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

Learning Outcomes:

• Know the key events and figures that shaped the Roman Empire
• Understand the social, political, and economic factors that contributed to the empire's rise and fall
• 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:

• Textbooks or online resources about the Roman Empire
• Access to a computer or tablet for research
• Art supplies for creating visual aids (optional)

Instructions:

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
2. Assign each group a specific aspect of the Roman Empire to research, such as its government, military, economy, or culture.
3. Provide students with a list of suggested primary and secondary sources to gather information from, such as historical texts, articles, or documentaries.
4. Give students time to conduct their research and take notes.
5. Once the research phase is complete, have each group come together to discuss their findings and create a visual presentation to showcase their knowledge.
6. Encourage creativity in the presentations, such as using posters, slideshows, or even short skits.
7. Allow each group to present their findings to the class, highlighting the key points and engaging the audience with interactive elements.
8. After each presentation, facilitate a class discussion to compare and contrast the different aspects of the Roman Empire.
9. Conclude the activity by asking students to reflect on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and its relevance to modern societies.

Assessment:

Assess students' understanding through the following criteria:

• Accuracy and depth of research
• Clarity and organization of the visual presentation
• Active participation in group discussions and class presentations
• Ability to draw connections between the Roman Empire and modern societies