Exploring Ancient Rome

Lesson Plan Overview

Subject: History
Year Level: Year 7
Stage: Stage 4
Topic: The Ancient Past - Ancient Rome (Introductory Lesson)
Focus: Historical analysis and understanding of Ancient Rome
Time Duration: 90 minutes
Curriculum Reference: NSW History Syllabus Stage 4 - HT4-2: "Describes major features of a past society and its legacy." Cross-curriculum priorities and general capabilities include critical and creative thinking, intercultural understanding, and literacy.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the significance of Ancient Rome in shaping history and its enduring legacy.
2. Identify key features of Ancient Rome, such as its society, culture, architecture, and governance.
3. Develop skills in interpreting and analysing historical sources.
4. Reflect on the relevance of Ancient Rome in modern society through creative and critical thinking exercises.

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Materials & Resources

• A whiteboard or interactive smartboard
• Printed handouts of primary and secondary Roman sources
• "Artefacts replica box" (faux artefacts or images, e.g., coins, mosaics, weapon models)
• Butcher’s paper or digital tools for group work (tablet/laptop if available)
• Classroom world map

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Lesson Outline

1. Warm-up Activity: "Journey Back in Time" (10 minutes)

Teaching Strategy: Immersive and storytelling approach

• Begin the lesson by dimming the lights and narrating a short dramatic story that transports students back to Ancient Rome.
  Example: “Imagine walking through the bustling streets of Rome. Soldiers march, merchants shout, and citizens gather around a grand colosseum. You hear Latin words mixed with laughter and powerful decisions being made in marble buildings…”
• Ask students:
  1. "What do you picture in your mind?"
  2. "What do you already know about Ancient Rome?"
  3. "What do you want to learn about it?"
• Record key ideas and questions on the board for the class to revisit later.

Engagement Link to Curriculum: Activates critical thinking and encourages discussion. Develops historical curiosity and engagement.

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2. Introducing Ancient Rome (15 minutes)

Teaching Strategy: Visual and collaborative learning

• Use a map of Ancient Rome (projected on the screen or physical) to introduce its broad geographical spread. Highlight locations such as Rome, the Mediterranean, and nearby regions.
  • Ask: “Why do you think Rome’s location was important to its success?” (Students brainstorm).
• Present a brief timeline of Ancient Rome (753 BCE – 476 CE).
• Discuss key features:
  • Society: Slaves, Patricians, Plebeians
  • Culture: Daily life, food, and entertainment
  • Architecture: Roads, aqueducts, and the Colosseum
  • Governance: Republic to Empire
• Use pictures of Roman landmarks, artefacts, and daily living for visual reinforcement.

Cross-Curricular Capability: Incorporates geography through maps and socio-cultural studies while fostering intercultural understanding.

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3. Artefact Analysis: Hands-On Exploration (25 minutes)

Activity: Small group investigation

1. Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students (6 groups total).
2. Provide each group with 2-3 replica artefacts or images of artefacts (e.g., Roman coins, a senate document, mosaic images, or aqueduct diagrams).
3. Each group answers prompt questions:
   • “What does this artefact tell us about Ancient Roman life or society?”
   • “Who might have used this object, and why?”
   • “Does this artefact remind you of anything in the modern world?”
4. Groups record their observations on butcher’s paper or digitally.
5. Rotate artefacts so each group analyses different items.

Teacher’s Role: Circulate among groups to guide discussions, answer questions, and prompt deeper insights.

General Capability: Enhances literacy and critical thinking by interpreting primary/secondary sources and engaging in small group discussions.

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4. Group Sharing & Discussion (15 minutes)

Teaching Strategy: Collaborative learning and peer teaching

• Each group briefly presents their artefacts and findings to the class.
  Example: “Our group had Roman coins. We think they were used for trade and show the importance of the emperor because... "
• Facilitate a discussion to draw parallels between Ancient Rome and modern-day topics:
  • Roman roads ↔ modern infrastructure
  • Roman Republic ↔ modern democracy
  • Gladiatorial games ↔ modern sports and entertainment

Intercultural Understanding: Encourages connecting past societies to present-day cultural practices.

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5. Creative Task: Roman Legacy Poster (20 minutes)

Activity: Bringing creative thinking to the forefront

• Ask students to work in pairs and design a mini-poster (paper or digital) titled: “The Legacy of Ancient Rome.”
• Include:
  1. A Roman innovation or system (e.g., aqueducts, governance, law)
  2. A drawing or brief description of how it influences modern Australia/society today (e.g., democratic values, urban planning).
• Posters can be displayed in the classroom or shared in a "gallery walk."

General Capability: Fosters creativity and personal expression, alongside reinforcing historical analysis.

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6. Wrap-Up Reflection: "What Stays With Us?" (5 minutes)

Teaching Strategy: Individual written reflection

• Ask students to complete a short written reflection:
  • “What surprised you the most about Ancient Rome today?”
  • “If you could visit Rome in the ancient world, what would you want to see or do?”
  • “How does Ancient Rome’s legacy affect my life?”

Exit Ticket: Collect reflections as students leave the classroom for assessment of understanding.

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Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Observing group discussions, poster work, and the artefact analysis presentations.
• Summative Assessment: Exit tickets provide insights into individual understanding and engagement with the topic.

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Differentiation

• For students requiring additional support: Provide sentence starters or scaffolding for reflection and group work. Pair them with a supportive buddy during activities.
• For advanced learners: Challenge them to explore unique interpretations of artefacts (e.g., “What might this piece NOT tell us about Rome?”) or consider lesser-known aspects of Roman history.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Geography: Mapping Ancient Rome and its geographical significance.
• Civics and Citizenship: Exploring the foundations of governments and democratic values.
• English: Developing literacy skills by analysing primary sources and expressing historical perspectives in written reflections.

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Teacher Reflection

• Were students highly engaged during the artefact analysis activity?
• Did students successfully connect elements of Ancient Rome to their modern world?
• Would adding role-play enhance the immersive aspects of the lesson?

End the class with enthusiasm: “Next week, we’ll dive even deeper into Rome’s fascinating world! Gladiators, emperors, mystery—get ready!”