The spring Worlds of Wonders Expedition is well under way and we are beginning to delve into our study of 5 ancient civilizations through 4 case studies:

Worlds of Wonders Expedition: The study of Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and China

Long Term Learning Targets:

1.     I can explain why civilizations developed where and when they did, why they became dominant, and why they declined

2.     I can synthesize the contributions of ancient civilizations and their links to modern society.

3.     I can explain the significance of ancient civilizations’ historical figures and monuments

Case Study #1 Wonders of the World

·            I can list and describe the seven wonders of the ancient world

·            I can identify wonders of the modern world

·            I can develop criteria to evaluate a human-created wonder

·            I can analyze and evaluate seven human-created structures in California using a set of criteria for a “wonder”

Case Study #2 Where in the World? Geography

·            I can explain connections between the geography of ancient civilizations and its impact on each civilization’s development of agriculture, cities, city-states, commerce, trade routes, and political power.

·            I can locate and describe the major river systems and topographic features that supported permanent settlement of each of the early civilizations.

·            I can locate the geographic and time boundaries of each ancient civilization on a map and a timeline.

Case Study #3 Who’s the Boss? Social and Political Structures

·            I can describe and compare the various forms of political structures, including empires, dynasties, oligarchies, direct democracies and representative democracies.

·            I can describe and compare the origins of various social structures in each civilization.

·            I can identify contributions of ancient civilizations still present in contemporary societies

Case Study #4 The Bold and the Beautiful!  Engineering/Art and Architecture

·            I can identify and describe the legacies of each civilization’s art and architecture, technology and science, literature, language, and law.

·            I can identify important historical figures from each civilization and describe their enduring contributions.

·            I can identify contributions in the arts and architecture of ancient civilizations still present in contemporary societies

And our Final Product ( drum roll….)

Who was the greatest civilization of all time?

Come see ancient Egypt, India, China, Greece and Rome do battle for the coveted title!

An exciting performance piece done in theater in the round – with the audience in the round.

Each civilization will match its best and brightest; artisans, rulers, architects, and everyday citizens will share their contributions in an attempt to persuade the audience to choose their civilization!

 

Also, mark your calendars for exciting McMains Crew events:

– Cross-Country skiing on March 7th, 12th, and 21st from 9 to noon at Tahoe Donner

– Fieldwork day, April 11 to see King Tut: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb on exhibit at the Wilbur D. May Museum in Reno.