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Mayans - Teacher Planet
Grades
3 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): mayans (23), mexico (37), south america (47)
In the Classroom
Make a 3D model of a Mayan pyramid. Consider using technology such as CoSpaces, reviewed here. Have students make a Mayan calendar. Students can use Mayan glyphs and write messages to each other to decode. In ELA class, students can write short stories mentioning daily activities they learned in class for a cross-curricular activity. Create and share the stories using Sway, reviewed here.The Mayan Empire - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Set up stations around the classroom with images and short descriptions of Mayan achievements (architecture, astronomy, writing, calendar system). Have students rotate in small groups, taking notes and discussing how each achievement impacted Mayan society. Introduce students to the Mayan writing system by showing examples of glyphs. Then, have them create glyphs to represent their names or a short message. They can trade with classmates to decode each other's symbols! Have students create a Venn diagram comparing the Mayan civilization to modern society. Topics could include government, architecture, writing, and timekeeping. Consider using Canva, reviewed here to make the Venn diagram online. Students can work in pairs or small groups to create a mini "Maya codex" using folded paper, illustrating aspects of Mayan daily life, beliefs, or achievements. Encourage students to include drawings and glyphs to mimic the real codices.Mayan Civilization Lesson Plan: Time, Continuity, and Change - BrainPOP
Grades
3 to 8In the Classroom
Use the Make-a-Movie feature under Deepen and Extend to create a video diary from the perspective of a person living in Maya society that describes a day in your life. Make a concept map using BrainPOP's Make-a-Map feature or MindMup reviewed here identifying key features and contributions of Maya society and culture. Creative Coding on the BrainPOP website can enable students to code a museum with artifacts representing key elements of Maya civilization.Maya Archaeologist - Dr. Diane Davies
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): art history (103), mayans (23), south america (47)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the activities on the website. Students can research more about the usage of jade and other precious metals and their functions. Finally, students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare the different materials that Mayans used with other civilizations.Mayan Civilization Primary Resource - National Geographic Kids
Grades
5 to 8tag(s): mayans (23), south america (47)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the activities on the website. Students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare the Mayan civilization to another ancient civilization. Finally, students can use Stickies.io, reviewed here to post facts that they learned about the Mayan civilization.Geography and the Nile River - Ducksters
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): africa (148), asia (116), egypt (56), map skills (63), maps (220)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to build a hands-on model of the Nile River using clay, sand, and blue-colored water to simulate flooding and irrigation. Have students plant seeds (such as wheat or barley) in small pots of soil. Water one pot regularly (to represent land near the Nile) and leave another dry (to represent the desert). Give students blank maps of Egypt and have them label the Nile River, delta, major cities, and trade routes. Use Google My Maps, reviewed here or Google Earth, reviewed here to make maps online. Students could write a first-person journal entry as an Egyptian farmer, merchant, or noble traveling along the Nile. They should describe what they see, how they use the river, and why it's important to their daily life. To write a digital journal, use ePubEditor, reviewed here.The Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome - World History Encyclopedia
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cultures (180), fashion (12), holidays (187), italy (30), literature (222), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Have students work in groups to design a front page of a Roman newspaper. They can write articles about political events, fashion trends, a leader's achievements, or daily life in different housing types. Encourage them to include headlines, "interviews," and illustrations. Create the newspaper from a template on Canva, reviewed here. Provide students with materials like sheets, fabric, and belts, and challenge them to recreate Roman clothing styles. Have them present their outfits and explain the significance of different garments for men, women, and social classes. Divide the class into two groups: one representing the Roman Republic and the other the Roman Empire. Each side must argue why their form of government was better, using evidence from the videos. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Assign students to design a Roman house based on their social status. Have them sketch or build a model. They can also create a 3D model on CoSpaces, reviewed here.Roman Children - History for Kids
Grades
3 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), roman numerals (7), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Have students create a diary entry from the perspective of a Roman child. They can include details about their education, chores, meals, and games they might play. Encourage them to illustrate their diary with drawings of Roman clothing, toys, or tools. Create the diary on a device using ePubEditor reviewed here or Canva < a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">reviewed here. Introduce students to games Roman children played, like knucklebones (similar to jacks) or board games like "Ludus Latrunculorum" (Roman chess). Create simple versions of these games using classroom materials and let students play them in groups. Using craft supplies, have students create replicas of Roman toys, such as wooden dolls, balls, or spinning tops. Show images or videos of historical Roman toys to guide their designs. Set up the classroom to resemble a Roman school. Assign students the roles of teachers and students, and practice writing Roman numerals and basic Latin phrases or solving math problems on "wax tablets" made of paper or cardboard.The Roman Empire: A Brief History - Milwaukee Public Museum
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Ask students to research how artifacts like Mediterranean oil lamps reflect the cultural, religious, or technological advancements of the Roman Empire. Students can create a short presentation connecting the artifacts to Roman innovations using Google Slides, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here. Another way to present their findings is by recording a podcast using Anchor, reviewed here or Acast, reviewed here. Have students write a diary entry or short story from the perspective of a Roman citizen using details from the page about daily life and the importance of items like oil lamps.Ancient Rome Geography Lesson Plans - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): italy (30), map skills (63), maps (220), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Provide students with a blank map of the Roman Empire and have them label key geographical features such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Tiber River, the Alps, and the Apennine Mountains. Discuss how these features influenced trade, defense, and the growth of Rome. Have students create a 3D model or diorama of Ancient Rome's geography using clay, paper, or cardboard. Include rivers, mountains, and other geographical features, emphasizing their significance in Roman life. Assign students to write a short journal entry imagining they live in Ancient Rome, focusing on how the climate and geography affect their daily lives. Encourage details about farming, transportation, and trade. Have them make the book online using ePubEditor reviewed here. Make an online quiz game with details about the civilization and add some friendly class competition using Quizizz, reviewed here or Baamboozle, reviewed here.Ancient Rome for Kids - Learn Bright
Grades
3 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Students can research the lives of gladiators and write a short diary entry from the perspective of a gladiator preparing for a day in the Colosseum. Assign students to small groups to research and present on specific Roman innovations (aqueducts, roads, architecture, or legal systems). Include hands-on projects, such as building a simple model aqueduct or designing a Roman-inspired building. Guide students in comparing the Roman Republic's government structure to that of the United States. Create a Venn diagram on paper or using Canva reviewed here to explore similarities and differences, focusing on concepts like representatives, branches of government, and voting rights.Ancient Rome Map Activity - Sharp School
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): italy (30), map skills (63), maps (220), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Have students use the map to trace the paths of Roman military expansion and trade routes. They can label key cities and locations where Roman influence spread and then research how these areas contributed to the growth of the empire in terms of resources, culture, and power. Students can choose a specific region within the Roman Empire (Egypt, Gaul, or Hispania) and research how its geography affected Roman life. Students can present their findings in a multimedia format such as Padlet, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here. After completing the map, organize a debate on the impact of geography on the rise and fall of civilizations. Students can use the map to argue how geographical features like rivers, mountains, and proximity to other cultures either helped or hindered the Romans in their empire-building.Ancient Rome 101 - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
After watching the video, have students create a visual timeline of Rome's three major periods (Regal, Republican, Imperial). Include key events, rulers, and innovations discussed in the video. Students can use Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Maker, reviewed here to make digital timelines. Assign small groups to research one Roman innovation mentioned in the video (such as aqueducts, roads, or gladiator combat). Have them create a model of their innovation. Have students explore how the Romans were influenced by other civilizations, such as the Etruscans and Greeks, as mentioned in the video. They can create a Venn diagram using Canva, reviewed here to compare Roman art, architecture, or religion with that of the Greeks or Etruscans.Ancient Rome- Free Interactive Online Games for Kids and Teachers - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (205), italy (30), roman numerals (7), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Use the quizzes on the website to create a classroom trivia game. Try a gamification tool such as Quizizz reviewed here. Divide students into teams and have them compete to answer questions about Roman history, mythology, and culture. Design a digital or in-class escape room inspired by the activities and games on the website. Use clues and puzzles about Roman daily life, such as food, clothing, and social hierarchy, to challenge students to "escape" a scenario in Ancient Rome. Have students create games based on what they've learned about Ancient Rome, inspired by the examples on the website. Genially, reviewed here provides templates for escape rooms and game building online for a digital twist. Use a Roman-themed strategy game (adapted from the website's activities or created independently) to simulate decisions about managing resources, expanding territories, or maintaining power in Ancient Rome.Ancient Rome- Myths and Legends for Kids and Teachers - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): italy (30), myths and legends (37), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a Roman myth from the website. Have them create and perform short skits retelling the myth. Using examples of Roman deities from the website, have students design their own Roman god or goddess. They should describe the deity's domain, symbols, personality traits, and a myth involving them. Students can present their creations through drawings, writing, or digital art using Google Drawings, reviewed here or Draw.io, reviewed here. Challenge students to write a myth set in the modern world but inspired by Roman mythology. For example, they could create a story where a Roman god intervenes in contemporary life. Provide students with a list of Roman gods and their Greek counterparts (ex., Jupiter and Zeus, Venus and Aphrodite). Ask them to research and compare the two versions, focusing on similarities and differences in myths and cultural significance.Ancient Rome for Kids - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): game based learning (205), holidays (187), italy (30), myths and legends (37), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Encourage students to compare the Roman Empire with another ancient empire (ex.,Greek, Persian, or Chinese), including topics such as government, culture, and military. Use a comparison tool such as Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can create a presentation using Google Slides, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Roman Empire - Happy Learning
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Provide students with a blank map of Europe and surrounding regions. Have them label key cities, territories, and trade routes mentioned in the documentary, reinforcing their understanding of the Empire's vast reach. Organize a class debate on whether the Roman Republic or the Roman Empire was more effective as a system of governance. Students can use evidence from the video and additional research to support their arguments. Have students create a timeline of key events mentioned in the documentary, such as the founding of the Republic, Julius Caesar's rule, and the fall of the Empire. Consider using one of the timeline tools at Class Tools, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Maker, reviewed here to create on online.Ancient Rome for Teachers - Mr. Donn
Grades
4 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): architecture (75), myths and legends (37), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to create a travel brochure showcasing different regions of the Roman Empire. Include famous landmarks (like the Colosseum), cultural highlights, and maps. Task the students with building a mini Roman aqueduct or road using materials like paper, straws, and clay. This hands-on activity helps them understand Roman innovations and their impact on society. Have students write articles as if they were reporters in Ancient Rome. Topics could include gladiatorial games, a new temple opening, or Julius Caesar's latest triumph. Encourage creativity with headlines and illustrations.Ancient Egypt Free Lesson Plans - Mr. Donn
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): africa (148), asia (116), egypt (56), myths and legends (37), pyramids (21)
In the Classroom
Use Mr. Donn's interactive "Journey Through Ancient Egypt" game or have students design their own. Let them test their knowledge by answering trivia, solving puzzles, and advancing through the land of the pharaohs. Students could create an online quiz using Quizizz, reviewed here or Blooket, reviewed here. Challenge students to build mini pyramids using sugar cubes, Legos, or even marshmallows and toothpicks. Introduce students to the ancient Egyptian writing system by having them write their names in hieroglyphics. Use printable hieroglyphic charts (available on Mr. Donn's site) and let students create nameplates or secret messages for classmates to decode. Bring science into history by simulating the mummification process using apples or hot dogs! Students can apply salt and baking soda to observe the drying and preservation process, just like the ancient Egyptians did with their pharaohs.Ancient Egypt and the Nile - Smithsonian
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): asia (116), egypt (56), rivers (16), virtual field trips (128)