Civilization Quest: Building Brilliance Together!

9th Grade Project 4 weeks

Civilization Quest: Building Brilliance Together!

Morgan F

9.2.b

9.3.a

9.3.b

9.3.c

Self Directed Learning

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on exploration of ancient civilizations, encouraging them to critically analyze what it means to be "civilized." Through interactive displays and community engagement, students will deepen their understanding of cultural and intellectual life while developing essential skills such as research, communication, and collaboration. This experience aims to foster self-directed learning and critical reflection, allowing students to connect historical concepts to modern society and their own lives.

Learning goals

Students will explore and analyze the defining characteristics of ancient civilizations, focusing on geography, government, religion, writing, technology, social hierarchy, and job specialization. They will develop critical thinking skills by comparing these traits across civilizations and reflecting on the concept of what it means to be "civilized." Through hands-on research and interactive design, students will enhance their ability to communicate complex historical ideas to diverse audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and historical context.

Standards

[New York] 9.2.b - Belief systems were often used to unify groups of people, and affected social order and gender roles.
[New York] 9.3.a - Geographic factors encouraged and hindered a state's/empire's expansion and interactions.
[New York] 9.3.b - Empires used belief systems, systems of law, forms of government, military forces, and social hierarchies to consolidate and expand power.
[New York] 9.3.c - A period of peace, prosperity, and cultural achievements can be designated as a Golden Age.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create interactive museum displays that showcase their understanding of what defines a civilization. These displays can take the form of mini-exhibits featuring posters, 3D models, and artifact replicas, or they can develop interactive games or trivia challenges. Additionally, students may choose to create storyboards or digital museum tours using platforms like Canva or Google Slides. To engage a younger audience, students can also design picture books that simplify complex historical concepts. These products will be presented at a 'Civilization Fair' to peers and community members, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and communication skills.

Launch

Begin the project with a dynamic entry event where students participate in a mock museum exhibit titled "Which Side is More Civilized?" Students will explore curated artifacts and multimedia displays representing various civilizations, sparking curiosity and debate. Following this, engage students in a hands-on activity where they use whiteboards to brainstorm and sketch solutions to civilization challenges, fostering collaboration and creativity. This launch will set the stage for inquiry and exploration, connecting students with the driving question and igniting interest in what it means to be civilized.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Civilization Fair' at the local library, setting up interactive booths that showcase their displays. Each booth will feature engaging elements such as models, games, and digital tours, inviting community members to explore and learn. Students will actively engage with visitors, answering questions and facilitating discussions to deepen understanding of what it means to be "civilized." This exhibition will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and communication skills in a real-world setting, receiving feedback from a diverse audience.

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Days 1 - 16

Milestone Activities

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Entry Event: Museum Exploration Activity 20m Entry Event: Memory Box Mesopotamia Activity 20m Entry Event: Memory Box Mesopotamia Activity 20m Build a Civilization Activity Activity 30m Activity: Build a Civilization Activity 40m Building a Civilization Activity Activity 20m Group Formation & Driving Question Activity 20m Discussion: What Does It Mean to Be Civilized? Activity 30m Group Formation and Driving Question Introduction Activity 40m	Mini-Lesson: The 7 Aspects of Civilization Activity 30m Civilizations Gallery Walk Activity 40m Mini-Lesson: 7 Aspects of Civilization Activity 30m Focus Selection and Inquiry Kickoff Activity 40m Activity: Artifact Sort Activity 30m Group Formation Activity 20m Civilizations Gallery Walk Activity 20m Gallery Walk: Meet the Civilizations Activity 30m	Mini-Lesson: Geography & Environment Activity 20m Mini-Lesson: Geography & Environment Impact Activity 20m Mini-Lesson: Geography & Environment Activity 20m Annotated Map Creation Activity 40m Annotated Map Activity Activity 30m Activity: Annotated Maps Activity 40m Reflection: How Geography Shaped Your Civilization Activity 20m Reflection: Historical Reasoning Activity 30m Reflection and Exit Slip Activity 20m	Mini-Lesson: Government & Urban Planning Activity 30m Mini-Lesson: Government & Urban Planning Activity 20m Mini-Lesson: Government & Urban Planning Activity 20m Research Chart Activity Activity 30m Activity: Research Chart Activity 30m Research Chart Development Activity 40m Formative Check 1: Exit Slip Activity 20m Formative Check: Exit Slip Activity 30m Formative Check 1 Activity 20m
Preparation

Week 2	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Religion & Belief Systems Exploration Activity 30m Religion Exploration Activity 30m Religion & Belief Systems Exploration Activity 30m Creative Connection Activity 50m Religion and Environment Connection Activity 50m Group Discussion: Religion's Role Activity 20m Connect Religion to Civilization Activity 30m	Writing Systems Workshop Activity 30m Introduction to Ancient Writing Systems Activity 20m Introduction to Writing Systems Activity 20m Writing Challenge Activity 30m Writing Activity Activity 30m Role of Writing in Civilizations Activity 30m Role of Writing Discussion Activity 30m Connecting Writing to Civilization Activity 30m Argument Development: Writing's Impact Activity 20m	Technology and Social Hierarchy Overview Activity 20m Technology and Social Hierarchy Intro Activity 30m Technology & Social Hierarchy Analysis Activity 30m PEECS Analysis Activity 40m Role Play Activity Activity 50m Reflection Activity Activity 20m Group Sharing Activity 20m	Research Skills Workshop Activity 30m Research Workshop on Source Analysis Activity 40m Research Skills Workshop Activity 30m Outline Drafting Activity 50m Draft Display Outline Activity 30m Display Outline Drafting Activity 40m Formative Check 2: Submit Outline Activity 20m
Preparation

Week 3	Day 9	Day 10	Day 11	Day 12
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Redesign for Younger Audiences Activity 20m Mini-Lesson: Designing for Young Audiences Activity 30m Mini-Lesson: Simplifying Complex Concepts Activity 40m Interactive Design Planning Activity 40m Draft Interactive Panels Activity 40m Activity: Simplify & Translate Activity 20m Hands-On Design Session Activity 30m Feedback Session Activity 20m	Peer Critique Preparation Activity 40m Mini-Lesson: The Art of Giving Feedback Activity 20m Warm/Cool Feedback Introduction Activity 20m Peer Critique Session Activity 40m Mid-Project Gallery Walk Activity 40m Peer Critique Session Activity 60m Revision Planning Activity 20m	Final Build Day Activity 60m Revise & Refine Activity 40m Feedback Incorporation Activity 40m Finalization and Detailing Activity 40m Collaborative Work Session Activity 40m Teacher Check-ins Activity 20m	Full Build Day Activity 80m Dress Rehearsal Activity 40m Public Presentation Preparation Activity 30m Civilization Fair Setup Activity 30m Final Adjustments Activity 40m Reflection Writing Activity 20m
Preparation

Week 4	Day 13	Day 14	Day 15	Day 16
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Finalizing Interactive Display Activity 40m Final Refinements Activity 40m Interactive Display Finalization Activity 40m Preparation for Public Presentation Activity 40m Peer Review Preparation Activity 40m Gallery Setup Activity 40m	Final Touches and Quality Check Activity 40m Dress Rehearsal Activity 40m Peer Review & Feedback Session Activity 40m Pre-Presentation Reflection Activity 40m Revision Time Activity 40m Public Presentation Setup Activity 40m	Public Presentation Rehearsal Activity 40m Public Presentation Preparation Activity 40m Civilization Symposium Activity 80m Final Adjustments Activity 40m Public Presentation & Q&A Activity 40m	Peer Reflection Workshop Activity 40m Reflection Workshop Activity 40m Public Exhibition Activity 60m Reflection Workshop Activity 20m Final Reflection and Debrief Activity 40m Final Reflection & Debrief Activity 40m
Preparation