Introduction
During this web quest, you will go back in time to collect information and artifacts that tell of the life in Pompeii before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. You will also determine the significance of the information you found.
Before the eruption, Pompeii was a common vacation spot for the Romans! The people soaked in hot baths, watched chariot races, and cheered for gladiators in the amphitheater. You are a historian in your home town! It is your job to choose artifacts to keep safe in a time capsule until the year 2117. You must choose items that are significant to the understanding of the life a Roman in Pompeii!
Task
A time capsule is a container that holds goods and information for the future people such as archaeologists or historians such as yourself! If you were to see a time capsule for the year 2017, you might find fidget spinners, an iPhone 7, pictures of Donald Trump, an apple watch, and other items that characterize this time period. Your job is to create a time capsule for the ancient people of Pompeii. You must choose items and information that are significant to the understanding of an ancient Roman in that city. Work with other historians in the classroom to create a time capsule that will be opened by historians in the year 2117, 100 years from now!
Process
What is a time capsule? Explanation and examples
The Geography of Pompeii
- Read this short description of Pompeii's Geography.
- Check out the ancient maps of Pompeii and see how they have changed over time.
Life in Pompeii
- What did the daily life in Pompeii look like?
- What did they eat?
- Where did they eat? Read the descriptions and watch the video!
- Did they have washers and dryers?
- What did they do for fun?
- The A to Z life in Pompeii
Important Places in Pompeii - Read about their significance and watch the available videos
- The Forum
- The Amphitheatre
- Thermal Baths
- Their homes
What happened to Pompeii?
What are they finding in Pompeii now?
Make your own Roman artifacts!
Don't forget to use the different literary resources in the classroom and school library!
- I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79 by Lauren Tarshis
- You Wouldn't Want to Live in Pompeii (Revised Edition) by John Malam
- Pompeii Lost and Found by Mary Pope Osborne
Evaluation
| Novice | Apprentice | Proficient | Distinquished | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Objects chosen
|
Less than two objects chosen. | Two or three objects chosen. | Four or five objects chosen. | Six or more objects chosen. | |
|
Description
|
No objects are explained. | Not all objects are explained. Explanations do not show understanding. | Explanations of some objects fit the requirements. 4 to 5 details are given for each object. | Explanations of all objects fit the requirements. 4 to 5 details are given for each object. | |
|
Research and Technology Use
|
The group did not use any of the links or internet to research information. | The group used less than 3 links provided. | The group used at least 5 links provided by the web quest. | The group used all the links provided by the web quest. The group found other useful websites for the project. | |
|
Group Collaboration
|
The group did not work together at all. | The group worked together but did not show mutual respect. Not all members participated equally. | The group worked cooperatively. All members participated equally. | The group worked cooperatively. All members participated equally and gave extra effort. | |
|
Presentation
|
Time capsule showed no effort in design. Little to no objects were placed in the capsule. The group did not present. | Time capsule showed no effort in design. Less than 4 objects were placed in capsule. The group did not present. | Time capsule showed effort in design. At least 6 objects were located. Group presented to class. | Time capsule showed extra effort in design. Seven or more objects were located. Group presented to class and summarized the importance of each item. |
Conclusion
As historians you have greatly explored the life of an ancient Roman in Pompeii. You have collected artifacts and tons of information that you will save for future archaeologists and historians. They will truly appreciate your efforts in conserving the life of the Pompeii citizens.
Credits
Teacher Page
Learners: 7th grade Social Studies - World History
Social Studies Standards: MS CCRS: 8.a Analyze the significance of various archeological and anthropological findings and historical sites (e.g., Champollion's discovery of Rosetta Stone, Pompeii, Akrotiri, etc.) (DOK 3)
Language Standards: W.7.1.b Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
S.L.7.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.