The geography of ancient Greece, the Phoenicians, the origins of democracy, Athens and Sparta, the Golden Age, the Hellenistic period, Greek contributions to Western civilization, philosophy and its influence
Ancient Greece unit contains 8 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Ancient Greece Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Ancient Greece: Geography and Environment
Students begin with an overview of the geographic conditions that led to Greece’s surprising success as a civilization. Then, they investigate the earliest major Aegean civilizations, the Minoans and the Mycenaeans. Next, they learn about the Dark Age, which ended in a burst of colonization that expanded the physical and mental bounds of Greece. Working in small groups, they put their knowledge together in an insightful discussion.
The Ancient Phoenicians
Students are introduced to the ancient Phoenicians, a highly-influential collection of city-states. They learn about the Phoenicians’ invention of the alphabet and then investigate Phoenician commerce and colonial expansion, particularly that of Carthage, the powerful city that developed its own trading empire. Finally, students create a unique mini-alphabet of their own and discuss their results and their process.
Democracy and Its Origins
Students are introduced to the origins of democracy in ancient Greece. They learn about the city-states, particularly Athens, in which democracy is born. Next, they explore the lottery elections in ancient Greece and explain it in their own words. Finally, they write an editorial stating their opinion on whether election by lottery might be beneficial in the United States.
Athens vs. Sparta
Students learn about the two great rivals of ancient Greece—the city-states of Athens and Sparta. They compare and contrast the two and explain which city-state they would rather belong to and why. Finally, each student chooses the role of a young Athenian or Spartan and writes imaginatively about their way of life.
Wars and Golden Ages
Students investigate the fifth century B.C.E. in Greece. They begin with the Persian Wars, in which Greece won a startling victory against the world’s greatest empire at that time. They continue through the Golden Age that followed, and into the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and the Athenian Empire, a war that brought an end to Greece’s Golden Age.
Hellenistic Period
Students learn about the Hellenistic Period, in which ancient Greek civilization spread throughout much of the known world despite the decline of Greece itself. First, students make the acquaintance of Alexander the Great, whose military conquests established the Hellenistic Empire. Then, they examine the achievements of the age in areas such as the arts and sciences, philosophy, and government. Next, small groups research and present reports identifying and explaining specific Hellenistic achievements. Finally, the groups discuss the roles of great individuals in the developments that come after them.
Greek Contributions to Western Civilization
Students survey and report on the wide range of ancient Greek achievements in fields as diverse as poetry, mathematics, and sports. First, they watch a video on ancient Greek music. Then, students learn about achievements in their assigned specialties. Next, they identify and explain the contributions of famous Greek individuals. Finally, they research the achievements of ancient Greek women.
Philosophy and Its Influence: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
Students are introduced to philosophy and become acquainted with the three most influential ancient Greek philosophers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Students research the main contributions of each and explain why their contributions are still considered important. Finally, students select a quotation from one of the philosophers and respond to it.
