The Egyptians recorded information and text on rolled up paper called scrolls. Scrolls were made from papyrus, a plant that grows on the banks of the Nile River. Make your own scroll and paint a message on it in hieroglyphics.

Make your own papyrus scroll

Materials

newspaper to cover your work area
plastic wrap
2 sheets of thick paper towels
plastic bowl or container
scissors
1 cup of water
1 1/2 tablespoons of white glue
8 blades of grass
paints and brush
piece of string

1. Spread the newspaper over your work area.
2. Mix the water and glue into the bowl. Stir with spoon.
3. Cut the paper towels into 3/4 inch strips.
4. Tear a sheet of plastic wrap about 15 inches long and spread it on the newspaper.
5. Take one paper strip, dip it into the mixture of water and glue, and place it on the plastic wrap horizontally.
6. Take another paper strip, dip it in the mixture and place it vertically, slightly overlapping the previous strip on the far left side.
7. Continue by following the diagram until all the strips have been used.
8. Put the blades of grass in the mixture, take them out and spread them over the paper.
9. Take another piece of plastic wrap and spread it over the finished piece of paper.
10. Place a heavy book over the plastic and let sit for an hour. Take the book and top layer of plastic off and let dry overnight.
11. Peel off the plastic. Now paint a hieroglyph or design on your papyrus. When the paint is dry, roll up your scroll and tie the string around it.