PRINT RESOURCES: NON-FICTION
The Usborne Book of the Ancient World
http://tinyurl.com/otpmnt
A clear overview. Not a lot of detail but easy to read with lots of illustrations and a simple format.
Print Sources available through WCLS:
Science of the Past Series
http://tinyurl.com/ycljp7c
This looks like a very good resource for your students. It's written at the right level and really focuses on some of the legacies. There is a volume for China, Greece, India, Egypt and Rome. School Library Journal said, "In addition to being packed with useful information about and insight into these ancient civilizations, each volume includes a helpful glossary and a final chapter that summarizes the peoples' achievements and discusses their legacy to modern science and technology. Harris details how the ancient Romans absorbed, redefined, and used the ideas and scientific information gathered from other cultures to develop new techniques and materials to improve their own lives. Woods offers a fascinating look at the ancient Egyptians' accomplishments in architecture, astronomy, mathematics, medicine (including a brief discussion of mummification), and science. What sets this series apart, however, is its format that includes clear, easy-to-read text; simple yet effective topic headings; excellent-quality, full-color photographs and reproductions; and Internet sites. Young people will enjoy these books in their own right but will also find a wealth of information for classroom reports and projects."
You are There Series
http://tinyurl.com/y8omg8z
This series would serve as a good starting point for students. It gives a nice overview of some of the civilizations and would allow students to choose a specific legacy to further research. There is a volume on China, Egypt, Greece and Rome. School Library Journal says, "Grades 3-6 Readers learn about cities, dress, food differences for the rich and poor, what life was like for children, and unique aspects of each civilization, such as the Roman baths and the creation of hieroglyphics in Egypt. Simple descriptions of crops and livestock, languages, and contributions to society through science and art are included. Medical discoveries, government organization, and favorite entertainments are also described, with sidebars and photo captions to complement each page."
Ancient Greece by Don Nardo
http://tinyurl.com/yauwc36
"The book is set in a framework focusing on the value of the individual, one of Greece's contributions to future civilizations. Nardo's text is bursting with quotations from noted historians, plus primary source material. Chapter notes are extensive, as are the two bibliographies-one intended for students (and including three other books by Nardo), and the other a list of adult works the author used for his research. The vocabulary is challenging, especially in the quotations, but there is no glossary. Illustrations are numerous and colorful. Even as part of a large collection on Greek history, this book should become a favorite among serious student researchers. " Reviewed in Library Media Connections. Recommended for your advanced students.
Print Sources Not available from WCLS (source indicated):
DVD/CD-ROM RESOURCES
Ancient Civiliztions for Children Video Series
http://tinyurl.com/qb74mz
This is an excellent DVD series, recommended for grades 3-7. It has specific volumes on China and Mesopotamia as well as Ancient Aegea, Ancient Africa, Ancient Aztec, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Inca, Ancient Maya and Ancient Rome. School Library Journal said, "These remarkable videos should be purchased by all schools...The series excels in relating the ancient cultures to the present...and in bringing the ancient ruins to life." Each program includes a detailed Teacher's Guide that provides information on the topic, vocabulary words, discussion questions, follow-up activities and a list of suggested book and Internet resources. The Teacher's Guides are also available online at www.LibraryVideo.com . This DVD set is available through Whatcom Library System: http://tinyurl.com/ongmgj
Time Life's Lost Civilizations
http://tinyurl.com/qggc7b
I was unable to find professional reviews of this resource but it was highly recommended by homeshool parents (9 year old student) and high school history teachers on Amazon. It covers a huge range of time in 4 discs and focuses on the culture and what life was like. Mesopotamia is featured on volume 1 along with Egypt and the Aegean and China is featured on volume 2 along with Greece and Rome. Total run time is 500 minutes and it's only $45.00.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Ancient Greece
http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Main_Page/
A wealth of information is provided about many of Ancient Greece's lasting contributions to Art, Culture, Society, Sports, Architecture, Politics, Religion, Literature, etc. This site is written at about a 6th grade reading level and covers many of the famous Greek philosophers, gods, sculptors, poets, leaders, playwrites, etc.
The Lecacy of Ancient Greece
http://tinyurl.com/yzbu6ws
A nice overview article on the International Olympic Academy website discusses the origins of the Olympic games.
There are also links to articles on the archaeological sites, museums and the olympic movement.
Legacy of the Roman Empire: Lesson Plan Library
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/legacyroman/
Discovery Education has put together a nice lesson plan focusing on the Roman Emire's enduring contribution to military structure. There are many links to online resources that look at the Roman army. There is good primary source material here as one site extensively covers the Vindolanda tablets. There are also many DVDs available through Discovery Channel relating to the Roman Empire, especially, The Legacy of the Roman Empire recommended for grades 6-9.
Ancient Egypt and the Modern World
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/egypt_importance_01.shtml#two
A nice, easy to read article on the BBC website about how Egypt introduced many of todays fasinating intellectual topics relating to art, philosophy, religion, mathematics, etc.
Ancient Egypt for Kids
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/egypt/index.htm
This award-winning site has clear, topical information that focuses on many of ancient Egypt's Legacies: Government, Science, Religion, Philosophy, Writing, Art, Architecture, etc. It is also designed specifically for middle schoolers and their teachers. There is a lot of really good information here. It's main drawback, however, is that it has too many ads.
Ancient Greece for Kids
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/index.htm
See review above.
Ancient China for Kids
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/index.htm
See review above.
Ancient Rome for Kids
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/romans/index.htm
see review above.
Ancient India for Kids
http://www.historyforkids.org/teachers/guides/indiaguide.htm
Ancient Greece
http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Main_Page/
A lot of great information here relating to the legacies. Special sections include Art, Architecture, Mythology, Culture and Society, People, Wars and Olympics.
The People section alone is amazing including information on the famous Ancient Greek Philosophers, Playwrites, Historians, Poets, Leaders, Sculptors, Mathematicians, as well as mythological charachters.
Chasing Arete
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3616/
Lesson plans compiled by the Kennedy Center's "Art's Edge" program. These grade-leveled lessons are interactive and focus on some of Greece's greatest legacies. This is the description, "The ancient Greeks sought to extend themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually, to reach their full human potential; constantly pursuing arête —a Greek word, translated as “virtue” but also encompassing the quest for excellence. The best of Greek traditions—art, athletics, and philosophy—reflect the importance of arête in all human endeavors; whether striving for perfection on the Olympic field or simple everyday tasks. This month’s Spotlight will immerse your students to Greek history and civilization, and help them see the many ways in which the culture and traditions of the ancient Greeks still influence us today."
Odyssey Online
http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/MidElem_Home.html
Aimed directly at sixth graders, this is a very fun, interactive website from Emory University that uses museum objects, videos, music, and a hip writing style to explore ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. This site will probably require a pretty advanced computer to run properly. It would be a good choice for getting students excited about their project and for primary sources.
Mr Donn.org
http://www.mrdonn.org/index.html
Mr Donn is a Middle School teacher who has an extensive website full of lesson plans and outside links. Ancient history is one of his specialties. You will find a page on most topics related to Ancient China, Egypt, India, Greece and Rome. There are also links to free videos and lots of project ideas.
Hieroglyphs
http://www.greatscott.com/hiero/index.html
Simple, clear information about Hieroglyphs including writing, numbers and fractions.
Ancient China Website
http://www.ancientchina.co.uk/menu.html
A beautiful and informative website from the British Museum
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