Ancient Empires
HOW IT WORKS
Ancient Empires focuses on both the social
studies and language arts curriculum. To begin, a whole class lesson on the unit and
expectations are outlined. The ancient empires are identified and
discussed: Ancient China, Egypt, Greece, India, and Rome. The
group brainstorms areas to research. Five groups of six students
work cooperatively to gather information about famous people,
ancient clothing, ancient wonders, and a detailed map of a specific
empire. Groups assign the various areas to their members. After
each group meeting, a written progress report is submitted to the
teacher. On an ongoing basis, student groups conference
with the teacher for guidance in the planning process and to assess their
progress. The students use the Internet and printed materials to
find information. Outside research is expected and encouraged through
the use of home computers, library reference materials, and fiction
and nonfiction literature. In order to equip the students, mini-lessons
are introduced about each empire using replicas of artifacts,
magazines, and books.
For this program, the technology resource teacher completed instruction in six to eight
week cycles. There was a weekly 45-minute period with the class and then the teacher
worked with the students in small groups daily. During the 45-minute period, students research
the topic in print and on the Internet, and review the software that will
be utilized to write about and illustrate their findings. With the
help of the classroom teacher, all students utilize
the computer daily to work on a specified task. Students work in small groups to gather
information and each group has a representative report back during
the whole-class meeting at the end of each lesson. After the
information is gathered, students use a writing program, drawing
program, database, and multimedia program to present their knowledge.
THE STUDENTS
This program was designed for sixth grade students, but the activities
have been adapted for grades two through six. Depending upon the
ability of the class, research can be more in depth, completed in
pairs, or teacher directed.
THE STAFF
Catherine O’Sullivan is presently a technology resource teacher at
P.S.60Q, an elementary school in Woodhaven. She works cooperatively
with classroom teachers to use technology as a tool while teaching language arts, social studies,
and science curriculum. As a classroom teacher, she has won the District 27 Computer
Contest three times. Ancient Empires is a contest winner as well.
Catherine received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree at
Queens College and is presently earning her degree in school
leadership at the New York Institute of Technology.
WHAT YOU NEED
This program requires computers with Internet access, KidPix Studio
Deluxe, AppleWorks, FileMaker Pro, HyperStudio, maps of ancient
countries, and primary source materials, including pictures and
replicas of artifacts.
OVERALL VALUE
The program enables students to understand that ancient empires
were diverse in culture and beliefs, while learning about famous
people and beautiful structures from that period. Ancient Empires
fosters self-esteem through cooperative learning. The use of various
computer applications encourages the students’ creativity through text
and illustrations. The unit comes alive with the use of multimedia
application, and learning becomes fun! The finished product can be
used effectively as a reference tool later in the school year or for other
classes in the same grade.
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