On October 4, students from the “Innovators Ignite” team at Mount Washington Middle School transported visitors back in time to ancient Rome during their "Roman Faire" event. This immersive, student-led experience showcased the creativity, research, and applied learning of seventh and eighth-grade students, offering interactive exhibitions, costumes, and presentations that highlighted the achievements of the Roman Empire and their lasting influence on modern society.
The Roman Faire served as an excellent example of Authentic Learning, where students demonstrated mastery of core subjects like Social Studies, Math, Science, Language Arts, and even Physical Education. They applied their knowledge by creating engaging exhibitions that connected ancient Roman innovations—such as architecture, governance, and daily life—to their modern-day counterparts and then presented their learning, not only to their peers but also to members of their local community.
One standout feature of the event was the collaborative aspect. Eighth-grade mentors guided the seventh-grade students through the process of building their presentations, embodying the Productive Collaborator component of our BCPS Graduate Profile. The students also demonstrated their skills as Effective Communicators and Self-Directed Navigators as they shared their knowledge and research with attendees, taking ownership of their learning and confidently presenting their work.
Teacher Doug Osborne, who helped organize the event, remarked, "The Roman Faire has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore history in a hands-on way. Watching them bring Roman history to life through interactive learning and creative presentations has been inspiring. They’ve done an amazing job connecting ancient achievements to the innovations we see in our world today."
With booths showcasing everything from Roman art to technology and architecture, the event provided a cross-curricular experience that made learning history both relevant and exciting for students and visitors alike. It exemplified BCPS’ commitment to creating Innovative Problem Solvers and Mastery Learners who are prepared to connect academic concepts to real-world applications.
As the event wrapped up, it was clear that the students had not only deepened their understanding of Roman history but also gained invaluable skills that will serve them in future academic and professional endeavors. The Roman Faire event is a prime example of the innovative, student-centered projects that continue to thrive across our district, as we continue to emphasize Authentic Learning opportunities that inspire curiosity and creativity in our students.