A Hands-On Approach to Pre-AP History

At LAS, experiential learning has become an important method for developing a deeper understanding of academic subjects, and last week the 10th-grade pre-AP history class incorporated this form of education to bring the subject to life! The course kicked off its curriculum in 1453, with a focus on the fall of the walls of Constantinople. During this lesson, students were tasked with an engaging project that bridged the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world understanding.

This class involved an interactive project where students had to create a wall out of Duplo Legos. The purpose of this exercise was to provide students with a tangible representation of the fortifications that once protected Constantinople. By constructing a miniature wall, students gained insight into the architectural and strategic challenges faced by the people as they defended their city.

However, the experiential learning journey didn’t stop at Lego walls. To truly understand the impact of Ottoman weapons, students were given the opportunity to use “artillery” (Legos) to test the strength of the walls. In doing so, students gained a hands-on understanding of the events that took place during the fall of Constantinople.

At LAS, we include many experiential learning opportunities in our programs that enable our students to see the real-life applications of their studies and engage with their learning in a student-driven way. This idea was implemented during this history class, where students had the opportunity to engage in their learning with a tactile approach. This approach not only helped students understand the historical context but also reinforced their memory of key events and concepts. 

Incorporating experiential learning into the history curriculum is a step toward making the subject more accessible to students. This form of learning transforms history from a list of dates and facts into a dynamic story that students can engage with!