The purpose of this project is to immerse students in the dynamic history of Medieval Africa and the Islamic Empire through hands-on, creative activities that explore the exchange of ideas, goods, and beliefs. By engaging in diverse tasks such as creating graphic novels, museum exhibits, and board games, students will develop a deeper understanding of how these exchanges shaped powerful civilizations. This project encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, allowing students to connect historical events to contemporary global interactions.

Students will explore the historical significance of trade routes and cultural exchanges in shaping Medieval Africa and the Islamic Empire. They will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing primary and secondary sources to understand the impact of ideas, goods, and beliefs on the growth of powerful civilizations. Through collaborative projects, students will enhance their creativity and communication abilities by designing engaging narratives, exhibits, and games that reflect historical complexities. The project encourages students to apply strategic thinking in simulating trade route challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of historical dynamics and geographic obstacles.

Students will create a trade route board game that simulates the strategic challenges faced by traders in Medieval Africa and the Islamic Empire, incorporating historical events and geographic obstacles. Additionally, they will produce graphic novels or illustrated storybooks that depict a traveler's journey across these empires, integrating cultural exchanges and historical context. The museum exhibit will feature student-created maps, artifacts, and audio guides, while the podcast or video series will bring historical figures to life through character-driven narratives. Finally, the time-travel newspaper will include articles, interviews, and advertisements that reflect the vibrant exchange of ideas and goods during this era.

Begin the project with a dynamic 'Time Traveler's Quest' scavenger hunt, where students receive clues and artifacts related to Medieval Africa and the Islamic Empire. As they navigate through various stations, they uncover key historical events and figures that shaped these civilizations. This immersive experience sets the stage for their journey, sparking curiosity and providing a tangible connection to the essential question.

Students will host a "Medieval Marketplace" exhibition where they showcase their graphic novels, museum exhibits, podcasts, time-travel newspapers, and trade route board games. They will transform the classroom into an interactive museum with stations for each project type, allowing visitors to engage with the students' creations. Students will take on roles as guides, narrators, and game facilitators, sharing insights and inviting guests to experience the historical journey they've crafted.