Teacher Notes
In the WebQuest A Day at the Colosseum, students are spectators at the Roman Colosseum in A.D. 80.
They write a letter to a friend that describes their observations and includes drawings of different
events. Their letters should reflect research on gladiators, Colosseum animals, the architecture of
the Colosseum, and the role of the emperor at the festivities. Students will also discover the purpose
of the games and what they reveal about Roman culture.
As spectators, students will record their notes in a journal, which will help them organize and write their letters. When they have completed their letters, students will partner with a classmate to read the letters aloud and give each other feedback. They should express what they liked and suggest ways to make the letters more informative and interesting. Lastly, they will edit the letters to correct any mistakes.
As spectators, students will record their notes in a journal, which will help them organize and write their letters. When they have completed their letters, students will partner with a classmate to read the letters aloud and give each other feedback. They should express what they liked and suggest ways to make the letters more informative and interesting. Lastly, they will edit the letters to correct any mistakes.
Students who do exemplary work on this WebQuest will learn about:
- gladiators–who they were, what they did, and how the public viewed them
- the animals in Colosseum events
- the Colosseum's architecture
- the emperor's role at Colosseum events
- the political purpose of gladiator events
- how events at the Colosseum reflect aspects of Roman culture
- how to write a letter
When to use this WebQuest
The WebQuest A Day at the Colosseum works well as an introduction to Unit 6 or as a wrap-up to Chapter 13. Have students study and discuss the illustration on pages 424-425 before beginning the WebQuest.
Journal Print the journal and worksheets for students. The questions will guide their research and help them infer aspects of Roman culture. The information they record will also help students write their letters.
Writing the Letters Review some examples of different types of letters. Explain that different styles of letters serve different purposes. This letter is to a friend so it is less formal than other types of letters, but still needs to observe the structure and mechanics of the English language.
Have students review draft versions of each other's letters. Explain that this process could help them revise and improve their letters.
Students could also create an identity for their Roman characters to make writing their letters easier. Having identities for themselves and their Roman friend will help make the letter more realistic and believeable.
Provide students with colored pencils and paper to draw their pictures.
Journal Print the journal and worksheets for students. The questions will guide their research and help them infer aspects of Roman culture. The information they record will also help students write their letters.
Writing the Letters Review some examples of different types of letters. Explain that different styles of letters serve different purposes. This letter is to a friend so it is less formal than other types of letters, but still needs to observe the structure and mechanics of the English language.
Have students review draft versions of each other's letters. Explain that this process could help them revise and improve their letters.
Students could also create an identity for their Roman characters to make writing their letters easier. Having identities for themselves and their Roman friend will help make the letter more realistic and believeable.
Provide students with colored pencils and paper to draw their pictures.