TITLE OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE: Caesar II by F.Scott McDonald and Sean R. Burton of Watertown

1. LEARNING CONTEXT
Students will experience ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4 through the creation of a virtual Roman Empire. The socio-historical information derived from the game will provide background to support the reading of "Julius Caesar." To succees in this activity, students will need to interact with the game interface, have some previous experience with Roman history, and be able to record and evaluate information.

2. PROCEDURE
Teacher acts as a facilitator while students explore and follow the game format and take reflective notes in their experience.

3. INSTRUCTIONAL/ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATIONS
Game provided with four difficulty levels which should be set individually by the teacher. Individual adjustments for visual or hearing impaired student.

4. TIME REQUIRED
Planning: 3 hours; Implementation and Assessment: 5 class periods.

5. RESOURCES

One computer work station per two students, and the CAESAR II CD-ROM.

6. ASSESSMENT PLAN

Progress will be monitored through teacher generated checklists as well as the students progress with their virtual empires.

7. STUDENT WORK

Send samples of student work that reflect the diversity of students participating in the learning experience

N/A

8. REFLECTION
The program itself has built into it an overall usage of the learning standards. By the students interaction with the game, they will interact with each other as they work together to build an empire. They will be adhering to the standards without being aware they are attaining this goal. This reflects best practice in that all the students are engaged in learning, are creating their own best learning environment, they are meeting standards, and there is a tangible end-product.