About Democracy in Ancient Greece

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Overview

Voices and Choices: Democracy in Ancient Greece introduces middles school students to civic responsibility through an exploration of life in ancient Greece, the role of democracy in the Athenian Assembly, and important issues debated by the Athenian people. Technology is skillfully used to motivate and inform students and teachers alike.
For more information, please contact the Jane Condliffe at (212) 870-3505 or visit the Unit Overview

Students

Students will:

  • Conduct research on important issues that the ancient Athenians faced and write a persuasive speech to present in the Assembly.
  • Collaborate to create a multimedia group presentation designed to convince members of the Assembly of their views.
  • Recreate the Athenian Assembly, participate in debates on the issues, and vote as the Athenians did.
  • Compare ancient issues to issues we face today and examine the consequences of voting in a democracy then and now.

Teaching Matters

Teaching Matters is a non-profit professional development organization that partners with educators to improve public schools. We use technology in the classroom to prepare teachers and their students for 21st century learning and achievement. To learn about our programs please visit www.teachingmatters.org.

Voices and Choices

Voices and Choices: Democracy in Ancient Greece is part of a three-unit series exploring the role of civics and active citizenship in a democracy. The units are designed to complement sixth, seventh, and eighth grade middle school curricula in Social Studies. The sixth grade unit, Democracy in Ancient Greece, focuses on democracy and citizenship within the context of the western world’s first democracy in ancient Athens. The seventh grade unit, Constitution Today, focuses on current issues of public debate relating to the Constitution of the United States. The eighth grade unit, The Evolution of Civil Rights, focuses on the expansion of civil rights and democracy throughout US history.

Special Thanks

Voices and Choices: Democracy in Ancient Greece has been made possible through the generous support of The Annenberg Foundation.