Ancient Irrigation Innovation: Design a Sustainable Water System
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Ancient Irrigation Innovation: Design a Sustainable Water System

Grade 6Social Studies17 days
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Students in 6th grade will step into the roles of historians and engineers to design a sustainable irrigation system for a modern community, drawing lessons from ancient civilizations. They will research ancient irrigation techniques, evaluate their environmental and social impacts, and apply this knowledge to address modern water scarcity challenges. The project integrates social studies disciplines to consider environmental, social, and economic factors in their designs, promoting interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will develop a proposal outlining their design, its environmental impact, and its economic feasibility.
Ancient CivilizationsSustainable IrrigationWater ScarcityEnvironmental ImpactEconomic FeasibilitySocial StudiesEngineering Design
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as informed historians and innovative engineers, design a sustainable irrigation system for a modern community, learning from the successes and failures of ancient civilizations, while considering environmental, social, and economic impacts?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How did ancient civilizations adapt to their environments to develop successful irrigation systems?
  • What are the environmental and social impacts of different irrigation techniques, both ancient and modern?
  • How can we apply the lessons learned from ancient irrigation systems to create sustainable solutions for modern communities?
  • What are the economic considerations involved in designing and implementing a new irrigation system?
  • How do different social studies disciplines help us understand the challenges and opportunities in developing civilizations?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will research and analyze ancient irrigation systems, identifying key elements of their design, function, and sustainability.
  • Students will evaluate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of ancient irrigation techniques.
  • Students will apply their understanding of ancient systems to design a sustainable irrigation system for a modern community, considering local environmental conditions, resource availability, and community needs.
  • Students will use evidence to support their claims.
  • Students will consider and analyze the unintended costs and benefits of economic decisions related to irrigation systems.
  • Students will explain how civilizations affected land use and were shaped by their environments.

Teacher Provided Standards

6.G.MM.1
Primary
Compare how humans and the environment of a region influenced the movement of people, goods and ideas.Reason: This standard aligns directly with the project's focus on how ancient civilizations adapted to their environments.
6.E.MI.2
Secondary
Predict and analyze unintended costs and benefits of economic decisionsReason: This standard relates to the economic considerations of implementing an irrigation system.
6.G.HI.1
Primary
Explain how changes in River Valley Civilizations and Classical Empires affected land use.Reason: The project directly examines how ancient civilizations changed land use through irrigation.
6.G.HE.1
Primary
Analyze how physical environments shaped the development of River Valley Civilizations and Classical Period EmpiresReason: The project requires students to analyze how environments influenced the development of irrigation systems.
6.H.CE.1
Primary
Analyze the causes and effects of the rise of River Valley CivilizationsReason: Irrigation was a key factor in the rise of River Valley Civilizations.
6.I.UE.1
Primary
Develop claims, citing relevant evidence, in response to compelling and supporting questionsReason: The project requires students to research, form claims, and support them with evidence.
6.I.CC.5
Secondary
Describe a specific problem from the development of civilizations using each of the social studies disciplines.Reason: The project encourages interdisciplinary thinking about the challenges faced by developing civilizations.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Irrigation Innovation Pitch

Simulate a 'Shark Tank' scenario where student teams pitch their irrigation solutions, inspired by ancient methods, to a panel of 'investors' (teachers/community members), fostering competitive problem-solving and real-world application.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Environmental Influences on Ancient Irrigation

Students will research a specific ancient civilization and analyze how their physical environment (climate, geography, water sources) influenced the design and implementation of their irrigation systems. They will create a presentation that details these relationships.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose an ancient civilization known for its irrigation practices (e.g., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Inca).
2. Research the civilization's geography, climate, and available water sources.
3. Identify and describe the irrigation techniques used by the civilization.
4. Analyze how the environment influenced the design and effectiveness of these techniques.
5. Create a presentation summarizing your findings, including visuals (maps, diagrams) to illustrate the environmental context and irrigation methods.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation (slides, poster, or short video) that explains the environmental factors that shaped the irrigation methods of a chosen ancient civilization.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 6.G.HE.1 as it requires students to research and understand how different physical environments influenced the specific irrigation techniques developed by ancient civilizations.
Activity 2

Irrigation and the Movement of Civilizations

Students will examine how the irrigation systems of their chosen civilization supported the movement of people, goods, and ideas, contributing to the civilization's development and expansion. They will write an essay discussing these connections.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review your presentation from Activity 1, focusing on the key features of the civilization's irrigation system.
2. Research how the irrigation system enabled agricultural surplus, trade, and population growth.
3. Analyze how the system might have influenced the spread of knowledge and cultural practices.
4. Write an essay that connects the irrigation system to the movement of people, goods, and ideas, and its role in the civilization's development.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn essay explaining how the irrigation system of the chosen civilization facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas, and contributed to its rise.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with standard 6.G.MM.1 because it directly addresses how humans and their environment influenced the movement of goods (crops) and ideas (irrigation techniques). It also aligns with 6.H.CE.1 as it requires students to analyze the causes (environmental factors, societal needs) and effects (agricultural surplus, population growth) of the rise of River Valley Civilizations.
Activity 3

The Costs and Benefits of Irrigation

Students will explore the economic and social costs and benefits of the irrigation system of their chosen civilization. They will create a cost-benefit analysis chart and present their findings to the class.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify the costs associated with the irrigation system (e.g., labor, resources, maintenance).
2. Identify the benefits of the irrigation system (e.g., increased crop yields, food security, economic growth).
3. Analyze the social impacts of the system (e.g., changes in social structure, distribution of resources, conflicts over water).
4. Create a cost-benefit analysis chart summarizing your findings.
5. Prepare a brief presentation to share your analysis with the class.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA cost-benefit analysis chart and a brief presentation outlining the economic and social impacts of the civilization's irrigation system.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 6.I.CC.5 by tasking students to use different social studies disciplines (geography, economics, history) to describe problems, and with 6.E.MI.2 by making them predict and analyze costs and benefits.
Activity 4

Reshaping the Land: Irrigation and Land Use

Students will investigate how the ancient irrigation system altered the landscape and land use patterns of their chosen civilization. They will write a report explaining these changes and their long-term consequences.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research how the irrigation system transformed the natural landscape (e.g., altered river courses, created fertile farmland).
2. Analyze the impact of these changes on the environment (e.g., soil erosion, salinization, waterlogging).
3. Examine the social consequences of these changes (e.g., displacement of communities, changes in agricultural practices).
4. Write a report summarizing your findings, including maps and diagrams to illustrate the changes in land use.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report detailing how the ancient irrigation system changed land use patterns and the environmental and social consequences of these changes.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses 6.I.UE.1 as it involves making claims and supporting them with evidence, and 6.G.HI.1 as it requires students to understand how human actions (irrigation) have changed land use over time.
Activity 5

Designing a Sustainable Irrigation System

Students will apply their knowledge of ancient irrigation systems to design a sustainable irrigation system for a modern community facing water scarcity challenges. They will develop a proposal outlining their design, its environmental impact, and its economic feasibility.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify a modern community facing water scarcity challenges.
2. Research the community's environment, resources, and needs.
3. Design an irrigation system that is both effective and sustainable, drawing inspiration from ancient techniques.
4. Assess the environmental impact of your design, considering factors such as water usage, soil health, and biodiversity.
5. Analyze the economic feasibility of your design, including costs and benefits.
6. Develop a proposal outlining your design, its environmental impact, and its economic feasibility.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed proposal for a sustainable irrigation system for a modern community, including a design plan, environmental impact assessment, and economic analysis.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity ties together all the previous learning and applies it to a modern context, directly addressing learning goals related to sustainable solutions.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Ancient Irrigation and Modern Sustainability Rubric

Category 1

Environmental Influences Analysis

Assesses the quality of research, clarity of explanation, and effectiveness of visual aids in demonstrating the environmental influences on ancient irrigation systems.
Criterion 1

Research Accuracy

Accuracy of research on the chosen ancient civilization's irrigation techniques and environmental context.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate research on the civilization's irrigation techniques and environmental context, exceeding expectations.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates accurate research on the civilization's irrigation techniques and environmental context.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates partially accurate research on the civilization's irrigation techniques and environmental context.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates inaccurate or incomplete research on the civilization's irrigation techniques and environmental context.

Criterion 2

Presentation Clarity

Clarity and effectiveness of the presentation in explaining the relationship between environmental factors and irrigation methods.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and effectively communicates the complex relationship between environmental factors and irrigation methods.

Proficient
3 Points

Presentation is clear and effectively communicates the relationship between environmental factors and irrigation methods.

Developing
2 Points

Presentation is somewhat unclear and partially communicates the relationship between environmental factors and irrigation methods.

Beginning
1 Points

Presentation is unclear and fails to effectively communicate the relationship between environmental factors and irrigation methods.

Criterion 3

Visual Quality

Quality of visuals (maps, diagrams) used to illustrate the environmental context and irrigation methods.

Exemplary
4 Points

Visuals are exceptionally high quality, informative, and enhance understanding of the environmental context and irrigation methods.

Proficient
3 Points

Visuals are high quality and illustrate the environmental context and irrigation methods.

Developing
2 Points

Visuals are adequate but may lack detail or clarity in illustrating the environmental context and irrigation methods.

Beginning
1 Points

Visuals are poor quality or missing, and fail to illustrate the environmental context and irrigation methods.

Category 2

Civilization Movement Impact

Evaluates the strength of the argument, quality of evidence, and clarity of writing in the essay explaining how irrigation influenced the movement of civilizations.
Criterion 1

Argument Strength

Strength of the essay's argument connecting the irrigation system to the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

Exemplary
4 Points

Essay presents a compelling and insightful argument, demonstrating a deep understanding of the connections between the irrigation system and the movement of people, goods, and ideas, exceeding expectations.

Proficient
3 Points

Essay presents a strong argument, demonstrating a clear understanding of the connections between the irrigation system and the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

Developing
2 Points

Essay presents a weak or incomplete argument, demonstrating a limited understanding of the connections between the irrigation system and the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

Beginning
1 Points

Essay fails to present a coherent argument or demonstrate an understanding of the connections between the irrigation system and the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

Criterion 2

Evidence Quality

Evidence provided to support the claim about the irrigation system's role in the civilization's development.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides comprehensive and compelling evidence to support the claim about the irrigation system's role in the civilization's development.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides clear and sufficient evidence to support the claim about the irrigation system's role in the civilization's development.

Developing
2 Points

Provides limited or weak evidence to support the claim about the irrigation system's role in the civilization's development.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides insufficient or irrelevant evidence to support the claim about the irrigation system's role in the civilization's development.

Criterion 3

Essay Clarity

Clarity and organization of the essay.

Exemplary
4 Points

Essay is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and effectively communicates complex ideas.

Proficient
3 Points

Essay is clear, well-organized, and effectively communicates ideas.

Developing
2 Points

Essay is somewhat unclear and disorganized, making it difficult to follow the argument.

Beginning
1 Points

Essay is unclear, disorganized, and fails to effectively communicate ideas.

Category 3

Cost-Benefit Evaluation

Assesses the completeness and accuracy of the cost-benefit analysis, the depth of social impact analysis, and the effectiveness of the presentation.
Criterion 1

Chart Accuracy

Completeness and accuracy of the cost-benefit analysis chart.

Exemplary
4 Points

Chart is exceptionally complete, accurate, and provides a comprehensive overview of the economic and social impacts, exceeding expectations.

Proficient
3 Points

Chart is complete and accurate, providing a clear overview of the economic and social impacts.

Developing
2 Points

Chart is incomplete or contains inaccuracies, providing a limited overview of the economic and social impacts.

Beginning
1 Points

Chart is largely incomplete or inaccurate, failing to provide a meaningful overview of the economic and social impacts.

Criterion 2

Social Impact Analysis

Insightfulness of the analysis of the social impacts of the irrigation system.

Exemplary
4 Points

Analysis of the social impacts is exceptionally insightful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complex social consequences.

Proficient
3 Points

Analysis of the social impacts is insightful, demonstrating a clear understanding of the social consequences.

Developing
2 Points

Analysis of the social impacts is superficial, demonstrating a limited understanding of the social consequences.

Beginning
1 Points

Analysis of the social impacts is lacking, failing to demonstrate an understanding of the social consequences.

Criterion 3

Presentation Effectiveness

Effectiveness of the presentation in communicating the findings of the cost-benefit analysis.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presentation is exceptionally effective in communicating the findings of the cost-benefit analysis in a clear and engaging manner.

Proficient
3 Points

Presentation is effective in communicating the findings of the cost-benefit analysis in a clear manner.

Developing
2 Points

Presentation is somewhat ineffective in communicating the findings of the cost-benefit analysis, lacking clarity or engagement.

Beginning
1 Points

Presentation is ineffective in communicating the findings of the cost-benefit analysis.

Category 4

Land Reshaping Analysis

Focuses on the depth of investigation, clarity of explanation, and effectiveness of visual aids in detailing how irrigation reshaped the land and its consequences.
Criterion 1

Landscape Transformation

Depth of investigation into how the irrigation system transformed the natural landscape.

Exemplary
4 Points

Investigation is exceptionally deep and thorough, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the transformations to the natural landscape.

Proficient
3 Points

Investigation is thorough, demonstrating a clear understanding of the transformations to the natural landscape.

Developing
2 Points

Investigation is superficial, demonstrating a limited understanding of the transformations to the natural landscape.

Beginning
1 Points

Investigation is lacking, failing to demonstrate an understanding of the transformations to the natural landscape.

Criterion 2

Consequence Explanation

Clarity and accuracy of the report in explaining the environmental and social consequences of the changes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Report is exceptionally clear, accurate, and insightful in explaining the environmental and social consequences of the changes.

Proficient
3 Points

Report is clear and accurate in explaining the environmental and social consequences of the changes.

Developing
2 Points

Report is somewhat unclear or inaccurate in explaining the environmental and social consequences of the changes.

Beginning
1 Points

Report is unclear and inaccurate in explaining the environmental and social consequences of the changes.

Criterion 3

Visual Effectiveness

Effectiveness of maps and diagrams used to illustrate the changes in land use.

Exemplary
4 Points

Maps and diagrams are exceptionally effective in illustrating the changes in land use, enhancing understanding and providing valuable insights.

Proficient
3 Points

Maps and diagrams are effective in illustrating the changes in land use.

Developing
2 Points

Maps and diagrams are somewhat ineffective in illustrating the changes in land use, lacking clarity or detail.

Beginning
1 Points

Maps and diagrams are ineffective or missing, failing to illustrate the changes in land use.

Category 5

Sustainable System Design

Evaluates the relevance and feasibility of the proposed system, the quality of the environmental impact assessment, and the soundness of the economic analysis.
Criterion 1

System Relevance

Relevance and feasibility of the proposed irrigation system for the modern community.

Exemplary
4 Points

Proposed irrigation system is highly relevant, feasible, and demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the community's needs and resources.

Proficient
3 Points

Proposed irrigation system is relevant and feasible, demonstrating a clear understanding of the community's needs and resources.

Developing
2 Points

Proposed irrigation system is somewhat relevant or feasible, demonstrating a limited understanding of the community's needs and resources.

Beginning
1 Points

Proposed irrigation system is irrelevant or infeasible, failing to demonstrate an understanding of the community's needs and resources.

Criterion 2

Environmental Assessment

Thoroughness and accuracy of the environmental impact assessment.

Exemplary
4 Points

Environmental impact assessment is exceptionally thorough, accurate, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the potential environmental consequences.

Proficient
3 Points

Environmental impact assessment is thorough and accurate, demonstrating a clear understanding of the potential environmental consequences.

Developing
2 Points

Environmental impact assessment is incomplete or contains inaccuracies, demonstrating a limited understanding of the potential environmental consequences.

Beginning
1 Points

Environmental impact assessment is largely incomplete or inaccurate, failing to demonstrate an understanding of the potential environmental consequences.

Criterion 3

Economic Soundness

Soundness of the economic analysis, including costs and benefits.

Exemplary
4 Points

Economic analysis is exceptionally sound, providing a comprehensive and insightful evaluation of the costs and benefits.

Proficient
3 Points

Economic analysis is sound, providing a clear and accurate evaluation of the costs and benefits.

Developing
2 Points

Economic analysis is flawed or incomplete, providing a limited evaluation of the costs and benefits.

Beginning
1 Points

Economic analysis is unsound, failing to provide a meaningful evaluation of the costs and benefits.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How has your understanding of sustainable solutions evolved throughout this project, particularly in light of ancient irrigation techniques and modern water scarcity challenges?

Text
Required
Question 2

To what extent did the study of ancient civilizations inform your design for a modern sustainable irrigation system? Rate from 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extensively).

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which social studies discipline (history, geography, economics, civics) was most helpful in understanding the complexities of irrigation systems, and why?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
History
Geography
Economics
Civics
All were equally helpful
Question 4

What was the most significant trade-off you had to consider when designing your sustainable irrigation system, and how did you balance environmental, economic, and social factors?

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Required
Question 5

How effectively did your team incorporate interdisciplinary perspectives in addressing the driving question: 'How can we, as informed historians and innovative engineers, design a sustainable irrigation system for a modern community, learning from the successes and failures of ancient civilizations, while considering environmental, social, and economic impacts?'?

Text
Required