Seven Wonders of the World: The Great Lighthouse at Alexandria Lesson Plan

The Great Lighthouse at Alexandria was one of the most advanced technological achievements in the 3 Century B.C. This lighthouse was erected under the rule of Ptolemy in Egypt. The lighthouse helped to guide trade ships in the harbor and many tales have come about of how the lighthouse was destroyed and then found on the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea nearly 2000 years later.

Students will learn about Lighthouse as well as the geography and history of Alexandria through maps and timelines. Students will also have a chance to construct their own lighthouse with help from the teacher.

1. Introduce the students to The Great Lighthouse at Alexandria by reading

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Lynn Curlee

This book actually contains information on all of the Wonders so you can just read about The Great Lighthouse at Alexandria during this lesson.

• Where is Alexandria located? (Egypt)
• Who founded Alexandria? (Alexander the Great)
• What was the purpose of the lighthouse? (Guide ships into the harbor)
• What does the word pharos refer to? (Lighthouse)

2. Timeline Creation: using these dates, help students to create a timeline for the city of Alexandria starting at 332 B.C.

3. Show students where Alexandria is located on the map. Explain that Alexandria located in Egypt, on the continent of Africa. A free map of Egypt can be found here. With this map make copies for the students and have them mark down where the Lighthouse was located.

4. Create a lighthouse: A wonderful and creative lighthouse project can be found here.

5. Homework assignment:

Internet research:

• Have students research and look up different lighthouses.
• Can they find a lighthouse in the area they live in?
• If they can write a small report on this lighthouse.
• If not choose any other lighthouse in the world to write a report on.

After this lesson students will have worked on a creative art project, learned about the history and geography of Alexandria as well as learn about the destruction behind The Great Lighthouse at Alexandria.