Strategic Teaching Using: “Zoom In” (by Mary-Lynn Epps)
Social Studies Application- Grade 7 Rome Unit
1)Overall Goal: Demonstrate aspects of the ancient Roman culture through a day at Circus Maximus. Put yourself in the shoes of one of the characters in the film and write about what they may have been thinking and feeling throughout the chariot race. Describe historical elements in the film that would make your story realistic.
2)Connecting: Circus Maximus today is one of the ancient Roman sites that have yet to be fully excavated. When you stand in the middle of the site it seems you are in the middle of a dug out field. Pretend you are standing in the field you have traveled back in time. It is a day of the one of the chariot races that has attracted competitors from around the ancient world. You can be a spectator, government official, a trainer or chariot racer. As you view the film you can use your four quadrant organizer to record your ideas. This will help you write the story afterwards.
3)During: Introduce the film Ben Hurr as being the 1959 academy award winning film for best picture of the year. We are only going to watch one aspect of the film, the preparation for the chariot race and then the actual race. Some parts are graphic, as one person was actually killed during the filming of the movie. However, the cultural depiction of the people and the race are very realistic. Label your four quadrants with the following headings: images, feelings, important facts/ideas, action words. Fill in your quadrant and be ready to share your ideas with others afterwards.
Show the film clip and prompt them with ideas if they seem confused. Give them a few minutes to reflect and finish recording ideas after the film. Follow with a partner share and whip around.
4)Transforming: Now you have ideas to help you develop a short story. Create
criteria for the story with the students. An example is listed below.
Criteria for a Circus Maximus Day Story
Opening: a) Grab the reader’s attention
b) Contains historical elements
c) Sets the stage with time and place and introduce your character
Body: a) Bring the story to life using the historical elements you recorded
from the race
b) Tell the story in sequence so it makes sense
Conclusion: Give your story an ending.
Take time to self and peer assess according to the criteria before they hand in their work to you for marks.