A WebQuest for Middle School History

Designed by

Leslie Blakeburn

Links to KS2  QCA Module History Units 14 and 15
Edited for use on the WebQuestUK site by Dave Kibblewhite
(Site last checked on 23rd July 2004)

Introduction

Have you ever heard people say, "Those were the good old days"?  In this WebQuest you will have an opportunity to look at the really old days.  You will create a manual for a modern Olympic athlete to use as he/she travels back in time to 400 B.C. to participate in the ancient games.  Of course we all know that the games are not the same now as they were in ancient times.  You will need to develop this handbook so the athlete will know how to act and how to compete in the ancient games.   By the time you are finished, you should know something about the "good old days."

The Task

Your task will be to develop the handbook.  You will need to do a printout so the athlete will be able to take it along when he/she goes back in time to ancient Greece.   If you follow these steps, one at a time, it will help you to complete the process without getting confused:

Gather information for the handbook:

• Research daily life in the ancient Greek cities of Athens and Sparta;
• Research ancient Olympic games, focusing on:
  • What events were included in the ancient games?
  • How were the ancient games different from the modern games?
• Research the geography and climate of Greece

Create an illustrated handbook using either paper and pencil or using word processors.  Include the following sections:

• Introduction
• What to pack
• Where to go
• Etiquette
• Olympic Games

To accomplish the task you will work together as a group, gathering information to use in the development your handbook.  You may divide the tasks when you are ready to create your handbook.

1. Begin by researching life in ancient Athens and Sparta.  There were many other cities in ancient Greece, but these two are the most well-known and are representative of two different lifestyles. As you research, consider the following questions:
   • What were the classes of people found in each city?
   • What was a typical day for citizens of each city?
   • How did the people dress?
   • What special customs or habits should the athlete know about?
   • What was life like for athletes?

    

2. Next, research the Olympic Games in ancient times.  As you progress, consider these questions:
   • What was the purpose of the ancient Games?
   • What were the major events in the ancient Games?
   • How were the games different in ancient times than they are today?

    

3. Next, research the geography and climate of Greece.  Look for the following information:
   • Location of Athens, Sparta, Site of the Olympic Games
   • The climate of Greece
   • Important sites the athlete might want to visit before or after the games
   • A map of Greece

    

4. After completing your research, you will be ready to make your handbook.  There are five parts to the handbook.  You may wish to have a different team member to complete each section.  Be sure to include illustrations in each section of your handbook.
   • I. Introduction: Do this section last.  It should include:
     • The purpose of the handbook
     • Summary of the handbook

      

   • II. What to pack: Tell the athlete what kinds of clothing and other items might be required on the trip.  Remember the person is going back in time and will not be able to use modern conveniences that require electricity, or other things that have not yet been invented.  Consider the climate and the purpose of the trip in planning what to pack.
   • III. Where to go: Tell the athlete where he/she should go for the Olympic competition, as well as where he/she might want to go before or after the games.  You should include a map of Greece either drawn by you, or one you found during your research. Remember, it will be 400 B.C. Don't tell them about modern hotels and museums that have not been built.
   • IV. Etiquette: Be sure to inform the athlete about any customs of the people he/she must observe.  Also explain about proper behaviour during the games.
   • V. Olympic Games: Explain the procedures, ceremonies, and events that will take place.   You should also point out the important differences between the ancient and modern games.

   Once your book is completed, carefully proof read the entire publication, design a cover and a table of contents, check you have completed each part, then bind or staple your book.

Evaluation

Describe to the learners how their performance will be evaluated. Specify whether there will be a common grade for group work vs. individual grades.