If your kids are learning about Ancient Egypt, there’s no better way to bring history to life than with a hands-on science experiment!
This mummified orange activity is a fun and educational way to explore how mummification worked, using simple household ingredients. It’s perfect for curious kids who love history, sensory activities, or getting stuck into a little DIY science at home. Whether you’re a teacher looking for a classroom experiment or a parent looking for a creative homeschool idea, this is one you’ll want to try.
How to Make a Mummified Orange
Mummification worked by drying out the body.
You can have a go at mummifying an orange in the same way.
Follow along with the simple step by step instructions below to make this mummification project at home with the kids….
How to make a mummified orange ancient Egyptian science project for kids
Turn an orange into an ancient Egyptian mummy with this hands-on history experiment! A fun and memorable way for kids to explore mummification using simple household ingredients.
Materials
- • An orange
- • Teaspoon
- • Kitchen towel
- • 3½ oz (100g) salt
- • 3½ oz (100g) bicarbonate of soda
- • 1 tsp cinnamon
- • A few cloves
- • Permanent marker
- • 30in (80cm) length of bandage
Instructions
- Make a slit in the orange, then use a teaspoon to scoop out all the flesh.
- Stuff the inside of the orange with kitchen towel for a few minutes to absorb any moisture.
- Mix the salt, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon and cloves together, then spoon this mixture into the orange. If you like, you can draw a face on your orange now!
- Pushing the slit together, wrap the orange tightly with the bandage, tucking in the end.
- Leave it in a warm, dry place for a couple of months. When you unwrap your orange, it will be dark, dry and withered – just like an Egyptian mummy!
This activity is a brilliant way to teach children about the science behind Ancient Egyptian mummification in a way that really sticks.
By actually going through the process of drying out the orange, kids get a hands-on demonstration of preservation techniques. Plus, the inclusion of cloves and cinnamon gives the project a wonderfully fragrant twist and a chance to talk about how Ancient Egyptians used spices and oils in the embalming process.
From the Book Live Like an Ancient Egyptian
This fun and educational activity comes from the book Live Like an Ancient Egyptian by Claire Saunders, illustrated by Ruth Hickson.
The book is packed full of clever ways to learn about Ancient Egyptian culture by recreating the experiences yourself, from crafts and recipes to science experiments like this one. It’s such an engaging way to help kids connect with history, and it’s ideal for combining learning with play. If your child enjoys project-based learning, this book is a must-have addition to your collection!
Making a mummified orange is a clever, slightly quirky way to step into the sandals of an Ancient Egyptian. Activities like this make history tangible and fun and they create lasting memories too.
Whether you’re teaching at home or in the classroom, this one is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to check out Live Like an Ancient Egyptian for even more interactive ideas to bring the past to life!
Related: How to make your own papyrus paper at home
If you enjoyed this project, please share it with other parents or teachers and let us know how your orange mummy turns out!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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