Materials

• Map of Ancient Persia
• Political map of present-day Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa
• Handout of “How to Prepare a Learning Cube for Ancient Civilizations” (Attachment A)
• Teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or activity

Instructional Activities

NOTE: The following Web resources may be helpful in teaching this session:

• “Persia.” Internet Ancient History Sourcebook. <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/asbook05.html>
• “IranChamber.com.” <http://www.iranchamber.com/index.php>
• “The Persian Gallery.” Oriental Institute Museum. <http://www-oi.uchicago.edu/OI/MUS/GALLERY/PERSIAN/New_Persian_Gallery.html>

1. Explain to students that they are going to examine the ancient civilizations of Persia, India, and China. Remind students that one purpose of studying history is to gain an understanding of how present-day societies evolved. When studying these ancient civilizations, have students look for connections to the present. For example, how have the governments, culture, or religion of these civilizations impacted present-day circumstances?
   
   
2. Explain that the first of the three civilizations that will be studied in this unit is the Persian Empire. Ask the students to make a list of what they think of when they hear the term “Persian Empire.” Allow a few minutes for students to write down their thoughts. Encourage them to think of time, place, and culture. Instruct students to share their thoughts with the class. On the overhead make a list of student responses.
   
   
3. Display a map of the Persian Empire. Provide an atlas, or guide students to a map of the Persian Empire in their textbooks. Distribute a current political map of Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Instruct students to draw a line encompassing the Persian Empire on the current map and shade within the line to indicate current countries whose land was part of the empire.
   
   
4. Display pictures of Persian culture in the classroom. “The Persian Gallery” Web site may be of assistance. (See list of Web links, above.).
   
   
5. Explain that students will produce a “learning cube” containing content from this unit. A class period will be provided to work on the cubes, but students should begin collecting the information they wish to include on their cube for use on the activity day. Distribute and discuss copies of the handout “How to Prepare a Learning Cube for Ancient Civilizations” (Attachment A).
   
   
6. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.