Visible Thinking Strategies & the Fall of Rome

Students put their thoughts down on paper today using a Visible Thinking Strategy (VTS) called "Cause and Effect Chain of Events."  Students were given a list of 33 weaknesses of the Roman Empire that led to its fall, a packet of sticky notes, markers, and a piece of poster paper.  Their task was to use their creativity to show cause-and-effect examples leading to the fall of Rome.  Using higher-level thinking, students had to first categorize weaknesses and then put them in an order showing cause-and-effect that they could easily argue and support with evidence.  Below, enjoy their creativity, interaction, discussion, and debates as they put their thoughts to paper!

Video - Explanation of cause & effect on "Fall of Rome" poster: