Greco-Roman Celebration
student experts share learning
“They ate flamingo tongues,” said Aurora, highlighting one of the exotic foods eaten by wealthy ancient Romans. She displayed the dinner menu that she’d created – it was fit for a Roman Senator’s celebration!
“The ancient Greek had pipe organs powered by water,” said Ellie, a sixth-grade cellist, who was fascinated by the music of the ancient world. “No one knows what they would have looked like – they are only mentioned in literature.”
“There were elevators in the Colosseum,” said Nate, who became an expert on the enormous Ancient Roman amphitheater. “It was also struck by lightning!”
armor of a legionary
Team tapestry hosts Greco-Roman Celebration
These conversations and more took place during Team Tapestry’s Greco-Roman Celebration on Friday, June 7, in John Jay Middle School’s library. More than 40 students stood at the exhibits they had created, which ranged from aqueducts to Zeus, presenting their learning to teachers, parents, students and other guests.
The Greco-Roman Celebration was the culmination of several weeks of study. After learning about the classical civilizations with teacher Guy Amdur, each student chose a specific subject of interest. They researched their topic using books and online resources during class time. They also created an artifact—an exhibit which would catch a visitor’s attention and help interpret history—on their own time.
Considering catapults
Hunter built a three-foot-long catapult using wood and straps. Watching the simple machine launch tennis balls into the hallway at the back of the library, it was easy to imagine the ancient Romans using something of the sort to fire stones and flaming material during war. “Some catapults could also shoot arrows,” said Hunter, adding that the ancient Romans used catapults when they were fighting the Spartans.
Make your own Mosiac
The more Giada learned about ancient Roman mosaics, they more fascinated she became by the colorful designs and scenes made from small pieces of stone or glass. She said that what surprised her most is that ancient Roman mosaics were not signed, wondering if they were considered useful—decorating floors, ceilings, and pool bottoms—but not art. Giada’s exhibit invited guests to try their hand at mosaic designs using Legos.
Foods of the common folks
Skincare, trade routes, the Peloponnesian War & much more
Oil and honey were not only for the dinner table, visitors to Juliette’s exhibit on Ancient Greek Skincare discovered. They were some of the main ingredients of many ancient Greek beauty practices. “They also used snail guts in undereye moisturizer,” said the sixth grader. At her exhibit, visitors could mix ingredients using a mortar and pestle, and apply the blend to a drawing of a face.
The students’ knowledge was evident throughout the Celebration—the hands-on aspect creating an enjoyable path to deep learning and enthusiastic sharing!
