Grades:

Grades 3-4

Subjects:

Social Studies

Overview

Prior to studying Ancient Civilizations, this introduction to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World will ignite the interest of children in history and the beauty of the world around us.

Suggested Time Allowance:

1 hour

Objectives:

Students will be able to:
1. Understand that there once existed what were called "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World."
2. Locate "Wonders" on a large wall map of the world.
3. Plot "Wonders" on a time line.
4. Discuss the modern wonders of the world.

Materials:

-Student journals
-A large scale wall map of the world
-Computer with internet connection  

Activities/Procedure:

Start the topic with a discussion on beauty around us. What is the most beautiful place they have seen? Where is it? Is it natural or man made? Is there an agreed ranking on the most beautiful creations in the world. Lead to the seven wonders of the ancient world gradually. Stress that some are not available now. 

Show them pictures of the seven wonders. Is there anyone in the class who has actually seen them? Ask him to describe how he felt when he beheld the rare site. When were they built? Make a time line to be attached to the report they will be making. Look up the places where they were located. Mark the places on the world map. Discuss why they seem to be concentrated around a particular region of the world. That was the whole known world in that age!

What are considered the modern wonders? How many have beheld the Taj-Mahal in all its glory - the great monument  built for an emperor's dead love? The Great Wall of China? Discuss the stories behind their construction. 

What are the natural wonders of the world? Ask the students to follow the links from the seven wonders page and read about the sheer beauty of The Grand Canyon, The Great Barrier Reef, Victoria Falls, Mt. Everest and so on.

Ask them to make a report on the above discussion as homework. They can try to get pictures attached to the reports. Most of the details will be available by following the links in the Seven-Wonder page of NationMaster

Assessment:

Students will be evaluated based on their report  and  participation in class discussions. 

Source:

NationMaster