Our sixth grade block in Roman History at Davis Waldorf was crowned today with a Roman feast and a presentation of our Aqueduct Project. The project, in Roman fashion, required precision and citizenship. Each segment of the aqueduct had to be exactly measured and executed by each of the students so that when connected, their sections would function collectively to convey water.
The project needed a box of specific dimensions, and cut precisely for the columns, arches, and holes. A layer of spackling or plaster, scored and painted to resemble brick, gave it an artistic touch. When each of the segments were lined up end to end, the impact was quite incredible. I ran a 3/4" PVC pipe through all the segments, attached a hose to one end, and a spout at the other. Our aqueduct directed water for a ceremonious washing of our hands to begin our Roman feast.
The Roman saying holds true: FINIS CORONAT OPUS (the end crowns the work). I think the students will remember this project, and they will know the work they put into it had lead to a sense of accomplishment and pride.
7 comments:
Rick, that is awesome! Well done! I wish I had been in your class.
Fantastic project. Well done!
Great project! Inspiring.
Awesome project Rick. Wish i'd done something like that when i was in school.
Wow what a great prject. What materials did you use for the arches?
did the children assemble the pieces themselves, and then bring them in? How did you do this assignment?
Hi Brianne! Thank you for your interest in the project. The Roman Aqueduct project brought our studies in history together with geometry. To make their own section of aqueduct, I first presented in class the specifications, instructions and a model I built to demonstrate the steps in making it. (I stressed the importance of precision with their measurements and cutting - a Roman Emperor would be extremely displeased with substandard engineering and craftsmanship!) I gave them each a box of the same dimensions to work with. They then took the box home, and on their own (perhaps with supervision from parents), measured, cut, glued, plastered, and painted their aqueduct section. On the due date, they brought the sections to school where we lined them up and ran a PVC pipe to through them to simulate flowing fresh water! We then enjoyed a Roman meal together. I hope that helps in developing your own project! Rick
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