Currently the fifth grade is studying Egyptian culture. Shabtis are molded figurines, which were placed in the tombs of the dead. Bronze shabtis were often made or commissioned by wealthy Egyptians. The fifth grade had a chance to have their own shabtis made. Jeff showed the students how molds are constructed using clay and used fire to melt bronze into a liquid form. Jeff then poured the molten bronze into molds which he cooled off in water to create the final piece. Students were allowed to take the shabti that was made and also their own small piece of bronze as a keepsake.