Engaging Entry Point for a Year 8 History Lesson on Rome
Introduction: Roman Time Capsule
Imagine stepping into a time machine that only requires your imagination! Today, we will embark on a journey back to ancient Rome, a civilisation that shaped much of our modern world. To kick off our lesson, we will create a "Roman Time Capsule" that will hold our thoughts, feelings, and knowledge about this incredible empire.
Activity: Create Your Own Time Capsule
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Materials Needed:
- Small boxes or envelopes (one per student or group)
- Markers, coloured pencils, and paper
- Printouts of Roman artefacts (statues, pottery, coins, etc.)
- Optional: Items from home that represent "Roman" (miniature items, drawings, etc.)
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Instructions:
- Explain to the students that they will create a time capsule that represents what they think is important about ancient Rome.
- Ask them to consider:
- What did Rome contribute to the world?
- What significant events or figures in Roman history do you think should be remembered?
- If you could only keep three objects to show future generations what Rome was like, what would they be?
- Give students 15-20 minutes to brainstorm and decorate their time capsules. This can include writing short descriptions or drawing representations of their chosen items.
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Sharing Time:
- Once completed, allow each student or group to present their time capsule to the class, explaining the significance of the items they chose and how they connect to key themes such as government, society, or culture in ancient Rome.
Conclusion: Reflection and Transition
After everyone has shared their time capsules, engage the students in a brief discussion:
- What was one new thing you learned about ancient Rome from your peers?
- How do you think the Roman Empire influences our lives today?
This engaging and creative entry point will set the tone for a deeper exploration of Roman history throughout the lesson. It not only encourages critical thinking and creativity but also fosters collaboration and communication among students as they discuss and reflect on their findings. Get ready to dive deeper into the remarkable world of Rome!