Introduction
Ancient Civilization Project, Part I
due December 13, 2017
Scientists funded by the TOMU* Corporation have invented a time travel machine. This discovery has led historians to wonder if we can create a better civilization using what we know about ancient civilizations. You will be traveling back in time to create a civilization of your own.
Before you create your own civilization, you need to know more about ancient civilizations. This project will help you develop that knowledge. You will learn more about the geography and natural environment of an ancient civilization, as well as about its culture.
During Part I of this project (the part you are working on now) you will research an actual civilization, and you will report on factual information.
*Totally Made-Up
Process
Civilizations
Choose one of the following civilizations to study. You must submit your civilization proposal no later than Monday, November 27. If you would like to choose a different civilization, you must consult with Ms. Heidi.
Ancient Egypt
Mesopotamia
Nubia
Ancient India/ Indus Valley Civilization
Ancient China
Olmec
Helpful websites about ancient Egypt:
www.ancientegypt.co.uk/menu.html
Helpful websites about Mesopotamia:
http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/menu.html
Helpful websites about Nubia:
https://newsela.com/read/lib-trade-ancient-egypt/id/33700
https://newsela.com/read/lib-jewels-ancient-nubia/id/33412
https://newsela.com/read/lib-kush-pyramids-nubia-meroe/id/32808
Helpful websites about India/ Indus Valley Civilization:
http://www.ancientindia.co.uk/
https://newsela.com/read/lib-Early-Civilization-Indus-Valley/id/32771
https://newsela.com/read/lib-harappa-ancient-art-inventions/id/33820
Helpful websites about ancient China:
https://newsela.com/read/lib-life-ancient-china-home-festivals/id/33010
https://newsela.com/read/BHP-WH-708-Whats-for-dinner/id/7309
https://newsela.com/read/lib-china-mandate-of-heaven/id/33393
https://newsela.com/read/lib-history-chinese-writing/id/33055
Helpful websites about Olmec civilization:
https://newsela.com/read/BHP-U7-6-mesoamerica/id/3831
https://newsela.com/read/BHP-WH-7-Were-not-in-kansas/id/7344
https://newsela.com/read/BHP-WH-708-Whats-for-dinner/id/7309
https://newsela.com/read/BHP-U7-6-mesoamerica/id/3831
Geography (rough draft due Wednesday, November 29)
How did geographic conditions and the natural environment make the rise of early civilizations possible?
In this section of the project you will describe how geography and natural conditions shaped the development of your civilization.
You must include:
Two Maps
Provide a map that shows where your civilization is in the world.
Create a more detailed map of your civilization that shows the important land-forms, as well as important city-states.
Analysis
How did the natural environment influence the development of the civilization you are studying? What kinds of plants and animals were domesticated in your culture? What challenges did the natural environment create for people living in your culture?
Your analysis may be presented in the format of your choice (for example, as an essay, a skit, a videotaped news report, a brochure, a children’s book). It should show a depth of knowledge equivalent to a four paragraph mini-essay.
Culture (rough draft due Friday, December 8)
What kinds of culture emerged in ancient civilizations?
Ancient civilizations created complex cultures. Choose two of the following facets of culture to study in-depth for your civilization:
Art
Organized religion
Social class hierarchy
Writing
Monumental architecture
Creation of math, science, astronomy
Government
This section must include:
Artifact
Study and reproduce at least one object that archaeologists have discovered that helps us understand the civilization you are studying.
Analysis
When did this facet of culture emerge in your civilization? Who created it? Why was it created? How did people use it?
Your analysis may be presented in the format of your choice (for example, as an essay, a skit, a videotaped news report, a brochure, a children’s book). It should show a depth of knowledge equivalent to a five paragraph essay.
Sources
You must use at least four sources for your project
You may use books, articles or the internet for your research. If you choose to use the internet, make sure the sites you choose to use provide factual information that is true, and analysis that is logical. Website that end in .org or .edu and websites produced by teachers tend to be more reliable.
Our classroom library has many books that would be useful for this project.
Helpful resources can be found at: https://createwebquest.com/ancient-civilization-project
You must cite all your sources on your bibliography. Record the title, author and publication date for all your sources.