A Grecian Adventure: Design Your Own Polis!

Aria will embark on a creative journey into ancient Greece, learning about city-states (poleis) by researching key aspects of Greek life and then designing her very own unique polis, complete with its own culture, government, and patron deity. This lesson emphasizes creative application of historical knowledge.

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A Grecian Adventure: Design Your Own Polis!

Hi Aria! Get ready to travel back in time to ancient Greece! Today, you're not just going to learn about the famous Greek city-states (called a 'polis,' plural 'poleis'), but you're going to become an architect of history and design your very own! How exciting is that?

Part 1: Journey to Ancient Hellas (Greece) (Approx. 60-90 minutes)

Before you can build your own polis, let's explore what made ancient Greek city-states so special. Each polis was like its own little country with its own laws, army, and way of life!

  1. Choose Your Focus: Pick two famous ancient Greek city-states to investigate. Good choices are Athens and Sparta, but you could also look into Corinth, Thebes, or Delphi if you find interesting resources.
  2. Research Time: Using your books and approved websites, find out the following about EACH of your chosen city-states:
    • Government: How was it ruled? (e.g., Democracy, Oligarchy, Monarchy) Who made the decisions?
    • Famous For: What was its main strength or what is it remembered for? (e.g., philosophy, navy, army, art)
    • Daily Life: What was life like for different people (men, women, children, slaves)? What did they value?
    • Patron Deity: Which god or goddess was the special protector of the city? How did they honor them?
    • Education: How were children educated (if at all)? What did they learn?
  3. Take Notes: Jot down your findings. A simple comparison chart might be helpful!

Teacher Tip: Some good starting points for research (always with supervision): Britannica School, National Geographic Kids, Ducksters History.

Part 2: Architect of Your Own Polis! (Approx. 90-120 minutes + ongoing creative time)

Now for the super creative part! You get to design your very own ancient Greek polis. Imagine you're its founder!

Your 'My Polis Profile' - Answer these questions to build your city-state:

  • Name of Your Polis: What will you call it? (e.g., Ariapolis, Starlight City, Eagle Rock)
  • Location: Where in the ancient Greek world is it located? (Near the sea? In the mountains? On an island? Consider how this affects resources and defense.)
  • Patron God or Goddess: Which Olympian god or goddess will be the special protector of your polis? Why did you choose them? How will your citizens honor them? (Think temples, festivals, sacrifices.)
  • Form of Government: How will your polis be ruled? Will it be a democracy like Athens, an oligarchy like Sparta, or something else? Explain briefly how decisions are made.
  • Core Values: What are the most important beliefs or ideals in your polis? (e.g., bravery, wisdom, artistry, trade, equality, discipline)
  • Key Laws (Name 2-3): What are some important rules everyone must follow?
  • Economy/Industry: What does your polis produce or trade to survive and thrive? (e.g., olives, pottery, ships, soldiers for hire)
  • Education: What will children learn in your polis? Will it be different for boys and girls?
  • Unique Feature: What makes your polis special or different from others? (e.g., a famous library, a unique festival, a special building, a surprising law)

Bring Your Polis to Life! Choose ONE way to present your polis:

  • Poster Presentation: Create a large poster showcasing your polis. Include its name, a drawing of its flag or emblem, a simple map, and key information from your 'My Polis Profile'. Be ready to explain it.
  • Travel Brochure: Design a pamphlet inviting ancient travelers to visit your polis. Highlight its best features, what they can see and do, and why it's a great place.
  • 3D Model (Optional & Ambitious!): Use clay or craft supplies to build a simple model of a key part of your polis (like its acropolis or main temple). Prepare a short speech explaining your polis to accompany it.
  • Digital Presentation: Use a simple slideshow tool to present your polis, with images (can be drawn and scanned, or simple digital art) and text for each profiled aspect.

Part 3: Polis Showcase! (Approx. 15-30 minutes)

Present your polis! Share your creative ideas and explain:

  • Why you made the choices you did (e.g., why you chose that specific god or type of government).
  • What aspects of historical Greek poleis inspired your design.
  • What you think would be the best and most challenging part of living in your polis.

Wrap-up & Reflection:

  • What was the most interesting thing you learned about ancient Greek city-states?
  • What part of designing your own polis did you enjoy the most?
  • How are some of the ideas from ancient Greek poleis (like democracy or citizenship) still important today?

Great job today, Aria! You've not only learned about history but also used your creativity to bring it to life!