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Nick Young Latin Classes and Roman Baths Program Title: Secrets of Lost Empires: Roman Bath Subject(s): Foreign Languages, Social Studies Grade Level: 9-12

Teacher Nick Young works with his students to inform them about aspects of daily life in ancient Rome.

Students at University of Detroit Jesuit High School in Detroit, Michigan, have a three-year language requirement, and Young, who has been teaching for 32 years, tries to bring Ancient Rome into the 21st century. Young used the Roman Baths program and accompanying NOVA Online Web site (www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/) with four different Latin classes. (See One Video, Many Uses).

All students view the entire program or segments with the following questions in mind:

• What problems did the modern builders have?

• How did the modern builders figure out and operate the heating system?

• Where did the modern builders get the water?

• Is there anything like the Roman Baths in the modern world?

One focus for students in Young's Latin III class is the Roman government and its political processes. Young often used the Web site during class discussions. For example, using the "A Day at the Baths" section, students examined the functions of the various areas of the bath complex and discussed how politicians might have made use of their daily trip to the baths. Students also discussed why it was wise both in terms of politics and public welfare to build the great public baths.

The Web site's "Real Roman Recipes" section acquainted students with common foods. Both of these sections, along with "NOVA Builds A Bath," helped students to visualize the art and architecture of the baths. Finally, Young asked students to compare and contrast how Ancient Roman politicians used the baths and how modern-day politicians use public places in similar ways (e.g., campaigning).

Latin III students also make connections between the Roman and U.S. political systems and players. For example, by comparing the U.S. judicial system and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court with the Roman tribunes, Young says students achieve a better understanding of the workings of both governments.

For more information, Young can be contacted at: youngnb@aol.com

One Video, Many Uses
Nick Young used NOVA's "Roman Bath" program to introduce:

• Latin I students to daily life in the city and the building skills of the Romans;

• Latin II students to how the baths were built;

• Latin III students to various aspects of Roman life; and

• Latin IV students to a selection about a Roman bath from the Satyricon of Petronius, a 1st century AD novel.

—Kristina Ransick