This lesson was developed as part of the curriculum in a Latin 2H class in order to provide independent work for students who elect to work for honors credit. It also fulfills a requirement to integrate technology into the curriculum as mandated by the states frameworks.

This lesson requires the students not only to conduct independent research but also to work as a team in order to recreate an ancient Roman city. As they take on the roles of anthropologist,political scientist, mythologist and architect, they will immerse themselves in the culture of ancient Rome in order to select a legendary founder and write a legend which describes their city's origins.

Using all of their collective research findings they must ultimately construct a 3D model of this city.

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This lesson (designed for high school students) covers curriculum in Latin 2H but also involves social studies and technical drawing. This type of activity would be ideal in an extended time period such as a Block Scheduling sequence.

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Classical Languages Learning Addressed:

• Recognize the relationships among the various parts of the ancient Romans cultural life.
• Learn about the mythology, legends, values and beliefs of the Roman civilization.
• Students read, understand and interpret Latin.
• Students develop a basic understanding of the perspectives of Roman culture.
• Students expand their knowledge through the reading of Latin and the study of ancient culture.
• Students compare and contrast their own culture with that of the Roman world.

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We envision that this project will be introduced in one class period, and students will then work independently with periodic checks by the instructors. See suggested timeline for Spring 1999.

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In order for the students to successfully complete this unit, we suggest some additional resources. The possibilities include:

• Internet Websites
• Print material
• Field trip to Brandeis University
• Field trip to Worcester Art Museum
• Collaboration with local architect firm: The Office of Michael Rosenfeld, Inc. Architects
  • Read about our Field trip to the Architects
• CAD Lab

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Students should have basic knowledge of Roman culture and the ability to read
Latin for comprehension. They also need computer skills to access, research
and manage information.

The teacher should understand something about ancient civilizations, in regards to archaeology and architecture. The teacher should be able to guide and direct students' efforts to navigate software and internet sites. A skilled and knowledgeable novice teacher could handle this lesson provided he/she is attentive to time management in the classroom.

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Check the timeline for due dates.

This project will be graded according to the following criteria:

• Graded Questions: You are expected to provide accurate, detailed answers= 10%

• One Page Report: Your report should indicate how well you have developed your role and determine how you will combine it with the work of your group to accomplish your objectives. It should specifically delineate how you intend to incorporate your findings to create this city. = 15%

• Group Report: You will be expected to synthesize the information you have collected into a cohesive piece from which you will be able to work to design your city. =20%

• Blueprint: Your blueprint must reflect careful and precise planning. Be sure to clarify any building’s use. =25%

• 3D Model: The buildings that you create (you are each responsible for two) must be authentic reproductions that reflect your understanding of Roman art and architecture as you describe them from your respective roles. Please include the founder and legend information about your city with your model =30% (Keep in mind that I would like to contribute it to the Worcester Art Museum)

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? Vary the time period. Modify the quest for a medieval city. Compare and contrast it to an ancient city.

? Compare today's modern cities to the ancient ones

? Plan a futuristic city

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This is a valuable lesson that teaches students to work in design teams applying knowledge to problem solve. It is also a good lesson in critical thinking that incorporates computer skills in project development and takes the student beyond merely the gathering of factual information.

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