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Sixth Graders Bring Ancient Mesopotamia to Life - Literally!
Sixth graders have recently been learning about ancient Mesopotamia from approximately 2300 to 539 B.C.E. To bring their learning to life - literally - students created mechanical dioramas, moving wax museum exhibits that illustrated major political and cultural achievements of the Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Neo-Babylonian Empires. These dioramas focused on different aspects of each empire: the Akkadian Empire was known for its military strategies; the Babylonian Empire was notable for its Code of Laws created by King Hammurabi; the Assyrian Empire was known for its siege warfare using battering rams and movable towers to maneuver around city walls; and the Neo-Babylonian Empire was known for its hanging wall gardens.
“Together we imagined and evaluated what life was like for those living in Mesopotamia under the rule of different kings and as Jews were thrown into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar,” says middle school social studies teacher Allison Schwartz. “The students are beginning to think critically about history and formulating opinions. They enjoyed making their own props and performing skits for each other. Clearly the sixth graders love the stage!” MORE PHOTOS
