Yelena Shuster

12th Grade World History

Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Introducing the Roman Republic & the Roman Empire

55 minutes

Overview/Rationale:
This will be the first lesson on the Ancient Romans, a civilization that had a profound
influence on the contemporary world. By understanding the legacy of the Roman Empire,
students can develop a better understanding of the world in which they live and how it
has been shaped over time.
Enduring Understanding:
Students will acquire knowledge of key features of the Roman civilization and begin to
assess its influence on our own system of governance, society, values, etc.
Goals and Objectives:
To explore the myth of Romes origins.
To assess and address historical misperceptions.
Standards (Correlation with PA Core):
CC.8.5.9-10.B. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary
source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course
of the text.
CC.8.5.9-10.C. Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether
earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.
Materials:
PowerPoint
Whiteboard
Procedures:
Opener:
Begin by sharing the units outline with students, including the topics that we will cover
and information about the assessment at the end of the unit.
Introduce the unit by describing the time span of the Roman Republic/Empire and asking
students to imagine what features of these people could have enabled them to rule for
1000 years?
I will also ask students: What other empires have you heard of and what is an empire?
Body of the Lesson:
A PowerPoint presentation on the origins of the Roman Republic, incorporating the myth
of Remus and Romulus and the Seven Kings. I will incorporate artwork in the
PowerPoint.
I will ask students general questions about myths:

o Where do myths come from and what is their purpose? Are they accurate? Do
they offer us anything of value in understanding the people they describe?
I will conclude by asking students to write in their notes:
o What does Rome's founding myth foreshadow about the Roman civilization?

Closure:
I will end the lesson by asking students to share out what they have written in response to
the questions (above). If time permits, I will ask them about what aspects of the Roman
Republic/Empire they are most curious about.
Accommodations/ Intervention / Enrichment:
Students with a documented need through an IEP and or 504-service agreement will be given the
accommodations necessary for them to complete this assignment. This includes, but is not
limited to access to less complex, yet parallel readings, preferential seating and extended time.
ELL students will been given additional time to read the articles using their translators as needed.
Additionally, I will circulate throughout the room assessing student progress and ensuring that all
students have a thorough understanding of the assignment and expectations.
Summative Assessment/Evaluation: During the lesson I will note who is who is participating
in the whole class discussion and who is answering the questions in their notes.