Materials

• Map(s) of Greece that reflect geographic features (a copy for each student, or a display copy for front of room)
• Blank outline map of Greece (one copy per student)
• Teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or activity

Instructional Activities

1. Remind students of previous lessons that addressed the impact of geography on a country’s development. Ask students to share what they remember from those lessons. Prompt students with questions (e.g., how can mountains protect and isolate? how can rivers provide trade opportunities?).
   
   
2. Distribute geographic maps of ancient and present-day Greece or display a large geographic map of Greece in the front of the classroom. Ask students to analyze the geography of Greece and identify natural barriers and natural routes of trade. Record their responses on an overhead transparency.
   
   
3. Provide a blank map of Greece to the students, and instruct them to mark the location of the following:
   • Aegean Sea
   • Greek Peninsula, Europe, and Asia Minor
   • Mediterranean Sea
   • Black Sea, Dardanelles
   • Athens, Sparta, Troy
   • Macedonia
   
   
4. Ask students to suggest ways the geography of Greece shaped the economic, social, and political development of Greek civilization.
   
   
5. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.