History met innovation as seventh-grade students at Chagrin Falls Middle School concluded their Ancient Greece unit with a unique hands-on project combining historical knowledge with modern creativity.
Students were challenged to take ancient Greek achievements in architecture, mathematics, philosophy, athletics, and other fields—and improve upon these classical innovations for today's world. Using materials from the school's zero-waste cart, students designed and built prototypes of their reimagined inventions, bringing their creative solutions to life.
The collaborative project, developed by teachers Samantha Genshock and Polly Mitchell alongside Makerspace Instructional Coach Matthew Volk, encouraged students to think critically about how ancient innovations could be enhanced with modern knowledge and technology.
"This project allows students to not just learn about ancient Greece, but to actively engage with its lasting contributions to civilization," said Genshock. "When students have to improve upon something, they first need to deeply understand how and why it was originally created.”
Students presented their prototypes to classmates, explaining both the historical significance of their chosen Greek innovation and their modern improvements. Projects ranged from fully automated lighthouses and cranes to alarm clocks and vending machines.
The hands-on approach transformed what could have been a traditional history unit into an engaging exploration of innovation across the ages, demonstrating how ancient wisdom continues to inspire modern solutions.
This cross-disciplinary project exemplifies Chagrin Falls Middle School's commitment to interactive learning experiences that bring historical concepts into the present day while fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.
