Battle of Ancient Greece and Rome

Summary

Students voted between ancient Greece and ancient Rome for their favorite ancient civilization, after being exposed to both civilizations to master Social S SOL 3.1, 3.4, 3.7. The class was placed into two teams: the ancient Greeks and ancient Romans. After the groups were created, the students were given the mission of recreating their ancient civilization on their half of the classroom, using any materials available in the classroom. Students went to a google document to place themselves into research groups, which included six important aspects of the culture, which included daily life, religion and sports, art and architecture, occupations, agriculture, and government. The students were responsible to research pertinent information on their topic. Students then went to an online collabortive tool to brainstorm possible ideas for the recreation of their ancient civilization. Students were given a safe search engine, books, and their parents, which they could use for research. Research findings were posted on a Google form so they could add information at home as well. Students could view each other’s research. Students then began the recreation of their civlization and reflection time was given throughout the lesson to think about what needed to be done and improved on within their groups. An invitation was given to the 3rd and 4th grade students to come view both civilizations for a review and the 3rd and 4th grade voted online for their favorite civilization and explained the reasons why. The results served as a final reflection on their work

TIPC Ratings

This lesson falls in the ideal range for Research and Information. Students were given a safe search engine but needed to find their own sites that were appropriate and also use other sources such as books and people. Research was written online for others to view and share. Also part of the form was an area for students to cite their sources and indicate whether or not they thought it was a good cite for others to use. Others could look at this recommendation and determine if they would use it or not.

This lesson falls in the the ideal range for Communication and Collaboration. Students communicated within a large group and within smaller groups, which they was chosen themselves. Students also used digital tools, such as Google tools and web tools to communicate their ideas and solutions. Students had to work together as a whole group and sub groups and offer ideas and also compromise with their group members.

This lesson falls in the ideal range for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Students had to think about solutions that had more than one right answer. Students had to generate questions in order to find the right solution for their task. The students had to take risks because their task was part of a bigger task and had to represent others not just themselves. Sometimes the problem was never solved but more questions were presented which posed some difficulties. A solution was always worked out by the students.

This lesson falls in the ideal range for Creativity and Innovation. Students were given complete freedom to choose what areas of their ancient civilization to highlight and the way their ancient civilization would look. Students had a wide range of materials and original artiffacts were created such as columns, pottery, clothing, posters. Technology was used to help find pictures of these items for samples, and posers were created along with sign to label the work. A movie was created to document and share the day and the civilizations. Reflection was given so students could improve on all their work.