Hands-On Ancient People, Volume 2: Art Activities About Minoans, Mycenaeans, Trojans, Ancient Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans (Paperback)

by Yvonne Y. Merrill (Author), Mary Simpson (Illustrator) "Great feats of engineering and architecture captured the imaginations of people in ancient times..." (more)
Key Phrases: planning paper

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8 - These exciting art projects are illustrated with dramatic full-page, full-color photographs. Each activity occupies an inviting spread with a list of materials, clear instructions, and background information on the artifacts and the culture they represent. Finely detailed graphic borders and helpful sketches add to the visual appeal. Projects include a cardboard model of the Parthenon, masks, Greek vases, war shields, mosaics, toys, banners, and tomb paintings. Patterns are provided at the end of the book. Teachers looking for interesting crafts to enhance ancient history lessons will find this volume helpful. - Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI
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Product Description
In the newest entry in this acclaimed series, young readers learn to create objects inspired by such ancient cultures as the Minoans, Mycenaeans, Trojans, Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans. Full-color photographs show the original artifact along with the finished paper replica, while simple instructions and line drawings explain the process of creating it step by step. A typical project is a beautiful Greek amphora vase made in paper or clay. Easy to understand and designed for a wide range of ages, this interactive book features background information and interdisciplinary guidelines that broaden the scope of the activities, touching on the ancient cultures' math, science, architecture, creative writing, and history. More than 60 fun projects are featured. Included is a full-color double-page map of each region with yesterday and today's important points of interest.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Kits Publishing (August 10, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964317796
• ISBN-13: 978-0964317796
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #708,745 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Hands on but not useful, February 1, 2009

By	M. Grable (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm a huge fan of hands-on projects for lessons so when I stumbled on this book I was very excited. What I am not a fan of are poorly written books and throw-away crafts. Sadly, it wasn't until after I received it that I realized it was not going to be the go-to resource I intended for it to be.

Our first project was the Trojan Horse - ugh! The directions were incomplete, the printable pieces were inconsistent in shape and size, and there is no salt container size given (did you know that the salt industry does not have a standard-sized container?!). Needless to say after 2 days of fiddling with all the parts, we gave up! It was a complete waste of time, money and supplies. A big disappointment! Some of their craft suggestions are downright silly and useless.

I have since had a chance to look over some of the other volumes in this series at my library, and they are the same. I would not recommend any of them. My suggestion - save your money, check out art books on your ancient culture of choice, and recreate some useful objects. Things that you can use in everyday life like clay pottery (visit a pottery studio), make some metal objects, sew and embroider tunics, create paintings with ancient motifs, or make mosaic stepping stones.

I don't like to give bad reviews but I also don't want to see people spending hard-earned money on resources that aren't what they are cracked up to be. Use your money on some high quality supplies instead.