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Essential Question
What question will guide the project and learning?
Community Partners
What organizations and individuals will collaborate and enhance the learning experience?
Reflection
What opportunities are there for us to reflect on our academic and socio-emotional development?
Assessment
In what ways can we demonstrate what we have learned and how we have grown?
Exhibition
How and who will we celebrate our learning with?
Project Launch
What shared experiences will engage us in the content, skills, and mindsets of the project?
Core Content
What will we need to learn and practice in order to engage in the project?
Critique and Revision
How will opportunities for feedback and refinement be embedded in the project?
Product
What will we make, build, or do that will have an impact on us or the world around us?
Next
What question will guide the project and learning?

How did India’s geography inhibit cultural diffusion in the East? 
How did the religious beliefs of the people of India develop and influence their lives?
What achievements did the people of India accomplish in their society? 
What was the reason for the strictness of the caste system in India? 
Why were the cultural developments of India not as affected by cultural diffusion? 
How did China’s achievements contribute to cultural diffusion in the world? 
How did the geography of China affect the development of Chinese culture? 
How did the religious beliefs of the Chinese people develop and influence their lives? 
Based on their folktales, what can be inferred about the values and beliefs of the people of Ancient China? 
What achievements were made by societies in China? 
How did the major dynasties of China differ? 
How did the Silk Road impact China’s economy and promote cultural diffusion? 
Were the benefits of building the Great Wall of China worth the costs? 

    Design for Mastery Kit
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6th, Elementary School Grades  Project 4 weeks

Silk, Spice & Sacred Stories: India & China

Hailee P
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Purpose

This project aims to immerse 6th-grade students in the rich histories of Ancient China and India through hands-on, interactive learning experiences. By exploring the GRAPES framework—Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economics, and Social Structure—students will develop a comprehensive understanding of these civilizations. The project encourages students to create and present interactive exhibits, fostering critical thinking and collaboration skills. Through activities like the Silk Road Trade Game and the Ancient Civilizations Fair, students will connect historical concepts to real-world applications, enhancing their ability to analyze and articulate historical perspectives.

Learning goals

Students will explore the geographical, religious, and cultural aspects of Ancient China and India, focusing on how these elements influenced societal development and interactions. They will analyze the impact of major achievements and trade networks, such as the Silk Road, on cultural diffusion and economic growth. Students will critically examine historical social structures, like the Indian caste system and Chinese dynastic changes, to understand evolving perspectives over time. Through interactive projects, students will develop skills in historical analysis, collaborative learning, and effective communication.

Products

Students will create a Silk Road Trade Game where they exchange cards representing goods from India and China, gaining insights into historical trade dynamics. They will construct model cities, labeling significant parts to demonstrate their understanding of ancient urban planning. Additionally, students will produce short podcasts or videos, sharing researched insights on GRAPES topics, and facilitate an Ancient Achievements Challenge where visitors identify inventions from India or China. These products will be showcased at the 'Ancient Civilizations Fair,' allowing students to present their work interactively.

Launch

To kick off the learning experience, conduct an immersive gallery walk featuring artifacts, images, and multimedia displays of Ancient India and China. Set up interactive stations where students can engage with replicas of ancient tools, maps, and cultural symbols. Encourage students to jot down initial observations and questions on sticky notes to spark curiosity and set the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Host an 'Ancient Civilizations Fair' where students create interactive booths representing different aspects of Ancient China and India, including geography, religion, and achievements. Encourage students to design hands-on activities and presentations that allow peers and visitors to explore and engage with the content. Incorporate elements like the Silk Road Trade Game and the Ancient Achievements Challenge to make the experience immersive and educational. Provide opportunities for students to act as historians, answering questions and sharing insights about their GRAPES topics. This event not only showcases students' understanding but also fosters a collaborative learning environment.
Learning Journey
Project Activities
Days 1 - 20
Milestone Activities
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

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Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Phase
Project Activities
Activities
Gallery Walk Kickoff
Activity 30m
Gallery Walk Launch
Activity 30m
Gallery Walk Kickoff
Activity 60m
Introduction to GRAPES Framework
Activity 30m
Exploring Ancient India Geography
Activity 30m
Introduction to the Indus River Valley
Activity 30m
Geography and Early Civilizations
Activity 30m
Mapping Ancient Lands
Activity 30m
Indian Geography Challenge
Activity 30m
Impact of Indian Geography on Culture
Activity 30m
Religion Deep Dive: Hinduism
Activity 30m
Religion and Cultural Influence
Activity 30m
Understanding Hinduism
Activity 30m
Religious Values in Daily Life
Activity 30m
Religion Deep Dive: Buddhism
Activity 30m
Buddhism's Influence on Culture
Activity 30m
Understanding the Indian Caste System
Activity 30m
Social Structure Exploration
Activity 30m
Indian Caste System Role Play
Activity 30m
Comparing Major Indian Empires
Activity 30m
Comparing Indian Empires
Activity 30m
Caste System Simulation
Activity 30m
Exploring Ancient Chinese Geography
Activity 30m
Folktales of Ancient China
Activity 30m
Comparing Empires
Activity 30m
Introduction to Chinese Dynasties
Activity 30m
Digital Portfolio Setup
Activity 30m
Chinese Dynasties Overview
Activity 30m
Preparation
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Phase
Project Activities
Activities
Indus River Valley Exploration
Activity 30m
Gallery Walk Exploration
Activity 20m
Exploring Ancient India's Achievements
Activity 30m
Indus River Valley Mapping
Activity 40m
Caste System Deep Dive
Activity 30m
Cultural Diffusion and Trade
Activity 30m
Introduction to Ancient Chinese Achievements
Activity 30m
Cultural Diffusion Debate
Activity 30m
Geography and Cultural Diffusion
Activity 30m
Hinduism and Buddhism Comparison
Activity 30m
Hinduism and Civic Life
Activity 30m
Silk Road Trade Game
Activity 30m
Caste System Role Play
Activity 30m
Buddhism's Influence
Activity 30m
Buddhism's Influence in China
Activity 30m
Major Indian Empires Timeline
Activity 30m
Comparing Chinese and Indian Beliefs
Activity 30m
Comparing Empires
Activity 30m
Folktales and Values
Activity 30m
Analyzing Chinese Dynasties
Activity 30m
Folktale Analysis
Activity 30m
Dynasty Research Project
Activity 30m
Great Wall of China Debate
Activity 30m
Dynasties and Social Opportunities
Activity 30m
Silk Road Simulation
Activity 40m
Folktales and Cultural Values
Activity 30m
Yellow River Valley Connection
Activity 30m
Reflection and Feedback Session
Activity 20m
Exhibition Planning and Feedback
Activity 30m
Silk Road Trade Game Preparation
Activity 30m
Preparation
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Phase
Project Activities
Activities
Silk Road Simulation
Activity 30m
Silk Road Trade Game Setup
Activity 30m
Silk Road Journeys
Activity 30m
Geography of the Yellow River Valley
Activity 30m
Comparative Analysis: China and India
Activity 30m
Trade Route Mapping
Activity 30m
Great Wall Impact Study
Activity 30m
Exploring Chinese Folktales and Values
Activity 30m
Chinese Philosophies Exploration
Activity 30m
Building the Great Wall
Activity 30m
The Great Wall Debate
Activity 30m
Dynastic Opportunities Exploration
Activity 30m
Great Wall of China Debate Prep
Activity 30m
Dynasty Research Project
Activity 30m
Comparing Ancient Civilizations
Activity 30m
Silk Road Trade Game Practice
Activity 30m
Interactive Debate
Activity 30m
Cultural Values through Folktales
Activity 30m
Dynasties and Their Legacies
Activity 30m
Ancient Achievements Challenge Preparation
Activity 30m
Buddhism and Taoism Influence
Activity 30m
Podcast Creation
Activity 30m
Dynasty Role-Play
Activity 30m
Critique and Revision Session
Activity 30m
Exhibition Booth Setup
Activity 30m
Digital Portfolio Refinement
Activity 30m
Interactive Exhibition Planning
Activity 30m
Podcast/Video Production
Activity 30m
Peer Feedback Session
Activity 30m
Class Mural Creation
Activity 30m
Preparation
Week 4
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Phase
Project Activities
Activities
Final Touches on Exhibits
Activity 30m
Final Exhibition Preparation
Activity 40m
Dynastic Contributions Showcase
Activity 30m
Silk Road Trade Game Design
Activity 30m
Rehearsal for Exhibition Day
Activity 30m
Peer Review Session
Activity 20m
Exhibition Day
Activity 60m
Exhibition Setup
Activity 30m
Great Wall of China Debate
Activity 30m
Practice Presentations
Activity 30m
Reflection and Debrief
Activity 30m
Run-through of Exhibition
Activity 40m
Religion and Social Structure Reflection
Activity 30m
Feedback Analysis
Activity 30m
Trade Game Test and Feedback
Activity 30m
Final Adjustments
Activity 20m
Ancient Civilizations Fair Preparation
Activity 30m
Ancient Civilizations Fair
Activity 60m
Project Wrap-Up
Activity 30m
Final Exhibition Rehearsal
Activity 30m
Interactive Exhibit Setup
Activity 30m
Peer Review Session
Activity 30m
Celebrating Achievements
Activity 30m
Ancient Civilizations Fair
Activity 60m
Reflection and Debrief
Activity 30m
Portfolio Completion
Activity 30m
Personal Learning Reflection
Activity 30m
Preparation
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