Dr. Rasti’s sixth grade social studies class worked with me in science to explore the many historical uses of the mineral salt. The class learned that salt was very valuable in ancient times as it was used to preserve many foods in an era without refrigeration. Salt tends to absorb moisture and the class explored ancient mummifying techniques using this property of salt. Students rolled chicken legs in salt, covered them in cheesecloth bandages, and tied off the ends to seal the “chicken leg mummies.” The class will examine how things after progressed after five weeks at the end of winter break. As of week two, the average leg had lost about 18% of its mass. Interestingly, the legs have no rotten smell, but only the smell of cloves and star anise, spice used to cover any potential scents deemed offensive.