Optional Activities
Simple Machines Investigation
Learners can explore how ancient engineers used simple machines by creating and testing their own versions of levers, ramps, and rollers. Using household materials, students can compare how much force is needed to move the same object in different ways. They can record their observations and explain how each tool changes the way force is applied.

Friction Experiment
Learners can investigate the role of friction by testing how easily an object moves across different surfaces, such as carpet, cardboard, fabric, or a smooth table. They can predict which surfaces will make movement easier or harder, test their ideas, and connect their results to ancient methods like sledges, rollers, and using water to reduce friction.

Engineering Around the World Research Project
Learners can choose an ancient monument or structure and investigate how people built it. They can research the materials used, how builders may have transported heavy objects, and what scientific principles were involved. Students can present their findings through a poster, slideshow, model, or short written explanation.

Experimental Archaeology Challenge
Learners can investigate how archaeologists test ideas about the past by recreating ancient technologies. Students can choose an engineering question, such as whether a sledge, roller, or ramp works best, and design a small experiment to test possible solutions. They can compare their results with archaeological evidence and discuss what their experiment helps them understand.

Create a Civilization Engineering Problem
Learners can design an imaginary civilization and create a challenge its engineers must solve. They might need to transport stone across a desert, build in a mountainous area, or move materials across a river. Students explain the environment, available resources, problem, and engineering solution while applying ideas about force, friction, and simple machines.

Optional Worksheets
Grammar and Writing 
Mapwork 
Notebooking
Coloring Page