Contextualization

The ancient civilizations of Rome and Greece have had an immense impact on the world we live in today. They were pioneers in the fields of philosophy, politics, arts, architecture, and many other aspects of human life.

Greece, also known as the cradle of Western civilization, gave birth to democracy, the Olympic Games, and important concepts in philosophy and science. They were also great builders, leaving behind impressive structures such as the Parthenon and the Theatre of Epidaurus.

Rome, on the other hand, built a vast empire that stretched from Britain to the Middle East. The Romans were masters of engineering, creating an intricate network of roads, aqueducts, and buildings that still stand today. They also left an indelible mark on law, language, and governance, with many modern systems still influenced by Roman principles.

By understanding the history and culture of these ancient civilizations, we can gain a deeper comprehension of the world we live in today. Many of our contemporary ideas and systems have their roots in these ancient societies, making them a crucial part of our shared human story.

This project introduces students to the rich history of ancient Rome and Greece. We will explore their politics, society, culture, and contributions to the world. The project will engage students in a fun, hands-on activity that will allow them to experience firsthand the achievements of these remarkable civilizations.

Resources

To assist you in your research and understanding of these topics, please refer to the following resources:

1. BBC Bitesize - Ancient Greece
2. BBC Bitesize - Ancient Rome
3. National Geographic Kids - Ancient Greece
4. National Geographic Kids - Ancient Rome
5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: Ancient Greece
6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: Ancient Rome
7. Ancient History Encyclopedia - Ancient Greece
8. Ancient History Encyclopedia - Ancient Rome

Remember, these are just starting points. Feel free to explore more sources and always remember to critically analyze the information you find. Happy researching!

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Ancient Rome and Greece: Time Travelers"

Objective of the Project:

To create a visual and interactive timeline that showcases the major events, contributions, and key figures of the ancient civilizations of Rome and Greece. This activity aims to develop teamwork, research, and presentation skills, as well as an understanding of the impact of these civilizations on our world today.

Detailed Description of the Project:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members. Each group will be assigned one of the civilizations (Rome or Greece) to focus on. The group members will research and compile information on significant events, important figures, and notable contributions to human civilization from their assigned civilization.

The culmination of their research will be the creation of a timeline, starting from the founding of the civilization to its decline. This timeline will include key events, figures, and contributions, and will be presented in a visual and interactive format.

Necessary Materials:

• Large poster boards or chart papers
• Colored markers, pens, and pencils
• Sticky notes
• Internet access for research
• Access to a printer for any necessary images
• Craft materials for creating interactive elements (optional)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Research and Compilation: Each group will start by conducting thorough research on their assigned civilization. The focus should be on major historical events, influential figures, and significant contributions to human civilization. The information should be organized chronologically.

2. Timeline Creation: Using the information gathered, groups will create a timeline on the poster board or chart paper. The timeline should include key events, figures, and contributions, and must be presented in a clear and organized manner. Sticky notes can be used to easily add or move events.

3. Visual Enhancement: The timeline should be visually appealing and easy to comprehend. Students can use colored markers, pens, and pencils, as well as images printed from the internet, to enhance their timeline visually.

4. Interactive Elements: Students can create interactive elements, such as small flip books on the timeline for more in-depth information about key events or figures. This will make the timeline more engaging and give students the opportunity to showcase their creativity.

5. Presentation: Each group will present their timeline to the class. The presentation should include a walk-through of the timeline, highlighting key events, figures, and contributions. Each group member should participate in the presentation.

Project Deliverables:

At the end of the project, each group will submit the following:

1. The Timeline: The final timeline, including all the research and visual enhancements, should be submitted. This can be in the form of a digital file or a physical poster board, depending on the group's choice.

2. Written Report: A written document that complements the timeline. The document should be divided into the following sections:

   • Introduction: A brief overview of the civilization, its importance, and the objective of the project. The students should contextualize their timeline and explain its relevance.

   • Development: A detailed explanation of the researched facts about the civilization. The students should explain the methodology used and the theory behind the facts included in the timeline.

   • Conclusion: A summary of the main points of the timeline and the learnings obtained from the project. The students should also explain how their understanding of the civilization has evolved through the project.

   • Bibliography: A list of the resources used for research.

This project will not only assess students' knowledge of ancient Rome and Greece but also their ability to work collaboratively, manage time, and effectively present information. It is an engaging and fun way to learn about two of the most influential ancient civilizations.