6th, Elementary School Grades
Project
4 weeks
Silk, Spice & Sacred Stories: India & China
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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.
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 | |||||