All grades  Project 1 week

"Medieval MVPs: Faith, Flags, and Football"

Lisa R
Updated
7.H.CO.1
7.H.CO.2
Critical Thinker
Productive Collaborator
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in exploring the profound influence of Christianity on medieval society, particularly in the realm of sports and leisure. Through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, students will critically examine historical motives and cultural exchanges, fostering a deeper understanding of how religion shaped societal norms and recreational practices. This project-based approach encourages students to connect past influences with present-day cultural dynamics, while developing critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Learning goals

Students will critically analyze how Christianity influenced the development of sports and leisure activities in medieval society, using historical evidence to support their conclusions. They will collaboratively design and present a medieval sports event, demonstrating the cultural significance and historical context influenced by Christian values. Through active participation in a 'Medieval Sports Day' and creating a museum exhibit, students will engage in experiential learning, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation of historical cultural exchanges.

Standards
  • [Kentucky] 7.H.CO.1 - Explain how religion influenced state-building, trade and cultural interactions between 600-1600.
  • [Kentucky] 7.H.CO.2 - Evaluate various motives for expansion among multiple empires between 600-1600.
Competencies
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • 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.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and create a 'Medieval Sports Museum' exhibit, showcasing posters, artifacts, and digital presentations that highlight the influence of Christianity on medieval sports and leisure activities. Throughout the week, they will develop a group project that involves designing a medieval sports event, complete with rules and cultural significance, which they will present to their peers and community. By the end of the project, students will have participated in a 'Medieval Sports Day,' where they engage in modified historical games and reflect on the Christian values and practices that shaped these activities.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a 'Medieval Sports Day' event where students engage in simplified versions of historical games, such as jousting with pool noodles, archery using soft-tip arrows, and tug-of-war. This interactive session will be followed by a group discussion on how these activities were shaped by Christian values and practices during medieval times. This immersive introduction will set the stage for students to explore the cultural and religious influences on sports and leisure in medieval society throughout the week.

Exhibition

Students will curate a 'Medieval Sports Museum' exhibit, showcasing posters, artifacts, and digital presentations that highlight the historical context and Christian influence on medieval sports. Each group will contribute a unique display, including a description of their designed medieval sports event, its rules, cultural significance, and historical context. The exhibition will be open to family and community members, providing an interactive learning experience and fostering dialogue about the role of Christianity in shaping medieval society and leisure activities.