Project Overview

Project Name: Ancient Greek Legacy
Teacher(s): Georgia Konstantinou
Grade Level: 6th Grade
Subject/Course: Social Studies
Other Subject areas to be included, if any: ELA, World Languages (Greek)
Duration: 6 weeks
Project Idea/Description: The students will use various resources (videos and webpages) and visit a local museum (MET in New York) to discover the contributions / influence of Ancient Greece to modern day western societies. Their research will focus on the following areas: government, law, art, architecture, sports, literature and sciences. When they answer the driving question, they will have to decide how to present the information gathered to the rest of the school and the local community at an end of the year fair. Possible ideas include, but not limited to, philosophical debates, Greek plays/skits inspired by the Ancient Greek literature, constructions (ancient temples, theaters, buildings, sculptures etc.), ancient Greek inventions, Greek inspired Olympic games, role playing scenarios and simulations, interactive displays and presentations, etc.
Visual Project Organizer: The Piktochart on the right illustrates the most important stops of this project.

Driving Question

How has ancient Greece changed our world?

Sub Questions

1. Where is Greece located?
2. What do we mean by the term “Classical Greece”?
3. How can we measure the impact of Classical Greece on modern civilization
4. What were the accomplishments of Classical Greece in Science? (Math, Astronomy, Medicine)
5. What were the accomplishments of Classical Greece in Art? (Painting, Sculpture, Literature, Theater, Architecture)
6. How did the government of Athens in the Classical era influence modern governments?
7. How did the Olympic Games influence modern-day sports/athletes?
8. How did Classical Greece’s legal system and courts function?
9. How did these achievements influence later societies (Roman for example)?
10. Which of the achievements survived/evolved in our modern societies?

Content Standards

SOCIAL STUDIES

NYS K-8 Social Studies Framework (P.85)
6.5c Students will examine how cultural achievements of these civilizations (classical civilization in the eastern hemisphere) have influenced contemporary societies.
Next York State Next Generation Learning Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies
Writing (p. 16)
WHST5: Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question by the end of grade 8), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
WHST6: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source by applying discipline-specific criteria used in the social sciences or sciences; and quote or paraphrase the data/accounts and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
WHST7: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

ELA

Next York State Next Generation Learning Standards for English Language Arts
Reading (p.74)
6R1: Cite textual evidence to support an analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences.
6R8: Trace and evaluate the development of an argument and specific claims in texts, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and relevant evidence from claims that are not.
6R9: Use established criteria in order to evaluate the quality of texts. Make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences.
Writing (p.75)
6W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
6W2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

Speaking & Listening (p.77)
6SL1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of other.
6SL2: Interpret information presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral) and explain how it relates to a topic, text, or issue under study.
6SL4: Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using relevant descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate central ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear enunciation.
6SL5: Include digital media and/or visual displays in presentations to clarify information and emphasize and enhance central ideas or themes.
6SL6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate

WORLD LANGUAGES [ GREEK ]

According to the “Modern Greek Language Curriculum – Checkpoint B” students should:
1. acquire knowledge and understanding of the Greek culture.
2. learn about the contribution of the Greek culture to the arts, sciences etc.
3. gather information about Greece and Greek culture by reading and listening to presentations.

21st Century Skills

[ as presented in the video created by 21 Century Classroom ]

Life Skills
(FLIPS – skills can used throughout their life):

  • Flexibility
  • Leadership
  • Initiative
  • Productivity
  • Social skills

Literacy Skills
(IMT skills – reading and understanding information, especially found online):

  • Information literacy
  • Media Literacy
  • Technology Literacy

Learning Skills
(The 4 Cs – help students to adapt & improve in the workplace) :

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Creativity