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7th Grade
- Project
- 4 weeks
"GeoQuest: Tracing Ancient Civilizations"
Purpose
Students will explore how geographic location and natural resources shaped early civilizations through hands-on projects. They will investigate various ancient societies, analyze maps, and create models to understand the impact of geography on cultural and economic development. By engaging in collaborative research and presentations, students will develop critical thinking and communication skills while connecting historical insights to modern-day contexts.
Learning goals
Students will investigate how geographic features and natural resources shaped the development of early civilizations. They will analyze maps, engage in role-playing activities to simulate the decision-making processes of ancient peoples, and create models or presentations demonstrating their understanding of how location and resources influenced societal growth. By the end of the project, students will synthesize their findings to answer the essential question, demonstrating critical thinking and collaboration skills.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7: Integrate visual information (e.g., charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Products
Students will collaboratively create a digital map that highlights the geographic features and natural resources of selected early civilizations. They will also produce a series of short, multimedia presentations that explain how these elements influenced societal development. As a culminating project, students will design a virtual museum exhibit showcasing artifacts and stories from these civilizations, providing insights into their cultural advancements and daily life.
Launch
Begin the project with an immersive simulation where students are divided into small groups, each representing a different early civilization. Provide each group with a set of geographic and resource-based constraints that mirror real historical conditions. Students will then collaborate to create a basic settlement plan, considering how to use their assigned resources effectively. This hands-on activity sets the stage for exploring how geography and natural resources shaped the development of civilizations.
Exhibition
Students will create an interactive map exhibition showcasing the geographic locations and natural resources that influenced the development of early civilizations. They will design and present digital or physical maps, highlighting key features such as rivers, mountains, and fertile lands, and explain their impact on settlement patterns, agriculture, and trade. Each student will present their findings to peers and invited guests, using visuals and artifacts to support their narratives, fostering a deeper understanding of how geography shaped human history.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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| Activities |
Introduction to Early Civilizations - Engage in an immersive simulation where students are divided into groups representing different early civilizations, setting the stage for understanding geographic and resource-based constraints (45 min)
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Exploring Geographic Features - Analyze maps of ancient civilizations, identifying key geographic features such as rivers, mountains, and fertile lands to understand their impact on settlement patterns (25 min)
Group Discussion - Discuss in groups how identified geographic features could have influenced the development of their assigned civilization, preparing for the settlement plan (20 min)
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Resource Allocation Activity - Provide each group with a set of natural resources and have them brainstorm how to utilize these resources effectively in their settlement plans (30 min)
Reflective Journaling - Individually reflect on how resource allocation decisions affect societal growth and write a short journal entry (15 min)
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Settlement Planning - Work in groups to create a basic settlement plan using the geographic and resource constraints, focusing on how to sustain the civilization (35 min)
Peer Review - Exchange plans with another group and provide feedback on the sustainability and feasibility of their settlement plans (10 min)
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Presentation Preparation - Begin developing a short presentation explaining how geographic location and natural resources influenced their civilization's development (20 min)
Class Debrief - Share insights from the week's activities and discuss initial thoughts on the essential question, setting goals for the upcoming weeks (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A basic settlement plan for each group, outlining their strategies for using geographic and resource-based constraints.
2. A physical or digital model of the settlement, incorporating geographic features and resource utilization. 3. A short group presentation explaining their settlement plan, supported by maps and visual aids. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for model creation such as clay, paper, markers, and digital tools for creating digital models.
2. Provide access to digital resources and library materials for research on geographic features and resources of early civilizations. 3. Set up a digital platform for students to collaborate and share resources and findings. 4. Prepare a rubric or checklist for evaluating the settlement plans and presentations. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Geographic Analysis Workshop - Dive deeper into geographic features, evaluating their strategic advantages for early civilizations using maps and online resources (25 min)
Interactive Map Creation - Begin the collaborative creation of digital maps highlighting key geographic features of assigned civilizations (20 min)
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Resource Utilization Strategy - Develop strategies for utilizing assigned natural resources to enhance civilization sustainability and growth (30 min)
Peer Sharing Session - Share and discuss resource strategies with another group to gain insights and refine plans (15 min)
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Model Construction - Construct physical or digital models representing settlements based on previous plans and resource strategies (35 min)
Feedback Loop - Present models to peers for constructive feedback, focusing on practicality and innovation (10 min)
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Preparation for Museum Exhibit - Plan the design and layout of the virtual museum exhibit showcasing civilization artifacts and stories (25 min)
Artifact Research - Conduct research on artifacts to include in the exhibit, ensuring historical accuracy and relevance (20 min)
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Exhibit Design Finalization - Finalize the design and content of the virtual museum exhibit for presentation (30 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect on the week's activities and set goals for the next phase of the project (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Annotated Map: Each group submits an annotated digital map highlighting the geographic features and natural resources of their assigned civilization.
2. Draft of the Geographic Influence Presentation: A draft version of the multimedia presentation that outlines how geography and resources impacted the civilization. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather and provide access to historical maps of early civilizations for student analysis.
2. Prepare role-playing materials, including scenario cards and resource tokens, for the resource allocation simulation. 3. Ensure access to digital tools and software for creating multimedia presentations, such as presentation software or video editing tools. 4. Set up a schedule and criteria for the peer feedback session. 5. Provide templates and guidelines for designing the virtual museum exhibit. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Research Presentation Development - Collaborate in groups to draft slides and scripts for multimedia presentations on how geographic features and resources influenced early civilizations (30 min)
Presentation Rehearsal - Practice delivering presentations within group settings, focusing on clear communication and use of visual aids (15 min)
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Peer Presentation Feedback - Share presentations with another group and provide constructive feedback on content clarity and engagement (25 min)
Revision and Improvement - Use peer feedback to refine presentations, enhancing visuals and narrative coherence (20 min)
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Interactive Map Enhancement - Add final details and interactivity to digital maps, ensuring they highlight key geographic and resource features (30 min)
Map Presentation Preparation - Prepare short explanations to accompany maps, focusing on how geographic elements influenced development (15 min)
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Exhibit Setup - Arrange digital or physical components for the virtual museum exhibit, ensuring logical flow and accessibility (25 min)
Exhibit Walkthrough - Conduct a mock walkthrough of the exhibit, practicing narratives and adjusting layouts as necessary (20 min)
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Public Presentation Rehearsal - Practice presenting the completed exhibits to peers, focusing on engaging storytelling and historical insights (30 min)
Reflective Discussion - Engage in a class discussion reflecting on the project process and insights gained about early civilizations and their environments (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed digital map highlighting the geographic features and natural resources of the assigned civilization.
2. A draft version of a multimedia presentation explaining the impact of geography on the civilization's development. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare a list of credible digital databases and online resources for student research.
2. Set up access to online mapping tools for students to use in creating their digital maps. 3. Arrange for technology resources such as computers or tablets with internet access for each group. 4. Prepare guidelines and a rubric for the multimedia presentation, outlining expectations for content, visuals, and collaboration. 5. Organize a peer feedback session schedule and create feedback forms to guide constructive critique. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Presentation Preparation - Collaborate to refine multimedia presentations, ensuring clear communication and engaging storytelling about the influence of geography and resources on civilizations (25 min)
Exhibit Review Session - Evaluate the virtual museum exhibit, ensuring historical accuracy and logical flow of artifacts and narratives (20 min)
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Dress Rehearsal for Presentations - Practice delivering presentations to the class, focusing on expression and effective use of visual aids (30 min)
Peer Feedback Integration - Incorporate feedback from peers to improve presentation content and delivery techniques (15 min)
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Interactive Exhibit Finalization - Add interactive elements to the virtual museum exhibit, enhancing engagement and educational value (25 min)
Exhibit Presentation Preparation - Prepare to present the exhibit to an audience, focusing on narrative coherence and historical insights (20 min)
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Public Presentation Day - Present multimedia presentations and museum exhibits to peers and invited guests, showcasing the impact of geography on civilizations (30 min)
Audience Q&A Session - Engage with the audience, answering questions and elaborating on research findings and project experiences (15 min)
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Reflective Symposium - Participate in a class symposium discussing insights from the project and the essential question, connecting historical learnings to modern contexts (25 min)
Personal Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect individually on the learning journey and set personal goals for future research and inquiry (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Finalized digital map with interactive features
2. Completed multimedia presentation 3. Virtual museum exhibit setup 4. Interactive map exhibition presentation |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to digital tools and software for map and presentation creation
2. Arrange for guest invitations and exhibition space setup 3. Provide guidance and feedback sessions for presentation rehearsals 4. Prepare technical resources for virtual exhibit elements 5. Coordinate exhibition schedule and participant roles |
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