LESSON IDEA I.

The Roman Empire

Tennessee State Standard:
7.1 Analyze the legacy of the Roman Empire. (C, H)

ISTE Standards:
1) Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products
and processes using technology.
3) Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

Learning Objectives: Identify the major contributions of the Roman Empire. Apply the ideas to
todays world. Identify modern day analogies in an easy to reference chart.

Problem statement:
You are the owner of an upstart travel company. You jut scored your biggest client yet! They
want to tour Ancient Roman sites around the Mediterranean. However, they dont just want to
look at a bunch of ruins. They need exciting and relevant information! You need to know some
basics about the Ancient Roman contributions to society today so that you can help inform your
clients as you tour Rome and all of the other sites around the historic lands! You will create a
chart with pictures and descriptions of Roman contributions in the modern world.

Task List:
I. Teacher will display photos of various Roman ruins around the world. Teacher will ask
questions to seek any prior knowledge. Teacher will pose the question Why is it
important today?

II. Students will go to the computers and access these websites for information on the
Roman Empire.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/507739/Roman-Empire/280094/The-legacy-of-Rome
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/romans/

III. They will identify important Roman contributions such as law, architecture, and
plumbing. They will find a picture and provide a brief description. These things they will
put into a word processer chart with four columns.

IV. In the other two columns they will provide a modern day analogy or application. They
will provide a picture as well as a description telling why it is relevant today.





Roman roads




The Romans developed
an extensive road
system to link their
empire socially and
economically. For such
a vast land, a reliable,
durable infrastructure
was necessary.
Interstate highway
system


The interstate highway
system today is very
similar to the Roman
ones. Crowns are still
built to allow water to
drain. The United States
infrastructure connects
the entire country. I-40
runs coast to coast.


Assessment Standard:
Students will be assessed on (A) the historical accuracy of the legacy/contribution claim made
(B) thoughtful representation of a modern day analogy (C) detailed description of modern day
analogy with an example (D) information is organized in an easy to read chart in a word
processor (E) no grammatical or punctuation errors.










LESSON IDEA II.


Tennessee State Standard:
7.35 Examine the Norman Invasion, Battle of Hastings, and the impact of the reign of William
the Conqueror on England and Northern France. (H, G, P)

ISTE Standards:
3) Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

Learning Objectives: Research and summarize in a well-written paper the importance of the
Battle of Hastings and William the Conquerors subsequent reign. Represent ideas with visual
aids/pictures.

Problem statement:
You have been handpicked by the CIA to work as a secret agent. Your first assignment will be
providing bodyguard services to important diplomats in Normandy, France. You do not want to
be left out of the small talk at the fancy dinners! You need to know some history of the area, its
heroes, and the impact certain events have had on history. Brush up on your knowledge and write
a paper on William the Conqueror to prove to the agency that you are fit for this task!


Task List:
1. Teacher will introduce the subject by showing a picture of the Bayeux Tapestry. Teacher
will ask questions to draw on prior knowledge. The Battle of Hastings will be briefly
introduced. The teacher will pose the question, What were some effects of the Battle of
Hastings and William the Conquerors reign?

2. Students will go to the computer and draw on resources such as these websites:
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/england_medieval.htm
http://www.thenagain.info/webchron/westeurope/hastings.html
in order to gather information and form ideas about the consequences of the Battle of
Hastings and the reign of William in England and Normandy.

3. Students will use a word processor to write a well constructed brief essay on the effects
of the Battle of Hastings and the reign of William the Conqueror.

4. Using the Bayeux Tapestry as an inspiration, students will decorate their essay by placing
meaningful graphics and pictures within and or around their text to represent the battle or
the effects of Williams reign.


The Battle of Hastings in 1066 changed history. William the Duke of
Normandy became the King of England. He is also called William the Conqueror. After he won
the Battle of Hastings he began to rule England. He brought his culture with him. One of the
major effects of his reign was in language. The French language influenced and invaded the
English language during this time. This is why many English words are difficult to spell and
pronounce! Such as the words silhouette and fiance.



Assessment Standard:
Students will be assessed on (A) historical accuracy of content (B) grammatical and structural
accuracy of the paragraphs (C) relevance and thoughtfulness of the pictures/graphics.