Museum Kits

In the summer semester of 2022, students of Classical Archaeology (Johanna Schmidt, Alisa Stolzheise, Aylin Yeni, and Lisa Timmers) developed four educational museum kits, each centred on different objects from the Collection of Antiquities at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU). The kits were primarily designed for use in schools as educational teaching and learning materials. They include visual resources and activities structured around engaging narratives that encourage in-depth exploration of archaeological artefacts while introducing students to scholarly methods in an accessible and interactive way.

The kits contain 3D-printed objects from the Collection of Antiquities that can be handled directly, providing a tactile learning experience. Their design not only reflects the respective themes and prepares students for the learning material, but also forms an integral part of the interactive experience. Images, texts, games and puzzle formats, audio files, and additional digital resources further enhance the immersive learning environment.

The content of the kits was developed with the curricula of various subjects and grade levels in mind, ensuring seamless integration into existing educational programmes.

The four museum kits of the Collection of Antiquities are now available for loan from Dr. Michaela Stark, curator of the Collection of Antiquities at Justus Liebig University Giessen. Loans are issued subject to a refundable deposit.

Egyptian Funerary Cult

Designed for students in grades 5 and 6, this museum kit is suitable for use in history and religious education classes. It explores the funerary culture of ancient Egypt. Assuming the role of archaeologists, students investigate a pyramid, where they learn about the stages of the burial ritual and reconstruct the social status and identity of the deceased. Covering topics from burial practices to beliefs about the afterlife, the kit introduces a variety of objects, materials, religious rites, and Egyptian deities.

The kit is intended to be completed within a double lesson (90 minutes).

Myths and Mythical Creatures

Intended for students in grades 7 and 8, this museum kit is suitable for use in Latin and history classes. It takes students on a journey into the world of ancient mythical creatures through the myth of Odysseus. The kit explores the influence of myth on everyday life in antiquity as well as its reception in the modern era. Upon opening the kit, the evils escape from Pandora’s box — including a siren who guides students through the narrative.

The kit is intended to be completed within a double lesson (90 minutes).

Women in Antiquity

This museum kit is particularly suitable for students in grades 8 and 9 and can be used in history, Greek, and religious education classes. It explores Greek funerary practices and the roles and experiences of women in antiquity. Guided by the grandchildren of a deceased noblewoman, students make their way through a cemetery, passing the graves of women of different ages. The funerary monuments, commissioned by surviving family members, reflect the social roles of women in the ancient world.

The kit is intended to be completed within a double lesson (90 minutes).

The Roman Civil War

Designed for students in grade 11, this museum kit can be used in history, Latin, and politics classes. It examines the Roman Civil War and its consequences — the end of the Republic and the beginning of the Empire. Through a series of thematic learning stations, students explore the causes, course, and aftermath of the conflict between Pompey and Julius Caesar. They are also introduced to the research methods of Classical Archaeology, working not only with archaeological artefacts but also with Latin-German texts and maps. Finally, students analyse the relationship between political programmes and artistic production in ancient Rome.

Due to its extensive content, the kit is intended to be completed over two to three double lessons (90 minutes each).