Build Your Own Sugar Cube Pyramid

In our soon-to-be released Audio Adventure, The Cat of Bubastes, we are traveling to Egypt! A wonderful extension activity to help bring this period in history alive is to make a sugar cube pyramid. They are fun and easy to build with kids of all ages and abilities. Our simple pyramid only requires a few household supplies to make.

Materials Needed:

• Box of sugar cubes
• Piece of cardboard, cut into 8 x 8 inch square
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• White school glue (or white icing or hot glue)
• Paintbrush
• Sand (craft or play sand will work fine)

1. Cut an 8-inch by 8-inch cardboard square. This is the base of your pyramid, so the quality of the cardboard should be strong and durable. If you’d like to create a bigger or smaller pyramid, you can adjust the size of the base to suit your needs.

2. Paint a layer of glue or icing around the edges of your square. Then, place sugar cubes over top of the glue. You will not cover the entire base; just the outer edge on each side of the square.

3. Add the second layer to the pyramid. Paint a layer of glue on the inside half of the cubes. This will allow the cubes to sit slightly back towards the middle of the pyramid/inside of the square. The second layer will require fewer cubes than the bottom layer.

4. Repeat this process. With each new layer, paint a layer of glue on the inner half of the sugar cube and create a new, smaller square on top of every layer. Keep going until your pyramid comes to a point at the top and in the middle. (The inside of your pyramid will be hollow since you are only adding edges to each layer.)

5. Let your pyramid dry completely. Overnight drying is recommended.

6. Paint your entire pyramid with glue. Use a paintbrush to apply a thin layer. Use caution not to damage the structure of the pyramid as you paint.

7. Sprinkle with sand to create a nice, finished look.

8. Let the pyramid dry.

Now you’ve got your very own Egyptian pyramid to enhance your The Cat of Bubastes studies!