"Knights, Plagues, and Crusades Galore!"

Design for Mastery Kit

NEW

7th Grade Project 2 weeks

"Knights, Plagues, and Crusades Galore!"

Molly Logsdon

7.C.RR.1

7.E.IC.2

7.E.ST.2

7.E.ST.4

7.G.GR.1

+ 4 more

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse 7th-grade students in the complexities of medieval Europe through hands-on, experiential learning that connects historical events to contemporary issues. By engaging in activities like the Black Death Simulation and creating a medieval newspaper, students will develop critical thinking and collaboration skills while analyzing the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the time. This project aims to foster a deeper understanding of historical processes and their relevance to modern society, encouraging students to draw meaningful parallels and insights.

Learning goals

Students will analyze the roles and responsibilities of individuals in medieval European societies and compare them to modern citizens, examining the impact of historical events like the Crusades and the Black Death. They will explore the economic and social changes brought about by these events, drawing parallels to contemporary issues. Through collaborative activities, students will develop critical thinking skills by evaluating historical sources and crafting informed narratives for their medieval newspaper project. Additionally, they will practice effective communication and teamwork during the 'Medieval Newsroom Live' event, enhancing their ability to engage with diverse perspectives.

Standards

[Kentucky] 7.C.RR.1 - Compare rights, roles, responsibilities and limitations of subjects in empires between 600-1600 with those of citizens in modern countries.
[Kentucky] 7.E.IC.2 - Analyze the impact of growth and expansion on the allocation of resources and economic incentives.
[Kentucky] 7.E.ST.2 - Analyze the impact of specialization upon trade and the cost of goods and services.
[Kentucky] 7.E.ST.4 - Analyze the interregional trading systems of the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe between 600-1450.
[Kentucky] 7.G.GR.1 - Analyze the spatial organization of people, places and environments found in the societies and empires of Afro-Eurasia and the Americas between 600-1600.
[Kentucky] 7.G.HI.1 - Distinguish how cooperation and conflict within and among the societies and empires of Afro-Eurasia and the Americas between 600-1600 influenced the division and control of land and resources.
[Kentucky] 7.G.HI.2 - Examine ways in which one culture can both positively and negatively influence another through cultural diffusion, trade relationships, expansion and exploration.

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.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a medieval newspaper, featuring articles on key historical events like the Crusades and the Bubonic Plague, supported by primary and secondary sources. They will also produce live news broadcasts, complete with costumes and props, to present their findings in a 'Medieval Newsroom Live' event. Throughout the project, students will engage in peer review sessions to refine their work, ensuring accuracy and creativity in their final products.

Launch

Begin the project with an immersive 'Black Death Simulation' where students assume roles of medieval villagers, nobles, and merchants. Through interactive role-play, they will track the spread of the Bubonic Plague, analyzing its impact on various social classes. This activity will encourage students to draw parallels to modern pandemics, fostering a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary public health challenges.

Exhibition

Students will transform their classroom into a 'Medieval Newsroom Live' event, where they present their newspaper articles through engaging live broadcasts. Each student will assume the role of a medieval reporter, complete with costumes and props, to bring historical events to life for an audience of peers, teachers, and family members. This interactive exhibition will showcase their understanding of medieval European societies and the connections to modern themes, inviting questions and discussions from the audience to deepen learning.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Project Introduction and Essential Question Discussion - Introduce the project and essential questions. Discuss the significance of medieval European history and its relevance today. (15 min) Black Death Simulation - Engage in an interactive role-play where students assume roles of medieval villagers, nobles, and merchants to explore the spread and impact of the Bubonic Plague. Draw connections to modern pandemics. (30 min)	Analyzing Social Structures - Examine the social hierarchy of medieval Europe. Students collaborate to create a visual representation of the roles and responsibilities of different social classes. (25 min) Comparative Analysis - Compare the social structures of the medieval era with modern societies, discussing rights and responsibilities. (20 min)	Introduction to the Medieval Newspaper Project - Present the task of creating a medieval newspaper. Discuss required components, including articles on the Crusades, the Black Death, and other historical events. (15 min) Research Workshop - Teach students how to find and analyze primary and secondary sources. Begin preliminary research for newspaper articles. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Role-play reflections from the 'Black Death Simulation'. Each student writes a short reflection on their experience and learnings. 2. Drafts of newspaper articles on selected topics, supported by research from primary and secondary sources. 3. A list of questions and observations related to the essential questions, generated during the research phase.
Preparation	1. Organize materials for the 'Black Death Simulation', including role cards and maps. 2. Prepare source packets containing primary and secondary documents on the Crusades, Feudalism, and the Black Death. 3. Set up a classroom library corner with relevant historical books and articles. 4. Create a template for the medieval newspaper layout. 5. Gather costumes and props for the 'Medieval Newsroom Live' event.

Week 2	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Drafting Articles - Students work independently to draft articles for the medieval newspaper, focusing on events such as the Crusades and the Black Death. Provide guidance on using primary and secondary sources. (20 min) Peer Review Session - Students exchange drafts with a partner for feedback on content accuracy, clarity, and creativity. Encourage constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement. (25 min)	Revising Articles - Incorporate peer feedback to revise and enhance newspaper articles. Focus on refining arguments and supporting evidence. (20 min) Layout and Design Workshop - Learn techniques for visually organizing newspaper articles. Begin designing the layout for the final medieval newspaper, incorporating images and headlines. (25 min)	Finalizing the Medieval Newspaper - Complete the layout and ensure all articles are polished and ready for publication. Collaborate to assemble the newspaper as a whole class. (20 min) Rehearsal for Medieval Newsroom Live - Practice live news broadcasts, focusing on delivery, use of props, and engagement with the audience. Prepare costumes and rehearse roles as medieval reporters. (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed medieval newspaper articles on events such as the Crusades, Bubonic Plague, and medieval achievements. 2. Peer-reviewed and revised articles with constructive feedback incorporated. 3. Costumes and props created for the 'Medieval Newsroom Live' event. 4. Live news broadcast performances showcasing students' articles and historical insights. 5. Reflective journal entries connecting historical events to modern parallels, focusing on pandemics and resource allocation.
Preparation	1. Gather primary and secondary sources related to the Crusades, Bubonic Plague, and other medieval events for research purposes. 2. Prepare materials for costume and props making, including fabric, scissors, glue, and sewing kits. 3. Set up a peer review rubric focusing on content accuracy, clarity, and creativity for newspaper articles. 4. Coordinate technology setup for recording and streaming live broadcasts, including cameras and microphones. 5. Organize space for the 'Medieval Newsroom Live' event, ensuring necessary seating and display areas for guests.