Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a clear understanding of the impact the Romans had on Britain, including their contributions to architecture, culture, and society. The student will also be able to express their thoughts on how these influences are still present today.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for note-taking
• Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, paper)
• Access to the internet for research (if available)
• Printable map of Roman Britain (can be drawn if necessary)
• Timeline template (can be created on paper)

Before the lesson, it would be helpful to have a brief overview of Roman history and their timeline of conquest in Britain. Familiarize yourself with key figures such as Julius Caesar and Emperor Hadrian.

Activities

• Roman Britain Timeline: Create a timeline of key events during the Roman occupation of Britain. Include important dates, figures, and events like the building of Hadrian's Wall and the establishment of towns.

This activity helps visualize the sequence of events and understand how the Romans influenced Britain over time.

• Roman Architecture Project: Choose a famous Roman structure (like a villa or an aqueduct) and draw or build a model of it using art supplies. Include a short description of its purpose and significance.

This project encourages creativity while learning about Roman engineering and architecture.

• Role-Playing as Romans and Britons: Have a fun role-playing session where the student can act as a Roman soldier or a Briton during the Roman invasion. Discuss what life would have been like for each side.

This activity promotes empathy and a deeper understanding of the cultural exchanges that occurred during this period.

• Impact Reflection Essay: Write a short essay or paragraph on how Roman influence can still be seen in modern Britain, such as in language, law, or infrastructure.

This reflective exercise helps the student connect historical events with contemporary life.

Talking Points

• "The Romans came to Britain around AD 43. They were powerful and brought many changes!"
• "One of the biggest impacts was their amazing architecture, like roads and forts. Can you think of any roads or buildings today that might be inspired by them?"
• "The Romans introduced new ideas about government and law. Do you know any laws we have today that might have come from them?"
• "They also changed the way people lived by introducing new foods and ways of trading. What do you think was the most popular food they brought?"
• "Even after the Romans left Britain, their influence stayed. Can you spot anything in your town that might be Roman in origin?"