Bringing Ancient Rome to Life: ESD Middle School Hosts Latin Events as a Culmination of Semester-Long Research Projects
April 14, 2025
As soon as you enter any middle school classroom, you’ll notice that ESD’s curriculum is hands-on and creative! Our middle school Latin classes demonstrate how creativity combines with academia to embark on a journey through history, culture, and creativity. Across multiple grades, students have spent the semester diving deep into research projects that connect the ancient world to modern-day issues, with guidance from Middle School Librarian Claire Reddig. These culminating projects reflect not only the students’ academic growth but also their imagination, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
In sixth grade, students explored the Roman Forum through the lens of ancient Roman occupations—all while connecting their learning to the real-world issue of food deserts. After choosing roles like baker, fisherperson, toolsmith, and more, students researched their chosen professions using library databases and books. They then used a $6 makerspace “budget” to create handmade items to sell in a lively simulation of a Roman market. Guest shoppers with assigned roles visited to purchase goods, and students proudly showed off their creations and knowledge. The hands-on element of building and selling added an extra spark to the project, bringing history to life in a tactile and memorable way.
Our seventh-grade students turned their attention to housing insecurity, asking the big question: “What was the role of __________ on housing in ancient Rome?” Students chose lenses like politics, religion, health, or social class, and they synthesized their findings into visually engaging infographics created with Canva. At their gallery walk, students confidently presented their work and answered questions from guests. The result was a powerful blend of ancient history and modern relevance—plus valuable experience in using technology to tell compelling stories.
By eighth grade, Latin students have developed strong research foundations—and this year, they put them to the test through mythology. They explored the purpose and qualities of ancient myths, reimagining these myths set at ESD during its 50-year history. These creative retellings, presented as audio recordings during their gallery walk, were rooted in deep research and stayed true to the genre’s traditions while giving a fresh spin that was uniquely ESD.
As our Latin students bring the ancient world to life, they learn to think critically, express themselves, and make intentional connections to the present. These culminating events offer an exceptional opportunity for students to share their work with more than just their classmates. Inviting guests into the classroom transforms the final product from a school assignment into a meaningful showcase.
