Ancient Greece: Birthplace of Democracy
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Let’s travel back in time to explore the world of the Ancient Greeks. You will be surprised how much we all have in common with them, and how much they still influence and inspire our lives every day. This video introduces Ancient Greek lifestyle and customs, along with the various gods important to all aspects of life.
Video length: 21:28 minutes.
Learning Resources with this Video*
Quiz – PDF
Quiz – Online
Who Are the Olympians?
Analyzing Aesop’s Fables
A Day in the Life of Ancient Greece
The Olympic Games
Draw A Scene
Universal Resources
National Standards
*Links are active on Full Video page.
Classroom Ideas
Ancient Greece
Ancient Timeline
Create a timeline that shows what was happening in each of the Ancient Civilizations at certain points in time. For example, who created calendars and at what point in time? Who was building pyramids and when?
Poseidon
Talk about the Greek God Poseidon and his trident. Have students watch the Little Mermaid movie and ask them how Poseidon was portrayed in theLittle Mermaid movie.
Percy Jackson
Read any of the Percy Jackson book series and then watch the movies to go with them. Discuss the connection with Ancient Greece mythology.
Gods and Goddesses
Study the different Greek Gods and Goddesses. Have each student choose one and either dress like on, create a sculpture, or paint a picture of the Greek God or Goddess that was chosen. They can explain what they learned and why they chose that specific God or Goddess.
Greek Architecture
Have an architect come visit the class and discuss how Ancient Greece influenced our architecture today. If an architect is not available, have students research the topic.
Archaeology
Contact your local college or university to see if they have an archaeology program. If so, see if your class can visit them and learn what has been discovered by structures and buildings left behind different ancient civilizations.
Class Olympics
Talk about the Olympics during Ancient Greece and then have your own Olympics for your class (you could also include other classrooms to participate).
Discussion Topic
After studying a specific ancient civilization (Ancient Greece, Romans, Mayans, Egypt, etc. ), have a class discussion about what a day in the life of a person would be like.
Venn Diagram
After studying about a specific ancient civilization (Ancient Greece, Romans, Mayans, Egypt, etc. ), have a class discussion about what a day in the life of a person would be like.
Classics
Have students read books that are based on Ancient Greece history such as The Iliad by Homer, or The Odyssey by Homer, etc.
Greek vs. Roman Gods & Goddesses
The Ancient Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses were much the same, but had different names. Have students come up with the list of both Greek and Roman names for their gods.
Ancient Civilization Comparisons
Divide your class into smaller groups, with each group responsible for further researching how each ancient civilization has benefited the world. They need to bring props to show (photos, food, items that represents tools and discoveries by each group).
Classroom Ideas for ALL Videos
Here are dozens and dozens of ideas that you can use in your classroom along with our videos!
Topics Covered In This Video
Ancient Greek accomplishments & legacy
Democratic philosophy & ideas
Ancient Greek daily life
Sporting life
Olympics
Ancient Greek warriors
Historic authors
Plays, poems, & music
Religious ceremonies & offerings
Zeus & Hera
Athena, Hades, & Demeter
Apollo & Artemis
Hermes, Aphrodite, & Ares
Hephaestus, Hestia, & Dionysus