Social Studies: Grade 3

Introduction

Essential question: How did ancient Greek philosophers shape the way we think today?

If you’ve ever asked yourself questions about the world we live in, you would be considered a philosopher. “Philo-“ means love, and “-sophia” means wisdom, so a philosopher is a lover of wisdom. In this lesson, we will learn about some great philosophers who came from ancient Greece. We will learn how they brought new questions and ideas on how life exists and should be. After learning their philosophies, see if you agree or disagree with them.

Task

Upon completing 4 days of activities on this webquest, students will have an understanding of what philosophy is and who contributed to how we see things today. On the 5th day, students will complete a quick (summative) exit ticket.

DAY 1

Write the definition for each of the following words AND create a short sentence using each of the vocabulary words.

*Note: When writing your sentence, context clues should help with understanding the vocabulary word.*

http://www.merriam-webster.com/

-moral

-influential

-ethical

-execution

-B.C.

-myth

DAY 2

Read "Greek Philosophy" http://www.historyforkids.net/greek-philosophy.html and explain the philosophy of the following:

-Socrates

-Pythagoras

-Thales

-Leucippus and Democritus

-Aristotle

-Plato

DAY 3

Now that you are familiar with a few of the great philosophers from ancient Greece, partner up with a classmate, and ask one another five "philosophical" questions. They can be questions about the world we live in (nature (math or science) based) or about how humans or other animals think. Partners, try your best to answer their question. Here, you can be as creative as you want, but lets be respectful! Be sure to write down your questions along with your partner's answers in your journal.

***I can't wait to see what my little philosophers come up with!!!!!***

DAY 4

After reading a bit more "Ancient Greece Philosophers",

http://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_greek_philosophers.php

we see that Socrates, Plato and Aristotle had philosophies on being ethical. In your journal, answer the following three questions:

1. How would you define what is "right" and what is "wrong"?

2. Who shaped (influenced) your ideas of what is right or wrong? **Can be more than one person**

3. Do you think someone could be right and wrong at the same time? Explain or give an example.

You can either write your answers in your journal, or draw a cartoon that answers these questions.

Process

Upon completing four days worth of reading and assignments, students will be familiar with different Greek philosophers and their ideals. This falls in line with the standard for Arizona's Department of Education-standard based teaching and learning

Strand 2: World History

Concept 2: Early Civilizations

PO2: Discuss contributions of ancient Greek teachers/philosophers whose thinking con-

tributed to the development of their own and later civilizations

Evaluation

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT /30 points

1. Who was a student of Socrates?

Thales
Plato
Leucippus
Tangelos

2. Who saw the key to all of existence in mathematics?

Socrates
Cleofus
Pythagoras
Aristotle

3. Philosophy means

The love of wisdom
The love of being right
The love philo dough
The love of science

4. Socrates was one of the most influential philosophers of ancient Greece.

Influential means…

Being able to do two things at once
Having the power to change
Being able to sleep all day
Inconsistent

5. Greece is part of which continent?

Asia
Africa
Europe
North America

6. Socrates died in 399 B.C.

B.C. stand for…

Before church
Before calculators
Before Christ
Before change

Conclusion

Well, my little philosophers, we now know what philosophy means, and some of those who have made great contributions to the way things were explained in the past and still today. Hopefully, you understand many things should not be taken as truth without asking questions and doing some research if possible. If something is told to you, ask "who, what, when, where, and how" to make sure it is true and not a myth. Asking questions allows for deeper understanding and appreciation. You may grow up to be the next Socrates or Pythagoras of our time!