Lesson plan based on Hadrian

Experiment with and compare different types of natural resources and tools used by artists in ancient Rome.

Skills and Focus: Scientific Inquiry

Subject Area: Science

Thematic Connection: Connect Past and Present

Grade Level: Elementary School

Time Needed: 60 minutes

Objectives

• Identify and describe natural resources and tools used by artists in ancient Rome.

• Describe changes in natural resources that result from human use of tools.

Instructional Materials Needed

Stories: How Was This Made? Hadrian

How Was This Made? Hercules

How Was This Made? Mosaic Floor

Marble slab (1-2 pounds)

Soap stone or Creat-Stone © and stone carving tools such as chisels, rasps, etc., or use soap, wooden dowels, plastic knives, small grater, etc.

Activity

Step 1: After viewing the stories, review with students the tools that were used to make marble and bronze sculptures and mosaics. Compare the marble slab with the portrait Head of Emperor Hadrian and describe the changes in the marble caused by the tools.

Step 2: Experiment with the way tools can alter the appearance of materials. Using Creat—Stone © and stone carving tools, have students experiment with recreating different surfaces and designs similar to those seen in the Portrait Head of Emperor Hadrian. Create hair, beards, eyes, or other facial features. (If Creat-Stone © is not available, use soap, wooden dowels, plastic knives, and small grater.)

Step 3: Lead the class in comparing the hardness of the marble with the Creat-stone © or soap. Discuss the difficulty of carving marble with modern and ancient tools. List and describe modern tools that correspond to those of the ancient Romans.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 11: Have a working knowledge of the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 13: Have a working knowledge of the relationships among science, technology, and society in historical and contemporary contexts.

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