Freshmen Debate in Athenian Assembly

Ninth grade students in Laura Leonard’s world history class debated as members of the Athenian Assembly. Students, each with assumed ancient Greek identities, including occupations and political affiliations, gave speeches before the assembly on what Athens should do about the continued threat of military action from Persia. Speakers demonstrated their knowledge of the material and their public speaking skills. The class then debated over setting up an alliance of city-states, how power and decision making would be distributed, and what would be the best ways to get Sparta to join.