Seven Wonders of the World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World lesson plans offer students a chance to learn about history and use their creativity as well.
By Daniella Garran
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have recently regained popularity thanks to a world-wide contest to identify the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and the Natural World. The original list of wonders written by Herodotus was Greek-centric and limited to seven because of the ancients’ belief that it was a mystical number. Of the original Seven Wonders, only the Pyramid Complex at Giza remains; the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus have all been destroyed by fire, earthquakes and time.
A creative way to introduce students to the original seven wonders is to have them make a travel guide or brochure: imagine the slogan “Seven Days, Seven Nights, Seven Wonders.” As the official guide of Seven Wonders Cruises, Inc., students can imagine an all-inclusive vacation to these historic and mystical locations. Since we only know what the Pyramid Complex at Giza looks like, students will enjoy the opportunity to speculate on the appearance of the other six wonders of the ancient world. This activity can also be adapted for the New Seven Wonders or the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
A great way to collaborate with math teachers is to conduct a school-wide poll in which students vote for wonders in any number of categories after which the class graphs the data. This activity also presents an opportunity to work with the school newspaper or television station if you have one. Be sure to publicize the poll throughout the school and appoint designated times for the class to collect votes such as lunch or recess. Data can be analyzed by wonder, by grade, by gender, or by age. The class conducting the research should be prepared to tell the student body a little bit about each of the nominees objectively so that students can make informed choices. What follows are lesson plans to teach students about the Seven Wonders of the World.
Seven Wonders of the World Lesson Plans:
This lesson introduces students to the Seven Wonders of the World by guiding them through Internet research. Students create a PowerPoint presentation for the rest of the class in addition to mapping the Seven Wonders and creating a timeline of their creation. This lesson is a good introduction to the subject and provides basic information and a host of online resources .
This lesson helps students to understand the symbolism of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in addition to helping students learn about the history of each wonder. Students research these famous places and generate a data chart (a good opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration with math teachers). Students are then given the opportunity to identify Seven Wonders of the Local Community and of the Modern World.
Students learn about the criteria used to identify the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They then apply the criteria to other cultures and eras such as the Aztec Empire, pre-revolutionary Russia, and North America. Students create additional lists of wonders for the era or geographic region to which they have been assigned. The class can consider the nominees and vote on its own list of wonders.
Although this lesson is designed for elementary students, it is certain to be extremely popular with middle school students as well. In order to design a theme park, students research the Seven Wonders of the Ancient, Natural and Modern World. Students select their wonders and create rides, attractions or shows based on them. To demonstrate both their knowledge and creativity, students make a brochure advertising their theme park.