The Wonders of the Ancient World

Grades 7-12 Social Studies Classes
Designed by Barbara Schmidt

 
 

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation  Conclusion | Credits |

Introduction

In recorded history there have always been records or edifices left which attest to the genius of humans in the realm of structural marvels. In this area we have the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. They are namely: the Great Pyramid of Khufu; the Hanging Gardens of Babylon; the Statue of Zeus by Phidias; the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus; the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus; the Colossus of Rhodes and the Lighthouse at Alexandria. But a contemporary question exists, should there be six, instead of seven wonders?

Task

Imagine that the National Geographic Society has decided that there should only be six, instead of seven wonders. Students are to take the roles of archaeologists. Each student will travel to an area of specific interest, research several websites and periodicals dealing with the ancient world and record their findings. Lastly, they are to present a thesis report to the National Geographic Society as to why they believe their site should remain as a wonder of the ancient world. Members of the class will act as members of the National Geographic Society and will vote as to which sites will now remain as the six Wonders of the Ancient World ,and which site should be permanently dropped from this prestigious list.


 

The Process

    1. Seven students will be assigned the roles of archaeologists and will be assigned to do research on a particular site by the teacher.
    2. Internet sites will be researched
    3. Several periodicals will be utilized such as NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE, ARCHAEOLOGY , ODYSSEY, THE SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE, etc.
    4. An oral presentation will be delivered which will include:
5. At the conclusion of all the reports, the class will debate and

decide which are the Six Wonders of the Ancient World!

 Resources

To accomplish the task, the following resources should be utilized:

WEBSITES:

www.historychannel.com

www.discovery.com

www.pbs.org

www.AandE.com

www.NationalGeographic.com

CD ROMS:

    Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia

    Microsoft Comptons Encyclopedia

PERIODICALS:

    National Geographic

    The Smithsonian

    Archaeology

    Odyssey


EVALUATION

You will be evaluated on the following:This activity will count for fifty percent of the total grade of the marking period!

Your teacher will use a rubric to grade your paper.

Those students in the audience will be given a cooperative grade by the teacher. Although the emphasis is placed on the individual seven reports, all students will be graded according to the role played in the assignment.


 

Conclusion

The task is to gain a greater appreciation of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and to acquire insight into the yearning and quest of humankind to create monumental marvels. Students will also have a better understanding of the relevance of ancient history studies as applied and compared to modern history.


 

Credits   This WebQuest was based on a template from TheWebQuest Page by Bernie Dodge.