Ancient Civilizations Model Build
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as historians, construct a model that demonstrates the defining characteristics, environmental influences, construction techniques, purpose, and cultural significance of a chosen ancient Roman, Greek, or Gandharan structure?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the defining characteristics of Roman, Greek, and Gandhara architecture?
- How did the environment and available resources influence the construction of these structures?
- What tools and techniques were used to build these ancient structures?
- What was the purpose and significance of this structure in its civilization?
- How does the structure reflect the values and beliefs of its civilization?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and describe the defining characteristics of Roman, Greek, and Gandhara architecture.
- Students will be able to explain how the environment and available resources influenced the construction of ancient structures.
- Students will be able to identify and describe the tools and techniques used to build ancient structures.
- Students will be able to explain the purpose and significance of a structure in its civilization.
- Students will be able to analyze how a structure reflects the values and beliefs of its civilization.
- Students will be able to construct a model that demonstrates the defining characteristics, environmental influences, construction techniques, purpose, and cultural significance of a chosen ancient Roman, Greek, or Gandharan structure.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students"Engineering Catastrophe Simulation"
The class receives an urgent message detailing the structural failure of a modern building with design elements inspired by ancient architecture. Students must analyze the potential causes of the collapse, research the original ancient designs, and propose modifications to prevent similar disasters in the future, connecting historical knowledge to contemporary engineering challenges.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Civilization Architect Profile
Students begin by researching and creating a profile of their chosen civilization (Roman, Greek, or Gandharan). This involves understanding the civilization's history, culture, environment, and architectural styles.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA one-page profile of the chosen civilization with a summary of its history, culture, environment, and key architectural characteristics, including an image.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to identify and describe the defining characteristics of Roman, Greek, and Gandhara architecture. Introduces the timeline of civilizations.Structure Selection & Blueprint Basics
Students select a specific structure from their chosen civilization to model and create a basic blueprint outlining its key features and dimensions. They will identify the purpose of the building and how the environment influenced the choice of building materials.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA blueprint or sketch of the chosen structure with labeled key features, approximate dimensions, a description of its purpose, and an explanation of the environmental influences on material choice.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Students will be able to explain the purpose and significance of a structure in its civilization; Students will be able to explain how the environment and available resources influenced the construction of ancient structures.Material Matters: Ancient Construction Techniques
Students research the specific construction techniques used to build their chosen structure, focusing on the tools, materials, and methods employed by the ancient civilization. They will prepare a materials list for their model, justifying each choice based on historical accuracy and practicality.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA materials list for the model, with justifications for each choice based on historical accuracy and practicality, and a paragraph describing the original construction process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Students will be able to identify and describe the tools and techniques used to build ancient structures; Students will be able to explain how the environment and available resources influenced the construction of ancient structures.Model Construction & Cultural Connection
Students build their model of the ancient structure, paying attention to the details and techniques researched in the previous activities. While building, they will also reflect on how the structure reflects the values and beliefs of its civilization.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed model of the ancient structure and a reflection paragraph explaining how the structure reflects the values and beliefs of its civilization.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Students will be able to construct a model that demonstrates the defining characteristics, environmental influences, construction techniques, purpose, and cultural significance of a chosen ancient Roman, Greek, or Gandharan structure; Students will be able to analyze how a structure reflects the values and beliefs of its civilization.Presentation & Historical Significance
Students prepare a presentation to showcase their model and explain its historical significance. This presentation will cover the civilization's background, the structure's purpose, the construction techniques used, and the structure's reflection of the civilization's values and beliefs.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation showcasing the model and explaining its historical significance, covering all aspects of the project.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses all learning goals: This activity serves as a culminating assessment, demonstrating students' understanding of all learning goals related to ancient civilizations and their architecture.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAncient Structure Model Project Rubric
Civilization & Structure Research
This category assesses the depth and accuracy of the student's research on their chosen civilization and structure.Historical Accuracy
Accuracy and depth of historical information presented about the civilization and structure.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the civilization's history, culture, and the structure's historical context. Information is detailed and well-supported by evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a good understanding of the civilization's history, culture, and the structure's historical context. Information is generally accurate and supported by evidence.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a basic understanding of the civilization's history, culture, and the structure's historical context. Some information may be incomplete or lack sufficient support.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited understanding of the civilization's history, culture, and the structure's historical context. Information may be inaccurate or missing.
Architectural Characteristics
Identification and description of the key architectural features of the chosen structure.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and thoroughly describes all key architectural features of the structure, explaining their significance and purpose within the civilization.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and describes most key architectural features of the structure, explaining their purpose.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some architectural features of the structure, but descriptions may be incomplete or lack detail.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify or describe the architectural features of the structure.
Model Construction
This category assesses the quality of the model's construction, attention to detail, and accuracy in representing the original structure.Accuracy & Detail
The degree to which the model accurately represents the original structure's key features and dimensions.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe model accurately replicates the original structure's key features and dimensions with exceptional attention to detail. Demonstrates skillful craftsmanship.
Proficient
3 PointsThe model accurately represents most of the original structure's key features and dimensions with good attention to detail.
Developing
2 PointsThe model represents some of the original structure's key features, but may lack accuracy or detail in certain areas.
Beginning
1 PointsThe model poorly represents the original structure and lacks attention to detail.
Material Appropriateness
The choice and use of materials in relation to the original structure and available resources.
Exemplary
4 PointsMaterials are chosen thoughtfully and used creatively to reflect the original materials and construction techniques, demonstrating an understanding of environmental influences. Justifications are well-supported.
Proficient
3 PointsMaterials are chosen appropriately and used effectively to represent the original structure. Demonstrates an understanding of environmental influences.
Developing
2 PointsMaterials are chosen with some consideration of the original structure, but may not fully reflect the environmental influences or construction techniques.
Beginning
1 PointsMaterials are chosen without regard for the original structure or environmental influences.
Cultural & Historical Significance
This category assesses the student's understanding of the structure's purpose, cultural significance, and reflection of the civilization's values and beliefs.Purpose & Significance
Explanation of the structure's purpose and significance within its civilization.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful explanation of the structure's purpose and significance, connecting it to the broader social, political, and religious context of the civilization.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and accurate explanation of the structure's purpose and significance within its civilization.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic explanation of the structure's purpose, but may lack detail or connection to the broader civilization.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to explain the structure's purpose or significance.
Reflection of Values
Analysis of how the structure reflects the values and beliefs of its civilization.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a sophisticated and nuanced analysis of how the structure embodies the values and beliefs of its civilization, using specific examples and insightful interpretations.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear analysis of how the structure reflects the values and beliefs of its civilization.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some connections between the structure and the values of its civilization, but analysis may be superficial.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to connect the structure to the values and beliefs of its civilization.
Presentation Skills
This category assesses the clarity, organization, and engagement of the student's presentation.Clarity & Organization
The clarity and logical organization of the presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents information clearly, concisely, and logically, with a well-organized structure that enhances understanding. Uses visuals effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents information clearly and logically, with a well-organized structure.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation lacks clarity or organization in some areas, making it difficult to follow.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is disorganized and unclear, making it difficult to understand.
Engagement & Delivery
The ability to engage the audience and deliver the presentation with enthusiasm and confidence.
Exemplary
4 PointsEngages the audience effectively through enthusiastic delivery, clear articulation, and thoughtful responses to questions. Demonstrates a strong command of the material.
Proficient
3 PointsEngages the audience and delivers the presentation with enthusiasm and confidence.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation lacks engagement or enthusiasm, and delivery may be hesitant or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is delivered without enthusiasm and fails to engage the audience.