How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Then, because their book on Egyptian writing told them hieroglyphics were considered magical works of art as well as writing, and because they were always done in many bright colors, it was decided that some sets of colored pens were necessary. (14.14)
The kids don't just make up their hieroglyphic system from scratch: they do the necessary background research in order to learn about what hieroglyphics meant and how they were drawn in ancient Egypt. That type of in-depth research makes any project successful. That, plus a giant pile of bright markers.
Quote #8
In real Egyptian times, he said, the preparation of the dead and the funeral ceremony took as much as forty days. Theirs wouldn't take that long, but maybe it would last as much as five or six days. He said that before he could really get started, they were going to need a lot of supplies… (15.11)
Apparently Toby's preferred research area was, um, preparing mummies. Which is a little creepy, but it comes in handy when he needs to lead the kids in the burial of Elizabeth's beloved parakeet. They're going to do this the right way. Thanks for the mummy research, Toby.
Quote #9
So Toby asked a question about oracles and sure enough it worked. He'd picked on a subject that Mrs. Granger could really get her teeth into. She got that gleam in her eye and started out full blast, and Toby settled back, feeling sure she was good for the rest of the time until recess. (16.2)
The Egypt Game even has the kids more involved in school. They're suddenly way more interested in learning more about history—especially if it's something that they can use in their game.