All grades  Project 5 weeks

Medieval Times: The Islamic Empire Chronicles

Christian W
7.I.Q.2
7.I.Q.1
6.I.Q.1
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

In this project, students will explore the profound impact of Islam on medieval civilizations by creating a class newspaper that delves into historical events and cultural contributions of Islamic empires. Through this hands-on experience, they will develop critical thinking and collaboration skills as they engage with primary sources, draft persuasive articles, and participate in peer reviews. The project aims to deepen students' understanding of how religion can shape societies, while also honing their writing and communication abilities, culminating in a public exhibition of their work.

Learning goals

Students will explore the impact of religion on the development of civilizations, focusing on the Islamic Empires during the Medieval Times. They will develop skills in persuasive writing and critical analysis by creating newspaper articles that accurately depict historical events and perspectives. Through collaboration, students will engage in peer reviews, refining their work through multiple drafts to produce a polished class newspaper. This project will enhance their understanding of historical contexts and the role of religion in shaping societies, while also fostering their abilities as productive collaborators and critical thinkers.
Standards
  • [Kentucky] 7.I.Q.2 - Generate supporting questions, using the disciplines of social studies, to help answer compelling questions related to the growth and expansion of civilizations between 600-1600.
  • [Kentucky] 7.I.Q.1 - Develop compelling questions, focusing on the growth and expansion of civilizations from 600-1600.
  • [Kentucky] 6.I.Q.1 - Develop compelling questions related to the development of civilizations between 3500 BCE-600 CE.
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a class newspaper featuring articles on significant events and contributions of Medieval Islamic countries. Each student will research, write, and revise multiple drafts of their article, culminating in a polished piece suitable for submission to the News Enterprise. Selected articles will be framed and displayed outside the classroom, showcasing the students' hard work and understanding of how religion can define a civilization.

Launch

Begin the project by presenting a gallery walk featuring various historical and contemporary newspaper articles, including examples of both reputable journalism and propaganda. Facilitate a discussion where students analyze these articles, identifying key characteristics of effective and biased reporting. This activity will not only spark curiosity about the power of journalism but also set the stage for understanding the role of persuasive writing in shaping civilizations, linking directly to the essential question.

Exhibition

Students will host a "Medieval Times Press Conference" where they present their class newspaper to the school community and invited guests. Each student will take on the role of a journalist, sharing insights from their articles and engaging in a Q&A session with the audience. The event will feature a gallery walk where framed articles are displayed, allowing attendees to read and discuss the students' work. This exhibition not only celebrates their achievements but also fosters a deeper understanding of the impact of religion on civilizations.