Shaler Area Middle School students in Mr. Reagle’s class have been exploring life in ancient societies through a course taught by Dr. Robert Garland from Colgate University. This lecture series explains what it was like to be normal people living in ancient societies. The courses take history from abstract fact to engaged learning.
Students have been so enamored with Dr. Garland’s content and lecture style that they reached out to him and received a response! Perhaps it was the portrait students created of Dr. Garland using 225 Rubix Cubes that convinced the professor to offer a live video chat lecture for the students. Earlier this month, Dr. Garland joined the students by video and shared with them about his life’s journey, weaving in tales of Greek mythology and how the actions of our ancient ancestors impacted events in his journey. Dr. Garland expounded his topic, the struggles on which all lives are built, he fielded questions from students.
The lecture was a highlight of the year for the class. One student, Charlie, remarked, “The people who advise you never to meet your heroes have never met Dr. Robert Garland.”
Special thanks to Dr. Garland for sharing his time and expertise with students!
