HOW IT WORKS
Ancient Empires focuses on both the social studies and language arts curriculum. To begin, a whole class lesson on the unit and expectations are outlined. The ancient empires are identified and discussed: Ancient China, Egypt, Greece, India, and Rome. The group brainstorms areas to research. Five groups of six students work cooperatively to gather information about famous people, ancient clothing, ancient wonders, and a detailed map of a specific empire. Groups assign the various areas to their members. After each group meeting, a written progress report is submitted to the teacher. On  an ongoing basis, student groups conference with the teacher for guidance in the planning process and to assess their progress. The students use the Internet and printed materials to find information. Outside research is expected and encouraged through the use of home computers,  library reference materials, and fiction and nonfiction literature. In order to equip the students, mini-lessons are introduced about  each empire using replicas of artifacts, magazines, and books. 

For this program, the technology resource teacher completed instruction in six to eight week cycles. There was a weekly 45-minute period with the class and then the teacher worked with the students in small groups daily. During the 45-minute period, students research the topic in print and on the Internet, and review the software that will be utilized to write about and illustrate their findings. With the help of the classroom teacher, all students utilize  the computer daily to work on a specified task. Students work in small groups to gather information and each group has a representative report back during the whole-class meeting at the end of each lesson. After the  information is gathered, students use a writing program, drawing program, database, and multimedia program to present their knowledge. 

THE STUDENTS
This program was designed for sixth grade students, but the activities have been adapted for grades two through six. Depending upon the ability of the class, research can be more in depth, completed in pairs, or teacher directed.

THE STAFF
Catherine O’Sullivan is presently a technology resource teacher at P.S.60Q, an elementary school in Woodhaven. She works cooperatively with classroom teachers to use technology as a tool while teaching language arts, social studies, and science curriculum. As a classroom teacher, she has won the District 27 Computer Contest three times. Ancient Empires is a contest winner as well. Catherine received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree at Queens College and is presently earning her degree in school leadership at the New York Institute of Technology. 

WHAT YOU NEED
This program requires computers with Internet access, KidPix Studio Deluxe, AppleWorks, FileMaker Pro, HyperStudio, maps of ancient countries, and primary source materials, including pictures and replicas of artifacts. 

OVERALL VALUE
The program enables students to understand that ancient empires were diverse in culture and beliefs, while learning about famous people and beautiful structures from that period. Ancient Empires fosters self-esteem through cooperative learning. The use of various computer applications encourages the students’ creativity through text and illustrations. The unit comes alive with the use of multimedia application, and learning becomes fun! The finished product can be used effectively as a reference tool later in the school year or for other classes in the same grade.