If you’re exploring ancient Egypt with your kids, this shiny scarab beetle craft is the perfect hands-on activity to bring history to life!

Scarab beetles were incredibly important symbols in ancient Egyptian culture, representing rebirth and protection.

With our free printable template, kids can easily trace the outline of a scarab beetle onto aluminum foil and use markers to create their own vibrant, metallic masterpiece.

This fun and educational craft not only sparks creativity but also provides a great way to learn more about the fascinating world of ancient Egypt.

And at the bottom of the page you’ll find some fun facts about the scarab beetle to talk about while you make your craft!

Scarab Beetle Craft

Materials

Scarab beetle craft template
Aluminum foil
Permanent markers
Scissors
Glue

Instructions

First, grab the scarab beetle template from the bottom of this page and print it out.

Glue a piece of aluminum foil to a sheet of cardstock or thin cardboard to give it some sturdiness.

Cut out all the pieces from the template.

Take a permanent marker and trace the scarab body onto the aluminum foil. Using aluminum foil give the completed scarab a shiny, metallic appearance like a real scarab beetle!

Then, use the other template pieces to trace the head, wings, and the ball that the scarab is holding.

Feel free to get creative and add extra details and designs to your scarab. You can follow the template example or come up with your own pattern.

Once you’re happy with the outline, cut out the scarab. You can also do this after you’ve colored it, but cutting it out first might prevent any smudging.

Now for the fun part—decorating your beetle! Use permanent markers to make your scarab bright and colorful. You can also use washable markers, but just be aware they might smudge a bit more.

And there you have it—a shiny, colorful scarab beetle that’s ready to show off!

And there you have it—a stunning scarab beetle craft that’s not only fun to make but also a fantastic way to learn about ancient Egyptian culture!

This activity is perfect for kids of all ages, allowing them to explore their creativity while connecting with history.

Display your shiny scarab beetle as a unique decoration or use it as a hands-on educational tool in your lessons about Egypt.

Interesting Facts About Scrab Beetles in Ancient Egypt

Here are some fun facts about the scarab beetle and its significance in ancient Egypt for:

Sacred Symbol: In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was a sacred symbol of the sun god Ra and was believed to represent the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Dung Beetle Connection: The scarab beetle is actually a type of dung beetle! The Egyptians noticed how these beetles rolled balls of dung across the ground, which reminded them of the sun moving across the sky.
Magic Amulets: Scarab beetles were often made into jewelry and amulets. The ancient Egyptians believed that these amulets had protective powers and would bring good luck.
Used in Mummies: Scarab amulets were placed on mummies during burial. Egyptians believed the scarab would help protect the soul in the afterlife.
Heart Scarab: A special type of scarab called the “heart scarab” was placed on the chest of mummies to ensure their heart would not betray them during the final judgment in the afterlife.
Daily Journey of the Sun: Ancient Egyptians believed the scarab beetle was responsible for pushing the sun across the sky each day, much like it pushes a ball of dung!
Hieroglyphic Symbol: The scarab beetle was also used as a symbol in Egyptian writing, known as hieroglyphics. It represented transformation and protection.
Popular in Art: Scarab beetles were often depicted in Egyptian art and carvings. You can find them on many ancient artifacts, from tomb paintings to temple walls.
Endless Energy: Egyptians thought the scarab beetle was a symbol of endless energy and regeneration, because the beetle seemed to appear magically out of the ground.