Grade 6 students had a chance to explore artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt during a visit to the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures this week. They searched the collection to find examples that showcase different aspects of these civilizations. For example, clay tablets with legal inscriptions showed how the law was practiced. Canopic jars and mummies demonstrated some elements of religion in ancient Egypt. Students also saw a fragment of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest written record of texts from the Torah! It was especially exciting to see cuneiform writing after students had a chance to practice the wedge shaped script in class with Morah Lianne. Students were also excited to make connections to the Epic of Gilgamesh by identifying artifacts made from lapis lazuli and carnelian. It was a great opportunity to use the city as a classroom.