Seventh Grade Simulation Activity Sparks Discussion about Roman Republic

Seventh graders have recently begun learning about the rise of the Roman Republic. In an experiential exercise, students assumed the roles of patricians and plebeians “to learn how the struggle between these two groups led to a more democratic government in the Roman Republic,” says social studies teacher Allison Stine. The majority of students were assigned the role of "plebes," while select students were assigned the role of "pats." As part of the simulation, pats assigned plebes the job of cutting a large number of perfect half-inch by half-inch paper squares in a finite amount of time. “During the debrief, students discussed how frustrating it was to feel as though their voice did not matter," Ms. Stine says. "Many felt uncomfortable with the power they had and were relieved when the two groups compromised.” This exercise helps students learn history from various perspectives, one of the key elements of the seventh grade social studies curriculum.

“It’s incredible how relevant a struggle that happened thousands of years ago can feel,” adds Ms. Stine. “This lesson brought the students into the content and they are so curious about our own republic. We will spend class on Friday breaking down the Roman Republic and comparing it to our own.” MORE PHOTOS