Materials

• Various pictures of buildings with arches
• Handout of a picture of the Colosseum (Attachment D)
• Books showing pictures of the Roman aqueducts, mosaics, sculptures, and paintings
• Colored construction paper, glue
• White 9" x 12" construction paper (1 piece per student)

Instructional Activities

1. Introduce the term contribution. Explain that a contribution is the act of giving or doing something. The people of ancient Rome made many significant contributions to society in terms of architecture, government, and sports.
   
   
2. Present pictures of buildings that have arches, such as the Roman Colosseum (see Attachment D), the Pantheon, the Richmond Coliseum, the White House, and the Capitol building. Ask students what these buildings have in common.
   
   
3. Review the meaning of the word architecture. Tell the students that the ancient Romans used many arches in their buildings. Show and discuss a picture of the Roman Colosseum.
   
   
4. Show students a picture of Roman aqueducts. Ask students what they think this structure was used for. If they do not know, students may research aqueducts, or you could play a game of “Twenty Questions.”
   
   
5. Talk about how like the Greeks, the ancient Romans enjoyed the arts, and create mosaics, sculptures, and paintings. Show pictures of these to students.
   
   
6. Have students create a mosaic picture. Give them an outline of an object, or have them draw their own. Have them cut or tear small squares from the colored construction paper to use for their mosaic.
   
   
7. Have students add two pages to their ancient Rome booklet.
   Page 6—Architecture (Have students include the handout of the picture of the Colosseum.)
   Page 7—The Arts (Have students include their mosaic pictures.