3D Ziggurat Activity: A Hands-On Way to Teach Mesopotamia
Hey teacher friends! Let’s talk about one of those ancient history topics that can feel a little dry: ziggurats. How do you make a tiered temple from ancient Mesopotamia feel exciting? With a hands-on activity, of course!
I made this 3-D Ziggurat Activity on Teachers Pay Teachers, and it’s a total game-changer for your social studies unit. It’s not just a craft; it’s a multi-disciplinary powerhouse that brings history to life in your classroom.
Why this activity is a must-have:
- It’s more than a craft. The activity starts with a one-page reading passage about ancient Mesopotamia and the purpose of ziggurats. Students then use that information to complete a vocabulary section and answer comprehension questions on the sides of their ziggurat model. This hits so many skills at once!
- Easy to use. The instructions are clear and simple, which means less prep for you and more independent work for your students.
- Perfect for display. Once students finish, these 3-D creations are perfect for a classroom or hallway display. It’s a great way to show off what your class is learning and can even serve as a mini-museum exhibit!
Other Fun Ideas for Your Ziggurat Unit
Want to add a little something extra to your lesson plans? Here are a few other ideas to get your students excited about ziggurats:
- Virtual Field Trip: Take your class on a virtual tour of the Ziggurat of Ur. A quick search on YouTube will give you some great options.
- Building Contest: Use LEGOs, blocks, or even sugar cubes to challenge students to build the tallest (or most creative!) ziggurat they can.
- Compare and Contrast: Have students create a Venn diagram to compare ziggurats to the pyramids of Egypt. This helps them understand the unique functions of each structure and the cultures they came from.
With the 3-D Ziggurat Activity and a few creative ideas, teaching ancient Mesopotamia can be a blast!
