Students are introduced to ancient Rome through its physical geography. They learn how geography impacted ancient Rome and its rise to power. Next, they learn about the Etruscans, Carthaginians, and Greek colonists of Italy, and explain how these three cultures influenced Rome’s beginnings. Finally, they read the legend of the founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus. They evaluate which parts of it may be based on reality and which parts are fantasy. Then, they write a brief realistic version of the legend.
Objectives:
- Locate and describe the physical geography of ancient Rome.
- Identify the ways that geography influenced ancient Rome.
- Describe the influence of other societies on Rome.
Scene 1 — Engage
Student Activity
Students read a brief introduction that highlights the advanced features of ancient Roman civilization and previews the lesson objectives. They examine an unlabeled topographical map, then use a drawing tool to label any land or water features they recognize or guess. After the teacher unlocks the next section, students view a labeled modern map of the same region and then post to a class wall explaining how they think the geography might have influenced the region.
Teacher Moves
Introduce the experience and review the objectives. Facilitate discussion of student map annotations, prompting them to identify the region and to notice features such as Italy’s peninsular shape, surrounding seas, and connection to the Mediterranean. Use student wall responses to highlight ideas about trade, contact with other cultures, isolation, climate, and agriculture before transitioning to the next scene.
Scene 2 — Explore
Student Activity
Students view an image of the Cogne Valley in northern Italy and read How Did Geography Help Rome Rise to Power? and Ways in Which Geography Impacted Rome's Development to investigate how physical geography supported Rome’s growth. As they read, they complete a four-part graphic organizer with notes on protection from invasion, fertile land, Rome’s role as a center of trade, and diversity of population. They then answer two multiple-choice questions identifying Rome’s geographical advantages and disadvantages.
Teacher Moves
Use student notes and responses to the questions to check understanding of how Rome’s location, climate, landforms, and resources shaped its security, economy, and connections with other regions. Clarify any misconceptions about advantages and disadvantages before moving on.
Scene 3 — Explain
Student Activity
Students examine an image of an Etruscan painting and read Etruscans, the first five sections of Ancient Africa: Ancient Carthage, and How Did Greek Culture Influence the Development of Roman Civilization? to learn how these three cultures influenced early Rome. They complete a graphic organizer that records each culture (Etruscans, Carthage, Greece) and its specific influences on Rome. Using their notes, they post to a class wall explaining how the three cultures shaped Roman civilization, citing evidence.
Teacher Moves
Point advanced students to Civilization: Etruscans for enrichment. Review students’ graphic organizers and wall posts, and share an interesting or exemplary response with the class to spark discussion about cultural diffusion and the blending of ideas in early Rome.
Scene 4 — Elaborate
Student Activity
Students view an image of the she-wolf with Romulus and Remus and read Ancient Rome: Romulus and Remus to explore the legendary founding of Rome. They complete a two-column table categorizing elements of the story as “Reality” or “Fantasy.” Then they write a brief version of the legend that removes the fantasy elements and presents a realistic account of how the founding might have happened. Finally, they read classmates’ versions and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher Moves
Use student tables and rewritten legends to prompt discussion about distinguishing historical fact from myth and how legends can contain kernels of truth. Encourage constructive peer feedback on classmates’ posts.
Scene 5 — Evaluate
Student Activity
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher Moves
Facilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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