Ancient Greece: A Web Quest

Introduction The history of Greece can be traced back to Crete, a remote island to the south of the Aegean Sea, which was completely lacking in metal resources. Later came early farmers and the civilizations of  the Minoan and Mycenaean kings.  In the period from 500-336 BC, Greece was divided into small city-states, each of which consisted of a city and its surrounding countryside.  As you read you will experience the Greek influence on architecture, religion, culture and science that is still evident in today’s world. As a historian, you will have the opportunity to pick objects from Ancient Greece that will be  put away for others to see thousands of years later.  You are going to find objects that represent the culture of  Ancient Greece.  A special time  capsule will be sealed until the year 2012 when children like you will be awarded the opportunity to open it and see what Ancient Greece was like. Task: Create a Time Capsule A time capsule from Toronto in the year 2012 might have pictures and pamphlets from the  AGO, the ROM, the Science Centre, the ACC and The Princess of Whales Theatre. The capsule might  include popular music, books, newspapers and magazines. It might contain movie posters, information about the iPhone and the newest iPad, examples of clothing styles and accessories. Your Challenge: We are going to create a time capsule from Ancient Greece.  We will put in objects that will help  people years later understand what Ancient Greece was like.  As the historian, you get to select your choice of what goes inside the capsule! Process 1. Your first step is to discover what a time capsule is and their main purpose.  To find out more about time capsules visit this site http://webpages.charter.net/clb42856/da10020.htm. 2.      Before you embark on your journey throughout Ancient Greece, you will individually take some time now to explore      the following sites.  These sites will provide you with some background information  on daily life in Ancient Greece.      You are also encouraged to conduct your own quest in order to locate addition sites.      http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/      http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/      http://greece.mrdonn.org/ http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/Greece.html  3.      Each of you will be part of a time capsule team consisting of 2 members and you will all be Ancient Greek researchers. You will alternate being the recorder, the Internet explorer, and the designer.  The recorder records the information you find on the objects and writes up a detailed description of the object. The Internet explorer does the searching of websites on the computer. The designer creates the drawing/painting/model,  etc. to be placed in the capsule. 4. As researchers, your group is looking for items that represent the culture, religion, architecture, science, and literature in Ancient Greece to place in the time capsule. 5.  After your group has found at least 6 items to place in the time capsule,  each group will share with another group to see if there are any objects  they want to include from the other group’s list. 6.  As a class, we will discuss all the objects the groups have discovered and  decide on a range of items that represent all of Greek culture. 7.  After discussing with the whole class, your group will decide six items  that you wish to place in time capsule that your group has constructed. For each object the group designer will create a drawing, painting, sculpture,  etc. to go into the capsule. A detailed description is expected for each  object explaining the importance that item has in representing Ancient Greek culture. Evaluation Rubric Beginning 1 Developing 2 Accomplished 3 Exemplary 4 Score Time Capsule Objects Chosen Less than four objects are chosen and placed in the time capsule. Four or five objects are chosen and placed in the capsule. Six or seven objects are chosen and placed in the capsule Chose eight or more objects and place them in the capsule. Time Capsule Description No objects are explained. Not all objects are explained with 4-5 details.  Explanations do not show understanding. Explanation of objects fits requirements 4-5 details are given for each object. Explanation of all objects fits requirements.  Many extra details are provided. Research and Technology Use Team did use any links or the internet to research information. Team used less than 2 links provided. Team used all of the links provided by the WebQuest . Team used all links provided by the WebQuest.  Team  found other helpful websites not provided by the WebQuest. Group Work Team did not work together at all. Team worked together but did not show mutual respect.  Not all members participated equally. Team worked co-operatively.  All members participated equally. Team worked co-operatively.  All members participated and gave extra effort. Completed Time Capsule and Presentation Time capsule shows no effort in design.  Few or no objects are placed in the capsule.  Team did not present to class. Time capsule does not show effort in design.  Less than 4 objects were located. Team does not present to class. Time capsule shows effort in design.  At least 6 objects were located.  Team presents to class. Time capsule shows extra effort in design.  Seven or more objects were located.  Team presents to class and summarizes importance of assignment.  Conclusion As historians you have explored many facets of the Ancient Greek Civilization.  You have created a time capsule and placed the objects you have discovered inside.  You have helped future generations by sealing away objects from your discoveries in Ancient Greece to be recovered and examined many years later. Credits & References The Following Quest is based on: "A WebQuest for 7th Grade (History) Designed by Brian Alsbaugh, Victoria Dallis and Donna Ferguson wdonnashouse@aol.com