Introduction
Begin the lesson by talking about the beauty around us. Ask students to identify/talk about the most beautiful places they have seen in their own community. Where is each of those beautiful things? Are they natural or manmade?
Can students agree on a ranking of their list of the most beautiful places in their community?
Then ask students to think outside their own community and identify places in their state that might be among the most beautiful/remarkable. Is there an agreed ranking of those places as to which is most beautiful?
The lesson will start here.
Here are the list:
1. Great Wall of China (China)
Built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century, the Great Wall of China is a stone-and-earth fortification created to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from invading Mongols. The Great Wall is actually a succession of multiple walls spanning approximately 4,000 miles, making it the world's longest manmade structure.
2. Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)
The Art Deco-style Christ the Redeemer statue has been looming over the Brazilians from upon Corcovado mountain in an awe-inspiring state of eternal blessing since 1931. The 130-foot reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa and cost approximately $250,000 to build - much of the money was raised through donations. The statue has become an easily recognized icon for Rio and Brazil.
3. Machu Picchu (Peru)
Machu Picchu, an Incan city of sparkling granite precariously perched between 2 towering Andean peaks, is thought by scholars to have been a sacred archaeological center for the nearby Incan capital of Cusco. Built at the peak of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, this mountain citadel was later abandoned by the Incas. The site remained unknown except to locals until 1911, when it was rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The site can only be reached by foot, train or helicopter; most visitors visit by train from nearby Cusco.
4. Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)
The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the splendid ruins of Chichen Itza. This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, flourished from approximately 800 to 1200, and acted as the political and economic hub of the Mayan civilization. The most familiar ruin at the site is El Caracol, a sophisticated astronomical observatory.
5. The Roman Colosseum (Rome)
Rome's, if not Italy's, most enduring icon is undoubtedly its Colosseum. Built between A.D. 70 and 80 A.D., it was in use for some 500 years. The elliptical structure sat nearly 50,000 spectators, who gathered to watch the gladiatorial events as well as other public spectacles, including battle reenactments, animal hunts and executions. Earthquakes and stone-robbers have left the Colosseum in a state of ruin, but portions of the structure remain open to tourists, and its design still influences the construction of modern-day amphitheaters, some 2,000 years later.
6. Taj Majal (Agra, India)
A mausoleum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Majal was built between 1632 and 1648. Considered the most perfect specimen of Muslim art in India, the white-marble Taj Majal actually represents a number of architectural styles, including Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian. The Taj Majal also encompasses formal gardens of raised pathways, sunken flower beds and a linear reflecting pool.
7. Petra (Jordan)
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV, and likely existed in its prime from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40. The members of this civilization proved to be early experts in manipulating water technology, constructing intricate tunnels and water chambers, which helped create an pseudo-oasis. A number of incredible structures carved into stone, a 4,000-seat amphitheater and the El-Deir monastery have also helped the site earn its fame.
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Task
Arrange students into groups of 3 or 4. Assign one of the Seven Wonders of the World to each group. Have students use library and/or Internet resources to learn more about the "Wonder" assigned to them. Among the information students will want to find is when the Wonder was built, who built it, where was it built? Before the end of the class period, bring the groups back together so they can share the information they have found.
Worksheet: Seven Wonders of the World Profile
Wondering About the New Seven (Man-Made) Wonders of the World
Use the chart below to gather information about each Wonder.
Ancient Wonder: ____________________________________
Additional information: _______________________________________________
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Resources and references used: ________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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Year built:
Location:
Who built it:
Purpose/use:
Does it still stand? If not, why not?
Process
Materials Needed
- student journals (or paper for writing)
- a large wall map of the world
- computer with Internet connection
- Show a picture of each of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World as students in each group share the facts they learned about their "Wonder."
- Create a simple timeline to illustrate when the Wonders were constructed.
- Mark on a world map the locations of the Wonders. Discuss why the Seven Wonders of the World seem to be concentrated around a particular region of the world.
- Discuss why these seven places might have been called the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World." What characteristics qualify them for that title?
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on their technical expertise, presentation skills, and participation in class discussions.
Evaluate the students on their group's work using the three-point rubric:
- Three points: Many sources consulted; very well organized and very well delivered oral presentation; well-displayed visuals
- Two points: Minimum number of sources consulted; moderately well organized and moderately well delivered oral presentation; acceptable display of visuals
- One point: Insufficient number of sources consulted; poorly organized and delivered oral presentation; poorly displayed visuals
You can ask your students to contribute to the assessment rubric by determining how many reference sources should be consulted and what constitutes a well-organized and well-delivered oral presentation.
Conclusion
Before you will end up the class here are the video of the official declaration of the New 7 Wonders of Nature to have an evidence.
There you can have it. The students have now further knowledge about the wonders of the world. It is also a way of their awareness about the beauty of nature.
Credits
Teacher Page
I am John Paul F. Mendoza, 18, your History Teacher. I graduated at La Salle University Taft Ave, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila with a degree in AB History and currently having my Master's Degree at Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts. I do believe in the saying " Pangit man ako sa inyong paningin, Wag kayong mag alala kasi kayo rin." I am confidently beautiful with a heart. Thank you