ELLINWOOD — Learning of pyramids, and Africa and the Great Sphinx, sixth graders at Ellinwood Grade School also dissected frogs to learn the mummification process used by the ancient Egyptians.

"We followed all the procedures that Egyptians would have used for mummifications," said Seresa Arndt, teacher. But instead of a human, they mummified a frog.

"We made incisions and took out all of the organs," said Brevan Phelps, student. "We put the organs in Canopic jars."

Canopic jars were used by the ancient Egyptians to store and preserve organs for the afterlife.

The students made their own brown Canopic jars.

Salt and pepper and herbs were also placed in the jars so that they did not smell bad. "It sort of worked," said the students.

The students then oiled the frog and wrapped it in linens. The frog was then placed in a decorated tomb. They then walked across the Nile River (or around the school) and took the frogs to their final resting place in a pyramid.

"It was great because we had to do everything," said Phelps. The students also studied King Tut.

"We taught using the internet to allow kids to follow the steps," said Arndt. "They studied organs and mummification. It was a lengthy assignment as a part of the Egyptian studies for over a month."

The art teacher was also involved in making the artwork.

"It was a lot of fun," said Sam Ringering, student.

The section on ancient Egypt is a part of the social studies curriculum. They have now moved on to studies of ancient China.

"The class is focusing on different civilizations," said Arndt. "If they experience the culture, they do a lot better if they can relate it to personal experience."

"I like studying about other cultures," said Phelps.

The class has also dissected cow eyes.