Civilization Game: Build and Rank the 8 Features
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Civilization Game: Build and Rank the 8 Features

Grade 6HistorySocial Studies2 days
In this 6th-grade history and social studies project, students design a civilization game to demonstrate the importance and interaction of the 8 features of a civilization: Cities, Organized Central Governments, Job Specialization, Complex Religions, Social Classes, Writing, Art and Architecture, and Public Works. Students research and define these features, create flashcards, and design a unique civilization blueprint. They also develop challenge cards that present players with difficult decisions and consequences, and rank the features in order of importance, justifying their reasoning. The project culminates in a game that allows students to evaluate how decisions impact the success or failure of a civilization.
Civilization FeaturesGame DesignHistorical AnalysisCritical ThinkingDecision MakingSocial StudiesWorld History
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a civilization game that demonstrates the importance and interaction of the 8 features of a civilization, and what choices will lead our civilization to thrive or collapse?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How do the 8 features of a civilization contribute to its growth and stability?
  • What are the key characteristics of each of the 8 features of a civilization?
  • How do civilizations develop and change over time?
  • How do the 8 features of a civilization interact and influence each other?
  • How can a civilization collapse?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to define and describe the 8 features of a civilization.
  • Students will be able to analyze the importance of each feature to a civilization's development.
  • Students will be able to evaluate how decisions impact the success or failure of a civilization.
  • Students will be able to create a civilization game that integrates the 8 features of civilization and demonstrates their interactions.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The "Perfect" Civilization Design Contest

Students are challenged to design their own "perfect" civilization using all 8 features. A panel of judges (teachers, community members) evaluates the designs, prompting students to defend their choices and rankings.
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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

Civilization Feature Flashcards

Students will create flashcards for each of the 8 features of civilization. Each flashcard will include the name of the feature, a definition, and an example from a historical civilization.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research and define each of the 8 features of civilization: Cities, Organized Central Governments, Job Specialization, Complex Religions, Social Classes, Writing, Art and Architecture, Public Works.
2. For each feature, find a specific example from a historical civilization that illustrates that feature.
3. Create a flashcard for each feature with the name of the feature on one side, and the definition and example on the other side.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of 8 flashcards, each detailing a feature of civilization with a definition and historical example.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to define and describe the 8 features of a civilization.
Activity 2

Civilization Creation Blueprint

Students will design their own unique civilization, detailing how each of the 8 features is present and functions within their civilization. This serves as the blueprint for their civilization game.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm ideas for the overall theme, location, and time period of your unique civilization.
2. For each of the 8 features, describe how that feature is manifested in your civilization. Be specific and creative. (e.g., What type of government do you have? What is your civilization's primary religion?)
3. Organize your descriptions into a detailed blueprint for your civilization.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed blueprint outlining the structure and function of each of the 8 features within the student's unique civilization.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to create a civilization game that integrates the 8 features of civilization and demonstrates their interactions.
Activity 3

Civilization Challenge Cards

Students will create a set of challenge cards for their civilization game. These cards will present players with difficult decisions related to the 8 features and force them to consider the consequences of their choices.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm potential challenges or crises that could arise within a civilization related to each of the 8 features (e.g., a natural disaster affecting public works, a religious conflict, a shortage of resources leading to job losses).
2. Write out each challenge on a separate card, clearly stating the problem and the potential choices players can make to address it.
3. For each choice, describe the potential consequences (both positive and negative) for the civilization.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of challenge cards that present players with difficult decisions and consequences related to the 8 features of civilization.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to evaluate how decisions impact the success or failure of a civilization.
Activity 4

Feature Importance Ranking & Justification

Students will rank the 8 features of civilization in order of importance, from most to least. They will then write a short paragraph justifying their ranking, explaining why they believe the top features are more crucial than the bottom ones.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review the definitions and examples of the 8 features of civilization.
2. Individually rank the features from most to least important for the success of a civilization.
3. Write a paragraph explaining and justifying your ranking, providing reasons for the placement of the top and bottom features.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA ranked list of the 8 features of civilization with a written justification for the ranking.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to analyze the importance of each feature to a civilization's development.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Civilization Game Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Feature Flashcards

Demonstrates understanding of the 8 features of civilization through accurate definitions and relevant historical examples.
Criterion 1

Accuracy of Definitions

The degree to which the definitions of the 8 features are accurate and complete.

Exemplary
4 Points

Definitions are exceptionally clear, comprehensive, and demonstrate a deep understanding of each feature. No inaccuracies present. Connects definitions with each other. Provides nuanced context. Great vocabulary usage. No support needed. Should be able to use these flashcards to teach someone else. Gives real world relevant and up to date examples. Exemplary.

Proficient
3 Points

Definitions are accurate and demonstrate a solid understanding of each feature. Minor areas for improvement may exist, but overall, definitions are correct. Could use these flashcards to teach someone else with a little support. Provides a good example of how it relates to the real world. Good Job. I believe in you.

Developing
2 Points

Definitions show a basic understanding of each feature, but may contain some inaccuracies or lack sufficient detail. Some support may be needed to teach someone else. Provides basic examples and is a little bland. You're on the right track.

Beginning
1 Points

Definitions are incomplete, inaccurate, or demonstrate a limited understanding of the features of civilization. Needs significant support. Definitions are hard to understand and lacks real world examples. Keep trying!

Criterion 2

Relevance of Historical Examples

The appropriateness and connection of the historical examples to the defined features.

Exemplary
4 Points

Historical examples are highly relevant, specific, and clearly illustrate the defined features. Shows great insight into the connection. Examples showcase a deep understanding of historical context. Exemplary.

Proficient
3 Points

Historical examples are relevant and illustrate the defined features effectively. Good examples and demonstrates understanding of historical context. Great Job. I believe in you.

Developing
2 Points

Historical examples are somewhat relevant, but the connection to the defined features may not be clear or well-explained. Shows some understanding of historical context. You're on the right track.

Beginning
1 Points

Historical examples are irrelevant, inaccurate, or missing. Shows a limited understanding of historical context. Keep trying!

Category 2

Civilization Creation Blueprint

Demonstrates creativity and understanding of the interplay between the 8 features in the creation of a unique civilization.
Criterion 1

Originality and Creativity

The extent to which the civilization design is unique and imaginative.

Exemplary
4 Points

Civilization design is highly original, imaginative, and demonstrates exceptional creativity. Displays complex and interesting choices for the features. Exemplary.

Proficient
3 Points

Civilization design is creative and shows thoughtful consideration of the features. Choices are solid and makes sense. Great Job. I believe in you.

Developing
2 Points

Civilization design lacks originality and/or demonstrates limited creativity. Choices are basic and may not make sense. You're on the right track.

Beginning
1 Points

Civilization design is uninspired and shows no evidence of creative thought. Choices do not make sense and civilization wouldn't function. Keep trying!

Criterion 2

Integration of Features

How well the 8 features are integrated and interconnected within the civilization design.

Exemplary
4 Points

All 8 features are seamlessly integrated and demonstrate a clear understanding of their interconnectedness and interdependence. Features work together in a way that makes logical sense. Exemplary.

Proficient
3 Points

The 8 features are well-integrated and their connections are evident within the civilization design. Features mostly work together and makes logical sense. Great Job. I believe in you.

Developing
2 Points

Some features are integrated, but the connections between them may be weak or unclear. Connections are there but don't stand out. You're on the right track.

Beginning
1 Points

The 8 features are presented in isolation with little to no connection between them. No logical sense. Keep trying!

Category 3

Civilization Challenge Cards

Demonstrates ability to analyze potential crises and consequences of decisions related to the 8 features.
Criterion 1

Relevance of Challenges

The degree to which the challenges are relevant to the 8 features and the civilization's context.

Exemplary
4 Points

Challenges are highly relevant, realistic, and directly related to the 8 features of civilization and the civilization's unique context. Challenges make sense and are highly applicable. Exemplary.

Proficient
3 Points

Challenges are relevant to the 8 features and the civilization's context. Challenges make sense. Great Job. I believe in you.

Developing
2 Points

Challenges are somewhat relevant, but the connection to the 8 features or civilization's context may be weak. Challenges may be far fetched. You're on the right track.

Beginning
1 Points

Challenges are irrelevant, unrealistic, or unrelated to the 8 features or civilization's context. Challenges do not make sense. Keep trying!

Criterion 2

Clarity of Consequences

The clarity and depth of the described consequences (both positive and negative) for each decision.

Exemplary
4 Points

Consequences are clearly articulated, well-reasoned, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the potential impact of decisions on the civilization. Shows cause and effect well. Exemplary.

Proficient
3 Points

Consequences are clear and describe the potential impact of decisions on the civilization. Great Job. I believe in you.

Developing
2 Points

Consequences are described, but may lack detail or clarity. Understanding of potential impact is basic. You're on the right track.

Beginning
1 Points

Consequences are unclear, incomplete, or missing. Shows limited understanding of the impact. Keep trying!

Category 4

Feature Importance Ranking & Justification

Demonstrates critical thinking and analytical skills in prioritizing and justifying the importance of the 8 features.
Criterion 1

Reasoning and Justification

The strength and clarity of the reasoning used to justify the ranking of the features.

Exemplary
4 Points

Justification is exceptionally well-reasoned, logical, and provides compelling evidence to support the ranking. Argument is well thought out and provides a fresh perspective. Exemplary.

Proficient
3 Points

Justification is logical and provides clear reasons for the ranking of the features. Argument is solid and well thought out. Great Job. I believe in you.

Developing
2 Points

Justification is present, but may lack depth or clarity in its reasoning. Argument may be difficult to understand and bland. You're on the right track.

Beginning
1 Points

Justification is weak, illogical, or missing. Ranking may not make sense. Keep trying!

Criterion 2

Analysis of Importance

The depth of analysis in explaining the relative importance of the features.

Exemplary
4 Points

Analysis demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the relative importance of each feature and its impact on the overall success of a civilization. Provides a unique and insightful overview. Exemplary.

Proficient
3 Points

Analysis demonstrates a thorough understanding of the relative importance of each feature. Shows good understanding of overall success and why things were chosen. Great Job. I believe in you.

Developing
2 Points

Analysis demonstrates a basic understanding of the relative importance of each feature. Some areas are missing and understanding is not fully there. You're on the right track.

Beginning
1 Points

Analysis is superficial and demonstrates a limited understanding of the relative importance of each feature. Limited understanding. Keep trying!

Reflection Prompts

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

How has your understanding of the 8 features of civilization evolved throughout this project?

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Question 2

Which of the portfolio activities (Flashcards, Blueprint, Challenge Cards, Ranking) was most effective in helping you understand the complexities of civilizations? Explain why.

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Question 3

How did creating the civilization game influence your perspective on the challenges and trade-offs involved in building and maintaining a successful civilization?

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Question 4

To what extent do you agree with the statement: 'A civilization's success depends equally on all 8 features'?

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Question 5

If you could further explore one aspect of civilization based on what you learned, what would it be and why?

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