EDUCATOR’S GUIDE
WHAT NATURE DESTROYED, IT ALSO PRESERVED
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Where is Pompeii?
What happened in the year 79?
What lessons have people learned
from Pompeii?
POMPEII: The Exhibition invites you and your students
to consider these questions as you explore the exhibit.
DURING YOUR VISIT TO POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION,
STUDENTS WILL:
• Go on a journey back in time.
• Encounter real artifacts from Pompeii.
• Experience a simulated volcanic eruption.
AFTER YOUR VISIT TO POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION, STUDENTS WILL:
• Appreciate the magnitude of a volcanic eruption.
• Think about how people lived in past times.
• Understand that nature destroys but can also preserve.
FAST FACTS
• The name Pompeii probably originated from the ancient
Italian word pompe which means five. Scholars have
studied the archaeological record and concluded that
the city was likely an association of five smaller towns,
or hamlets, which would support the theory that
Pompeii’s name came from the word five.
• At the time of its destruction, scholars believe that there were about 20,000 people living in Pompeii.
• Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano or composite volcano. Stratovolcanoes are steep, coneshaped volcanoes made
of many layers (strata) of hardened lava, ash, and stone.
The layered structure builds up over time as debris from
eruptions cools and hardens.
• Evidence suggests that the city was buried under 13 to 20
feet of ash and pumice from the volcanic eruption. Objects
in the city were well preserved for thousands of years because the ash and pumice blocked air and moisture.
Photo courtesy of the Soprintendenza Speciale per I Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompeii
QUICK TIPS
• The exhibit entrance is located at Building 4, across from
Building 2 and just outside the Laser Dome.
• An optional exhibit audio guide is available for an additional
$6 charge.
• The exhibit exits into the POMPEII gift shop where you will find a variety of items related to the special exhibition.
For science-themed items, visit the Pacific Science Center
Store located in Building 3 right by the Laser Dome.
• On average, most school groups will spend about 60
minutes in the exhibit, if carefully examining all of
the artifacts. Re-entry is not allowed. There are
no restrooms inside the exhibit.
• Photography is not allowed inside the exhibit.
Video and audio recording devices of any kind are
not allowed. Mobile phones and devices must be
turned off in the galleries. Food or beverages are
not allowed.
Educator’s Guide | PG 2
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
In the year 79, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii vanished
beneath thick layers of ash that rained down from the
eruption of Mount Vesuvius. But what nature destroyed,
it also preserved. POMPEII: The Exhibition transports students
back in time to Pompeii in its better days, when daily life
was filled with routines of commerce, industry, and culture.
Recovered artifacts on display include coins and currency,
helmets, ornaments, shrines, and statues. Suddenly, the
floor shakes as the restless Earth begins to quake. An
immersive computer-generated experience simulates the
volcano’s sudden eruption, bringing earth science to life
in dramatic fashion. The resulting devastation leaves an
unforgettable impression.
HOW TO PREPARE
Students should know that this is exhibition is an extremely
rare opportunity to see the objects on display. The artifacts
represent a society and culture that was suddenly extinguished nearly 2,000 years ago. The information in this
guide will help orient students and prepare them for the
experience. Consider showing the short videos from our
recommended websites as a pre-visit activity found on page
6. Encourage your students to read the age-appropriate
suggested books from the list on page 6. These books will
acquaint your students with Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
to help them make the most of their visit to the exhibit.
THE CASTS
A highlight of the exhibit is the presentation of human body
casts. Students are likely to be intrigued by them as they are
vivid and memorable portraits of human suffering. Pompeii
was first excavated in the mid-1700s by a Spanish engineer.
When removing layers of ash during the excavation, plaster
was used to fill in the voids between the ash layers that once
held human bodies. The resulting casts revealed the exact
body positions of the deceased. While the casts are just
plaster shapes, they are expressions of lives ended and so
deserve to be approached respectfully. The body casts
inside the exhibit are made from the original body cavities
excavated from Pompeii.
Photos courtesy of the Soprintendenza Speciale per I Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompeii
Educator’s Guide | PG 3
WHAT TO EXPECT
POMPEII: The Exhibition is a presentation of recovered
artifacts, enclosed in display cases. The displays in the exhibit
are “hands-off,” as the objects are far too rare and fragile
to be touched. The exhibition is organized into sections,
each of which is highlighted below.
INTRO THEATER
A short introductory program provides an orientation to
the exhibit, helping to set the scene and prepare you for
your journey back to ancient Pompeii.
ATRIUM GALLERY
An Italian atrium was a large, open living space. In this
gallery, you will find a collection of frescoes and statues,
some with religious connections.
TRICLINIUM
Enter the formal dining room, known as the triclinium.
Frescoes and mosaics decorate the room and artifacts
include candleholders, tables, stools, lamps and dinnerware.
KITCHEN
In the kitchen you will find cooking tools, grills, jugs and
cups. Bronze, glass and clay are a few of the materials used
in Pompeii to make utensils.
STREETS OF POMPEII & MARKETPLACE
This large gallery presents the vibrant trade industry in
Pompeii. Tools, large vessels, hooks and needles supplied
the labor force. Weights and coins enabled the exchange
of goods, including jewelry, medical instruments and
body armor. Areas of this gallery contain adult content.
See page 7 to learn more.
ERUPTION THEATER
After seeing how people lived in Pompeii, students will
also see how their lives ended. The simulated volcanic
eruption of Mt. Vesuvius leaves an indelible memory.
BURIED IN ASH
After the eruption, students enter the final gallery where
the human body casts are on display. These vivid portraits
of human suffering are an unforgettable conclusion to
the exhibit.
Photos courtesy of the Soprintendenza Speciale per I Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompeii
Educator’s Guide | PG 4
TRY THIS! WHERE IN THE WORLD?
Prepare for your visit to POMPEII: The Exhibition by orienting
students to the geography of Italy. Use Google Maps to look
at the region.
• Go to googlemaps.com.
• Enter “Mount Vesuvius” in the search box.
• Use the map’s view controllers to switch between
satellite and map views, comparing the features of
each. The satellite view is particularly dramatic.
• Zoom out until the view begins to include surrounding
cities, the region, and eventually the entire country of Italy.
• Notice the topographical features of the map and how
elevation levels are presented.
• Locate Pompeii, which is southeast of the volcano.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Pompeii was completely destroyed by the eruption of Mount
Vesuvius in the year 79. The city of Naples is about the same
distance from the volcano as Pompeii. Today, about 2.2
million people live in the city of Naples and double that
number live in the surrounding area.
IS IT RISKY TO LIVE IN NAPLES?
Yes, there is risk, but all places have natural disaster risks
associated with them.
WOULD YOU EVER WANT TO LIVE IN NAPLES?
Answers will vary based on student opinion.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE BUILT THE CITY
OF NAPLES EVEN THOUGH IT IS SO CLOSE TO
A VOLCANO?
Naples is a port city on the Mediterranean Sea. Access
to the sea enabled trade and exchange of imports
and exports.
TRY THIS! MAKE A PLASTER CAST!
POMPEII: The Exhibition features replicas of human body
casts that were made during the original excavation of the
archaeological site. Demonstrate the process of plaster
casting for your students to help them understand how
the body casts were made.
MATERIALS
• Aluminum foil baking pan
• Flexible plastic bucket for mixing and pouring plaster
• Wooden mixing spoon or paint stirrer
• Play sand (available in home improvement stores)
• Plaster of paris mix (available in home improvement stores)
• Water (amount will vary depending on how many casts
you make)
The resulting cast captures a moment in time for
your hand in the same way that the body casts
in the exhibit capture the residents of Pompeii
at the moment of their deaths.
PROCESS
• Fill the foil pan with play sand, about 2/3 of the way.
• Add water slowly until the sand is saturated, stopping
before puddles form on top.
• Smooth the surface of the dampened sand.
• Press your hand slowly and firmly down into the sand until
a good imprint is made.
• If the first try does not produce a clean imprint, simply
mix the sand and smooth the surface again. Then try
making the handprint again. When you are satisfied
with the imprint, set the pan aside.
• Follow the instructions on your mix to make a batch
of plaster in the plastic container. Use the wooden spoon
to avoid sticking.
• Gently pour the plaster into the sand mold until it
completely fills the impression.
• Allow the plaster to harden. Consult your plaster mix’s
instructions for an estimate of how long it will take.
• Carefully lift the plaster cast from the sand and brush
away any residual sand.
Educator’s Guide | PG 5
SUGGESTED SUPPLEMENTS FOR K–12 CLASSROOMS AND LIBRARIES
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Pompeii: Lost and Found by Mary Pope Osborne
ISBN 0375828893
Gopher to the Rescue! A Volcano Recovery Story by Terry
Catasús Jennings
ISBN 1607181312
Earth’s Fiery Fury by Sandra Downs
ISBN 076131413X
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Bodies from the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii
by James M. Deem
ISBN 0618473084
Forces of Nature: The Awesome Power of Volcanoes,
Probing Volcanoes by Laurie Lindop
ISBN 0761327002
HIGH SCHOOL
Pompeii: The History, Life, and Art of the Buried City
by Marisa Ranieri Panetta
ISBN 8854407186
Vesuvius: A Biography by Alwyn Scarth
ISBN 0615191312
Vesuvius: Two Letters by Pliny the Younger
ISBN 0615191312
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES
Assignment Discovery Shorts: Vesuvius Destroys Pompeii
discovery.com/tv-shows/other-shows/videos/assignmentdiscovery-shorts-mount-vesuvius-destroys-pompeii/
Assignment Discovery Shorts: Vesuvius History
discovery.com/tv-shows/other-shows/videos/assignmentdiscovery-shorts-vesuvius-history/
Deconstructing History: Pompeii
www.history.com/topics/pompeii
Pompeii Digital Preservation Archive
archive.cyark.org/pompeii-intro
Photos courtesy of the Soprintendenza Speciale per I Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompeii
Educator’s Guide | PG 6
GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS
To ensure a positive learning experience for all guests visiting
POMPEII: The Exhibition, please inform your students and
chaperones of the following rules prior to your arrival at
Pacific Science Center.
•Students must stay with their chaperones at all times.
We require one chaperone for every 10 students and will
not admit students unless their chaperones are present.
•Always walk; never run around in the exhibit galleries.
If you want to sit down please use the benches provided.
•Please use quiet voices and be respectful to the other
guests in the galleries.
•Do not touch artifacts in the exhibit. The artifacts in
POMPEII: The Exhibition are real and over 2,000 years old. They are very delicate, so do not touch them or the glass
cases protecting them.
•While in the exhibit, you cannot eat, drink or chew gum.
Lunches can be stored in the Seattle Rotary Discovery Labs
on a first-come, first served basis.
•If your students will be doing project work in the galleries,
please use pencils. Ink pens are not permitted inside the
exhibit, and notepads should be 8 ½” x 11” or smaller.
•Single strollers are allowed in the exhibit. Double or large
sized strollers are prohibited.
•The exhibit is wheelchair accessible. There are elevators
nearby to access both levels of the exhibit. Wheelchairs
are available to check-out at the Information Desk in
Building 1with ID on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Areas of this exhibit contain adult content, including a
representation of a Pompeian brothel. This area is self contained and blocked from obvious view. Adult content
signage marks the entrance and Pacific Science Center
staff will be located nearby, however, it is the responsibility
of adult chaperones to limit or allow school group access
to this content. An erotica bypass is available. Please
communicate your wishes regarding entrance to this
section of the exhibit to all of your chaperones prior to
entering the exhibit.
Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.
We hope that you and your students have a memorable
and enjoyable field trip.
Photos courtesy of the Soprintendenza Speciale per I Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompeii
Educator’s Guide | PG 7
AN EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT OF
The Franklin Institute
222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
www.fi.edu