The Rise and Influence of the Roman Empire

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The Rise and Influence of the Roman Empire

Grade 7History10 days

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How did the various geographic, social, political, and cultural factors contribute to the expansion and daily life within the Roman Empire?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What geographic factors contributed to the expansion of the Roman Empire?
How did the hierarchical structure of Roman society impact daily life for its citizens?
What role did political institutions play in maintaining control over the vast territories of the Roman Empire?
In what ways did Roman innovations in architecture, law, and administration shape the areas they conquered?
How did cultural exchanges within the Roman Empire influence religion, language, and customs?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Identify geographic factors that contributed to the expansion of the Roman Empire.
Analyze the hierarchical structure of Roman society and its impact on daily life.
Explain the role of political institutions in maintaining control of the Roman territories.
Evaluate Roman innovations and their effects on conquered territories.
Investigate the influence of cultural exchanges on religion, language, and customs within the Empire.

State Standards

SS.7.C.1

Primary

Examine the geographic factors that contributed to Rome's expansion and governance across the Mediterranean regionReason: Directly aligns with the project goal of understanding the geographical factors in Roman expansion.

SS.7.C.2

Primary

Analyze the hierarchical structure of Roman society and its impact on daily lifeReason: Focuses on the social structure of Rome, directly relating to daily life elements discussed.

SS.7.P.1

Primary

Explain the role of political institutions (Senate, Consuls, Emperor) in maintaining control over the vast territoryReason: Addresses the political institutions' roles, aligning with the project’s inquiry into governance.

SS.7.A.1

Primary

Evaluate how Roman innovations in architecture, law, and administration shaped conquered territoriesReason: Connects to the evaluation of Roman innovations and their impact, a key inquiry component.

SS.7.C.3

Primary

Investigate how cultural exchange within the Empire influenced religion, language, and customsReason: Complements the investigation into cultural exchange aspects of Roman life.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Cultural Exchange: A Day in the Life

Students participate in an immersive experience where they role-play as citizens of different regions under Roman rule (e.g., Gaul, Egypt). They explore how Roman innovations influenced local customs, architecture, and governance during a day in their role.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Geographic Mapping of Rome

Students will explore the geographic factors influencing Roman expansion by creating a detailed map that highlights significant locations related to Rome’s growth and governance across the Mediterranean. This activity introduces students to the idea of geography as a tool for understanding historical events.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the geographical features of the Roman Empire, focusing on rivers, mountains, and trade routes.

2. Use a blank map template of the Mediterranean region to plot key locations, such as Rome, Carthage, and others.

3. Label each location with a brief description of its significance to Rome's expansion or governance.

4. Create a legend explaining any symbols or colors used on the map.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive map of the Roman Empire showcasing key geographical features and significant locations with descriptions and a legend.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses history standards on examining geographic factors contributing to Rome's expansion.

Activity 2

Roman Society Hierarchy Chart

In this activity, students will analyze the hierarchical structure of Roman society by creating a visual representation that categorizes different social classes and their roles. This helps students understand how this hierarchy impacted daily life in Rome.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research different social classes in Roman society, such as patricians, plebeians, and slaves.

2. Create a hierarchical chart showing the social structure, with the most powerful classes at the top.

3. Add descriptions of the main roles and daily life experiences for each social class.

4. Present findings to the class, explaining the impact of this hierarchy on daily life.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visually engaging hierarchy chart of Roman society that includes class roles and impacts on daily life.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the curriculum standard on analyzing the hierarchical structure of Roman society.

Activity 3

Political Institutions Role Play

Students will learn about the political institutions of the Roman Empire by engaging in role-play activities. They will take on roles such as Senators, Consuls, and the Emperor to understand their responsibilities and how they maintained control over the empire.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the roles and functions of the Senate, Consuls, and Emperor in Roman governance.

2. Assign roles to students and provide them with specific scenarios involving political decision-making.

3. Hold a simulated Senate meeting where students must debate and decide on issues related to the empire.

4. Reflect on the experience through a group discussion on how these institutions impacted governance.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written reflection summarizing the role of each political institution and a journal of the simulation experience.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports explanation of political institutions and their control over the empire.

Activity 4

Innovations and Architectures Showcase

Students will evaluate Roman innovations by researching and presenting one significant architectural or administrative invention of the Romans. This helps students understand how these innovations shaped conquered territories.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Investigate a specific Roman innovation such as the aqueduct, roads, or legal system.

2. Create a visual presentation (poster or digital) that includes the innovation’s description, significance, and impact on conquered territories.

3. Share presentations in a gallery walk format, providing opportunities for peer feedback.

4. Write a summary of what was learned about the innovation and its relevance to Roman governance.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual presentation showcasing a Roman innovation and its impact, along with individual written summaries of learning.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFocuses on evaluating how Roman innovations shaped conquered territories.

Activity 5

Cultural Exchange in the Roman Empire Debate

Students will investigate the influence of cultural exchange in the Roman Empire through a structured debate. They will explore how interactions influenced religion, language, and customs, highlighting the diversity of the empire.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research topics related to cultural exchange, such as influences on religion (e.g., spread of Christianity), language (e.g., Latin), and customs.

2. Formulate arguments for a debate on the impact of cultural exchange within the Roman Empire.

3. Engage in the debate, taking positions and providing evidence to support their arguments.

4. Reflect on the debate outcome and what was learned about cultural influences in the empire.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA position paper reflecting on the debate topic and an evaluation of cultural exchange in the Roman Empire.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the investigation of cultural exchange influences within the Roman Empire.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Roman Empire Comprehensive Learning Rubric

Category 1

Geographical Analysis

Assessing students' ability to evaluate geographical information related to the Roman Empire.

Criterion 1

Identification of Key Locations

Ability to correctly plot key Roman locations on a map and explain their significance.

Exemplary

4 Points

Accurately plots all key locations with detailed explanations of their significance to Roman expansion.

Proficient

3 Points

Correctly plots most key locations with clear explanations of significance.

Developing

2 Points

Plots some key locations with basic explanations of significance.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to plot locations and provide explanations.

Criterion 2

Use of Geographical Tools

Demonstrates proficiency in using geographical tools such as maps and legends.

Exemplary

4 Points

Uses maps and legends creatively to enhance understanding and presentation of data.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses maps and legends effectively to present data.

Developing

2 Points

Uses maps and legends, but with some inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

Beginning

1 Points

Minimal or incorrect use of maps and legends.

Category 2

Social Structure Analysis

Evaluates student understanding of the social hierarchy within Roman society and its impact on daily life.

Criterion 1

Understanding of Social Classes

Demonstrates knowledge of different social classes and their roles in Roman society.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides detailed descriptions of all social classes and expertly analyzes their societal roles.

Proficient

3 Points

Offers clear descriptions of most social classes and their functions.

Developing

2 Points

Describes some social classes with limited analysis of their roles.

Beginning

1 Points

Limited ability to identify and describe social classes.

Criterion 2

Impact on Daily Life

Ability to relate social structures to their impact on daily life.

Exemplary

4 Points

Insightfully connects social structures to daily life impacts with supporting examples.

Proficient

3 Points

Accurately links most social structures to daily life effects.

Developing

2 Points

Makes basic connections between some social structures and daily life.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to connect social structures to daily life outcomes.

Category 3

Political Institutions Insight

Determines student understanding of Roman political institutions and their roles in governance.

Criterion 1

Role Identification of Institutions

Detailing the roles and responsibilities of the Senate, Consuls, and Emperor in Roman governance.

Exemplary

4 Points

Thoroughly elucidates the roles of all political institutions with detailed insights.

Proficient

3 Points

Clearly describes the roles of most political institutions with logical insights.

Developing

2 Points

Describes basic roles of political institutions but lacks detailed insights.

Beginning

1 Points

Limited role identification effectiveness for political institutions.

Criterion 2

Impact on Governance

Evaluates insights into how these institutions maintained control over the Empire.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents a nuanced understanding of institutional governance methods with examples.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively explains how institutions controlled most of the Empire with examples.

Developing

2 Points

Provides a basic outline of governance impacts with limited specificity.

Beginning

1 Points

Has difficulty articulating governance impacts of institutions.

Category 4

Innovation & Cultural Exchange Analysis

Assesses student evaluation of Roman innovations and cultural exchange impact.

Criterion 1

Innovation Impact Assessment

Judging how Roman innovations reshaped conquered regions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides comprehensive assessments of multiple innovations and their broad impacts.

Proficient

3 Points

Analyzes key innovations and describes clear impacts on regions.

Developing

2 Points

Discusses a few innovations and their impacts with limited scope.

Beginning

1 Points

Limited discussion on innovations and their impacts.

Criterion 2

Cultural Exchange Evaluation

Evaluates understanding of cultural exchanges' influence on the Roman Empire.

Exemplary

4 Points

Expertly details cultural exchange effects, backed by a range of examples and scholarly arguments.

Proficient

3 Points

Describes significant cultural exchanges and associated influences with evidence.

Developing

2 Points

Basic description of culture exchanges with general evidence of influence.

Beginning

1 Points

Minimal depiction of cultural influences within the Roman context.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

How have your perceptions or understanding of the Roman Empire changed after completing this project?

Text

Required

Question 2

What geographic factors do you think were most significant in contributing to the expansion of the Roman Empire?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Rivers

Mountains

Trade Routes

Climate

Question 3

On a scale from 1 to 5, how effectively do you think the hierarchical structure of Roman society was integrated into daily life?

Scale

Optional

Question 4

What role do you believe political institutions (such as the Senate, Consuls, and Emperor) played in maintaining control over the Roman Empire's vast territories?

Text

Required

Question 5

Which Roman innovation do you think had the greatest impact on the conquered territories? Why?

Text

Required

Question 6

Reflect on how cultural exchanges within the Roman Empire influenced religion, language, and customs. Which area had the most profound impact, in your opinion?

Text

Required