Title: Ancient Athens and Democracy

Grade Level: 6th-8th grade

Subject: Social Studies/History

Duration: 2-3 class periods (45-60 minutes each)

Objectives: 1. Understand the concept of democracy and its origins in ancient Athens. 2. Identify the key features and characteristics of the Athenian democratic system. 3. Analyze the impact of democracy on the development of ancient Athens. 4. Compare and contrast ancient Athenian democracy with modern democratic systems.

Materials: - Textbooks or online resources on ancient Athens and democracy - Chart paper and markers - Handouts with discussion questions - Computer or tablet with internet access (optional)

Procedure:

Day 1: Introduction to Ancient Athens and Democracy

1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what democracy is and if they can name any democratic countries today. Discuss their responses as a class.
2. Introduce the concept of democracy and explain that it originated in ancient Athens, Greece.
3. Provide a brief overview of ancient Athens, including its geographical location, cultural achievements, and political system.
4. Divide the class into small groups and distribute handouts with discussion questions related to ancient Athens and democracy. Allow students time to discuss and share their answers.
5. Bring the class back together and have each group share their responses. Facilitate a class discussion to reinforce key concepts and address any misconceptions.

Day 2: Key Features of Athenian Democracy

1. Review the previous day’s discussion and clarify any remaining questions or misconceptions.
2. Introduce the key features and characteristics of Athenian democracy, such as direct participation, the Assembly, the Council of 500, and the role of citizens.
3. Create a chart on the board or chart paper with two columns: “Features of Athenian Democracy” and “Modern Democratic Systems.” As a class, fill in the chart by comparing and contrasting the features of Athenian democracy with modern democratic systems.
4. Engage students in a role-play activity where they simulate an Athenian Assembly meeting. Assign roles such as the Assembly leader, citizens, and speakers. Encourage students to debate and vote on a hypothetical issue.
5. Conclude the class by discussing the significance of Athenian democracy and its impact on the development of ancient Athens.

Day 3: Assessing Ancient Athenian Democracy

1. Begin the class by reviewing the key features of Athenian democracy and its impact on ancient Athens.
2. Divide the class into pairs or small groups and provide them with a set of primary and secondary sources related to ancient Athenian democracy. Sources can include excerpts from historical texts, images, or artifacts.
3. Instruct students to analyze the sources and answer questions about the strengths and weaknesses of Athenian democracy, its inclusivity, and its limitations.
4. Have each group present their findings to the class, fostering a discussion on the different perspectives and interpretations of Athenian democracy.
5. Conclude the lesson by asking students to reflect on the lessons that can be learned from ancient Athenian democracy and its relevance to modern democratic systems.

Assessment: - Participation in class discussions and group activities - Completion and quality of handout responses - Analysis of primary and secondary sources - Presentation of findings and contributions to class discussions

Extension Activities: 1. Research and present on other ancient Greek city-states and their political systems. 2. Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the implementation of direct democracy in a modern society. 3. Create a visual representation (poster, infographic, etc.) comparing ancient Athenian democracy with a modern democratic system.