Exploring Ancient Civilizations: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire

Learning Outcomes:

• Know the key events and factors that led to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire
• Understand the impact of the Roman Empire on world history and modern society
• Can analyze primary and secondary sources to draw conclusions about the Roman Empire

Methodology:

This activity will involve a combination of individual research, group discussions, and creative presentations.

Resources/Materials Required:

• Textbooks and online resources on the Roman Empire
• Access to a computer or tablet with internet connection
• Art supplies (paper, markers, colored pencils, etc.)
• Projector or interactive whiteboard

Instructions:

1. Begin by introducing the topic of the Roman Empire and its significance in world history. Provide a brief overview of the key events and factors that led to its rise and eventual fall.

2. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific aspect of the Roman Empire to research. This could include topics such as government, architecture, daily life, military, or religion.

3. Instruct students to use both primary and secondary sources to gather information about their assigned topic. Encourage them to explore a variety of resources, including books, articles, and reputable websites.

4. Once the research is complete, have each group create a visually engaging presentation to share their findings with the class. They can use art supplies to create posters, infographics, or even short videos to present their information.

5. Allocate time for each group to present their projects to the class. Encourage active participation and discussion by allowing students to ask questions and provide feedback to their peers.

6. After all the presentations, facilitate a class discussion to summarize the key points learned about the Roman Empire. Encourage students to make connections between the different aspects of the empire and its lasting impact on modern society.

Assessment:

Assess students' understanding of the topic through the following methods:

• Group presentation: Evaluate the accuracy and depth of research, as well as the clarity and creativity of the presentation.
• Class participation: Observe students' engagement during group discussions and the class summary.
• Written reflection: Ask students to write a short reflection on the most interesting or surprising aspect they learned about the Roman Empire.