in Ancient Rome. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
| Five projects that date back to the ancient Mayan people. Projects include: Headdress - Mayans wore colorful headdresses for ceremonies. They prized the long blue green tail feathers of the bird, quetzel whoc, and used them to embellish their headdresses. Mayan Pot: - Mayans developed many traditional designs for pots and containers made from clay in the Yucatan peninsula. Natural colors, such as sand, characterized these pots, as well as textured designs. Stela - A Mayan Stela is a monument carved in stone commemorating significant historic people and events. They are similar to a Native American Totem Pole. Stepped Frame - The Mayans built stepped pyramids with stairways leading to temples at the top. Usually they were built of limestone and were often painted red. Astronomy Wall Hanging - The Maya developed a calendar system based on the movement of the moon and stars. They are known for their astronomy skills. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
| Five projects that back to the days of the Vikings. Projects include: Coins - Coins were a means of trading and were made from various metals. Often Runic symbols were embossed into the surface. Weathervane - Carved weather vanes were mounted on the front of long boats as a navigational aid. Many times they were in the shape of a sea animal. Viking Longboat - The Vikings sailed in ships known as longboats. They were known for their sleek and stylish look. These ocean going vessels were propelled by sails and oars. Helmet - Defensive equipment such as a helmet was very important since the Vikings often fought hand to hand. Helmet design varied from a simple iron mask with a riveted nose guard to more elaborate styles. Runic Bracelet - Runic writings were carved in stone, bone, horn wood, and on metal and coins. These inscriptions often contain information about a person, such as their voyages, family, wealth and talents. The word "rune" comes from a Gothic word meaning secrets. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
| Five projects from Japan acquaint viewers with this nation's history and culture. Projects include: Bunraku - This is a type of Japanese puppet theater. It developed from storytelling to a musical form in the 16th century. Bunraku stories are usually about Japanese myths and folk tales. People dressed in black, so they cannot be seen against a black background operate large puppets. Pagoda Frame - The Shitennoji Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple of Japan built in 593. The temple guard statues stand in fighting position at the opening of the pagoda. Pagodas have a traditional style and roof design. Bonsai - Although Bonsai first appeared in China; it was not until the 1100's in Japan that the art of Bonsai was developed. Bonsai are miniature or dwarf potted trees that are trimmed and shaped to a special design. Tea Lights - Paper lanterns have been used in Japanese homes and festivals for centuries. Hand crafted of bamboo and paper, they come in all shapes and sizes. Sand Garden - For centuries, Japanese Zen masters have cultivated gardens of harmoniously arranged rocks and white raked sand. These quiet gardens are designed for peaceful thinking. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
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"Recommended. A list of materials appears on the screen
and is read by a narrator, then different teachers construct five objects
from the Middle Ages, which kids will be thrilled to create: a windmill, a
shield, a tournament flag, a shop sign, and a faux marble heraldry journal.
Those with restricted budgets may substitute less expensive materials, like
cardboard for wood or paper for die-cut foam, realizing these crafts will
not have the polished appearance of the originals." -School Library
Journal Five projects that date back to Europe during the Middle Ages. Projects include: Windmill - Water wheels were developed in the 12th century and changed the way work was completed. Battle Shield - Knights represented the feudal system. Metal was boiled in wax to form a shield with an embossed design. Tournament Flag - Events, such as jousting, were held between castles. Flags with the crests of the families or castles were carried to identify the group in tournaments. Heraldry designs identified friends and enemies in battles. Shop Sign - The Middle Ages were the time of the craftsperson. Shop owners developed signs, many embossed wood to identify their craft. To be a citizen you had to be in one of the 21 useful trades. Faux Marble Heraldry Journal - Heraldry developed because knights in armor were difficult to recognize as friend or enemy. Families were identified by their coat of arms. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. A captioned list of materials and
brief introduction precede the respective Renaissance era crafts, which are
taught by different, equally skilled instructors. Overhead cameras allow
viewers to easily follow the demonstrations. The projects are a key wall
design, a framed stained-glass picture, a bookmark and bookplate, a paper
collage, and a floral-decorated glass container. An adult would need to
supervise the project that requires baking and glass cutting."
-Booklist Five projects that date back to the days of the Renaissance. Projects include: Milano Keys - Milano silversmiths were known for their intricate lock and key designs. Venetian Glass - The Fleur de lis or lily is the city emblem of Florence, where the Medici family was a patron of the arts and ruled the city. Venetian glass came to prominence during the Middle Ages and continued during the rebirth of the arts during the Renaissance. Book Mark - The printing press, developed by Johann Gutenberg in 1450, made the mass production of books possible, and is often considered one of the inventions that began the Renaissance. Landscape - Many times symbols existed in the backgrounds of famous landscapes of the renaissance. Landscapes were scenes of country life that became popular during the 15th century as wealthy families went to the countryside for vacation. Millifiori - This term means "thousands of flowers." It is another name for mosaic beads, where designs and colors are fused together. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
| Five projects from China acquaint viewers with this nation's history and culture. Projects include: Terra Cotta Picture Frame - Terra Cotta was used extensively in China. This project is in honor of the Terra Cotta Soldiers of the Tomb of the Emperor of the Qin Dynasty 221 - 206 B.C. Chinese Terra Cotta vases have been discovered from as early as 3000 B.C. Abacus - This is a calculating tool made of rows of beads on a rod. It was invented some time in the second century B.C., but the first record was a sketch in the 14th century in the Yuan Dynasty. Foam Dragon - The dragon represents wisdom and kind, power in the Chinese culture. He is the imperial symbol of China though the origin is unknown. Tetrahedron Kite - The Chinese were the first people to ever make and fly kites. Some were designed as animals and many were very large. National kite flying day in China is in April. Symbolic Book Cover - Chinese Calligraphy is an art form over 2000 years old, which remains basically unchanged. Lines and brush strokes represent words and letters. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
| Five projects passed on through generations of Native Americans. Projects include: Tag Bag - Treasured items were often carried in animal skins bags. This bag also doubles as a "memo" pad. Wampum Necklace - The color of the beads symbolized different things: White for health, peace and riches; purple for sympathy and sorrow; dark purple was the most valuable. Wampum beads were also traded as currency. Owner Stick - When Native American families gathered firewood or food; they marked the pile they had collected with an owner, or possession, stick. Cork Painting - Native Americans developed many characteristic designs, which covered their homes and clothing. Cork reminds us of the textured rawhide surfaces used in traditional Native American painting. Navajo Hogan Box - The Navajo Hogan is an eight-sided structure made of logs. The female Hogan is the family home where children are raised. A smaller structure where men meet is the male Hogan. The door of the Hogan always faces east to meet the rising sun. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
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Five projects that date back prior to America's
Revolutionary War. Projects include: Silver Tray - Almost
every colonial town had a silversmith who made candlesticks, platters and
bowls. Intricate designs were cut into the metal by engraving. Log Cabin
Quilt - Not a scrap of fabric was thrown away and patchwork was a common
design in Colonial America. Log cabin is a particular pattern which looked
like stacked logs. Rug - Apples are a traditional colonial design.
Only wealthy people had rugs, others made painted rugs of canvas from ship's
sails. Welcome Bandbox - Bandboxes were used to store the stiff
collars worn by the colonists. This box also uses decoupage, which started
with scraps of paper, which were never thrown out. Wired Candle
Holder - In colonial times, candleholders were forged in metal. A
special kind was one with spirals, called a courting candle, as the candle
burned down to the spirals it reminded the suitor it was time to leave.
07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. Associated Program: Colonial America 1: Back in Time |
| Five projects that date back to the Industrial Revolution. Projects include: Zoetrope - A Zoetrope is a revolving drum with slits on the side. On the inside of the drum was a flexible card with a sequence of 20 - 30 pictures. As you turned the drum and looked through the slits it appeared as if the object was moving. This was an early form of motion pictures. Morse Code - Samuel Morse developed the electromagnetic telegraph and the electronic alphabet known as Morse Code. On May 24, 1844, Morse sent his first telegraph message. Wedgewood - Josiah Wedgewood (1730 - 1795) revolutionized the production and sale of pottery. Inspired by Chinaware, Wedgewood was first made during the industrialization of factories using waterwheels to turn machines. Cotton Bags - The beginning of the Industrial Revolution was based on the cotton industry and many of the inventions were made for manufacturing and producing cotton. Pointillism - Part of the Industrial Revolution also involved a revolution of art forms. Pointillism and George Seurat were an important part of the Neo-Impressionist movement. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |
| Five projects that celebrate treasured moments of 20th century America. Projects include: Star Travel Game - Steam Engines and later railroads were a big factor in the industrialization of Europe and America. Transportation helped push the world to a time where power driven machinery changed manufacturing. Art Deco Bulletin Board - Art Deco was invented in 1935. One of the most famous examples of Art Deco architecture is the Empire State Building in New York. Teddy Bear - In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt lent his nickname, "Teddy," to a plush bear. A story was published about how he did not shoot a bear cub because it could not defend itself. The Teddy Bear became 100 years old in 2002. Old Glory Fresco - A fresco is a painting on a wall. The fresco technique involves painting on wet plaster. As the plaster dries it encases the color and the pigments form a permanent bond with the wall. This project involves the same look. Hawaii, the 50th state of the United States, was admitted into the union in 1959. Delta Airplane - The Wright brothers made their historic first flight in 1903. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PI 30 min. |