55 Minute Lesson Plan

Greek Impact
Matt Sanders, John Dano, Troy Davis
September 27th, 2016
Social Studies Grade 9/10
Objective: The students will analyze the contributions of Greek and Roman civilization by
examining a philosophical element of Platos Apology and comparing it to a modern belief or
philosophical stance.
The students will analyze the contributions of Greek civilization by evaluating Platos Apology
Common Core Standard
SSHS-S2C2-PO3
High School Social Studies, World History, Concept 2: Early Civilizations,
Performance Objective 3
Analyze the enduring Greek and Roman contributions and their impact on later civilization:
a. Development of concepts of government and citizenship (e.g.,democracy,
republics,codification of law, and development of empire)
b.scientific and cultural advancements (e.g.,network of roads,aqueducts, art and
architecture, literature and theater,mathematics,and philosophy)

1. Empowered Learner
c. Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to
demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
Our students will create a chart on Google Docs with Chromebooks during the You Do as their
piece of technology.
Anticipatory Set:
Our auditory signal will be Alright, kiddos! Alright, kiddos, from a very young age we are taught
different philosophies. These could be ways of looking at the world, human nature, or how to
treat other human beings. I want you to think of some philosophies youve been taught over the
course of your life, these could be from your parents, your religion, the school has a certain
philosophy. After giving them some time well call on two or three to share their thoughts. (This
will take approximately 2 to 4 minutes)
Information (I do)
Alright, kiddos! Last night you read Platos Apology. While the Apology was written by Plato, it
is Socrates who is supposedly doing the talking. Socrates was an Athenian philosopher who

lived in the 5th century BCE. Socrates was Platos teacher, so it makes sense that its Plato who
wrote this. Socrates was well respected for his intellect but truth be told he was kind of a weird
guy. He didnt bathe and he wandered around the city asking people questions. In 399 BCE the
Athenian nobility got sick and tired of him; he disturbed the peace and he fostered some antigovernment opinions, and they put him on trial. An Athenian trial was set up in a democratic
fashion. Rather than one judge or prominent person deciding the cases and consequences of
those found guilty. A large crowd of people who lived within the city walls sat at the Acropolis
and decided the verdict of the party under investigation. Each person would vote by hand
raising. The majority decided whether the defendant was found innocent or guilty. The accuser
and the accused were given no time restraint for proclaiming their respective stance. Socrates
used this time not only to carefully convey his defense, but he also utilized it to further share his
philosophy with the public. This is his defense. (This will take 5 minutes.)

1.
2.
3.
4.

Kahoot! Will be used to quiz the students on these basic developments before they continue.
Who wrote the Apology? Plato
Who is speaking in the Apology? Socrates
What was the speaker being accused of? Being a teacher and stealing money/Blaspheming
against Heaven
What did the speaker devote his life to? Philosophy

Check for Understanding (You do):

With their triad partners, students will create a chart using Google Docs that will be shared with
the Teacher and this chart will have excerpts of Platos Apology that impacted them the most on
one side, and a correlating modern belief or philosophy on the other.
Example:
Left side of chart
Socrates described an inner voice
that would guide him in life.

Right side of chart

Modern Christianity often refers to the still
small voice of God.

The students will be asked to compile a list of 4 to 6 of these excerpts from Platos Apology with
the relevant modern day philosophy or belief alongside it. (The students will be given 15
minutes to do this.)
Class Discussion (We do):
The teacher will get the students back into focus by saying Alright, kiddos! and will project the
charts that the students have made and will highlight certain excerpts and connections to
modern philosophies that are particular good. The teacher will also ask the students aligned
questions regarding their reasoning for selecting certain excerpts and for making certain
connections. Some questions to ask the students: Do the principles Socrates speaks of relate to
any modern political principles? What religious connections, if any, were you able to make
between what Socrates said and contemporary religions? Who found a part where Socrates
references Classical Greek culture or mythology? (This will last 15 minutes.)

Information (I do):
Athenian democracy worked similarly to Athenian trials. As a direct democracy, the Athenians
would gather at the acropolis to decide matters of importance: Putting people on trial, voting for
new leaders, ostracism, etc. If the majority ruled one way, the decision was final. Demagoguery
became very important at this time. Key men who were great orators who could sway the
people to vote for them. Great speakers rose to prominence in Athenian society.
Think Pair Share, Check for Understanding (We do):
The students will turn to their elbow partner and will discuss the similarities and differences
between Athenian Democracy and American Democracy. (This will last 3 minutes). The teacher
will hear from about 3 different pairs of partners and provide aligned responses.
Closure, Ticket out the Door, (You do):
Ticket out the door, On a half sheet of paper, the students will write what philosophical element
or aspect of Greek society they think has the greatest impact on them personally, today.
Assessment Questions:
What are two of the alleged crimes that Socrates is on trial for?
Is Socrates an atheist?
What greater crime does Socrates say the men who accuse him and convict him are guilty of?
In your opinion, did Socrates have to drink the hemlock? Support your answer.
Independent Practice:
Knowing what you know about Ancient Greece and after having read all of The Apology, in a
well constructed paragraph answer the following question: Would you convict Socrates for the
crimes he was being charged with? Remember to support your answer with evidence from the
text.
Materials:
Paper
Pencils
Copies of Platos Apology
Chromebooks for the Students
Projector
Laptop for Teacher
Google Docs