Roman Empire Board Game Design Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as game designers, create a board game that allows players to understand the rise, key features, achievements, decline, and lasting influence of the Roman Empire on Western Civilization?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How did the Roman Empire rise to power?
- What were the key features of Roman society and culture?
- What were the major achievements and contributions of the Roman Empire?
- What factors led to the decline and fall of the Roman Empire?
- How did the Roman Empire influence the development of Western civilization?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to explain the rise, key features, achievements and decline of the Roman Empire
- Students will be able to evaluate the lasting influence of the Roman Empire on Western Civilization
- Students will be able to design a board game that effectively teaches players about Roman history
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Case of the Roman Artifacts
A mysterious package arrives containing ancient Roman artifacts (replicas). Students must analyze the artifacts to deduce clues about Roman society, sparking their curiosity and setting the stage for designing a board game that reflects Roman life.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Roman History Timeline: From Rise to Fall
Students will research and create a timeline of the major events in Roman history, from its founding to its decline. This activity helps students understand the chronological order of events and identify key turning points.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 detailed timeline of Roman history with at least 15 key events, including dates, descriptions, and visuals.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to explain the rise, key features, achievements and decline of the Roman Empire.Unveiling Roman Society: An Informational Deep Dive
Students will choose a specific aspect of Roman society (e.g., politics, military, architecture, religion, daily life) and create a detailed informational sheet about it. This activity allows students to delve deeper into the key features of Roman society.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 informational sheet with text, images, and diagrams explaining the chosen aspect of Roman society.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to explain the rise, key features, achievements and decline of the Roman Empire.Game Mechanics Unveiled: Designing the Roman Game
Students will brainstorm and develop the core mechanics and rules for their Roman Empire board game. This activity focuses on translating historical knowledge into an engaging game format.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 detailed game design document outlining the game's objective, rules, components, and gameplay mechanics.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to design a board game that effectively teaches players about Roman history.Playtest and Refine: Bringing the Game to Life
Students will create a prototype of their board game and conduct playtesting sessions to refine the rules and gameplay.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 playable prototype of the Roman Empire board game and a written reflection on the playtesting process and any revisions made.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to design a board game that effectively teaches players about Roman history.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioRoman Empire Portfolio Rubric
Roman History Timeline
Assesses the student's understanding of Roman history and their ability to present information in a clear and organized manner.Historical Accuracy
Accuracy of historical facts and events presented in the timeline.
Beginning
1 PointsTimeline contains significant historical inaccuracies or omissions, demonstrating a lack of understanding of Roman history.
Developing
2 PointsTimeline contains some historical inaccuracies or omissions, but generally presents an accurate overview of Roman history.
Proficient
3 PointsTimeline is historically accurate and includes all major periods and events in Roman history.
Exemplary
4 PointsTimeline is exceptionally accurate, providing nuanced details and insights into Roman history beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Clarity and Organization
Clarity and organization of the timeline, including the logical sequencing of events and the use of visuals.
Beginning
1 PointsTimeline is disorganized and difficult to follow, with unclear descriptions and irrelevant visuals.
Developing
2 PointsTimeline is somewhat organized, but contains some confusing elements or lacks clear visuals.
Proficient
3 PointsTimeline is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear descriptions and relevant visuals.
Exemplary
4 PointsTimeline is exceptionally clear and visually appealing, using creative and effective design elements to enhance understanding and engagement. Demonstrates advanced organizational skills.
Completeness
Completeness of the timeline, including the number of key events included and the depth of the descriptions.
Beginning
1 PointsTimeline includes fewer than 10 key events and lacks detailed descriptions.
Developing
2 PointsTimeline includes 10-12 key events with basic descriptions.
Proficient
3 PointsTimeline includes at least 15 key events with detailed descriptions and relevant visuals.
Exemplary
4 PointsTimeline includes more than 15 key events with comprehensive descriptions and insightful visuals, exceeding the basic requirements. Demonstrates extensive research and attention to detail.
Roman Society Deep Dive
Assesses the student's ability to research and present information about a specific aspect of Roman society in a clear and engaging manner.Historical Accuracy
Accuracy of information presented about the chosen aspect of Roman society.
Beginning
1 PointsInformational sheet contains significant inaccuracies or demonstrates a lack of understanding of the chosen aspect of Roman society.
Developing
2 PointsInformational sheet contains some inaccuracies but generally presents an accurate overview of the chosen aspect of Roman society.
Proficient
3 PointsInformational sheet is historically accurate and provides a thorough explanation of the chosen aspect of Roman society.
Exemplary
4 PointsInformational sheet is exceptionally accurate and insightful, providing nuanced details and demonstrating a deep understanding of the chosen aspect of Roman society. Goes beyond basic requirements.
Clarity and Organization
Clarity and organization of the informational sheet, including the logical flow of information and the effective use of visuals.
Beginning
1 PointsInformational sheet is disorganized and difficult to follow, with unclear explanations and irrelevant visuals.
Developing
2 PointsInformational sheet is somewhat organized, but contains some confusing elements or lacks clear visuals.
Proficient
3 PointsInformational sheet is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear explanations and relevant visuals.
Exemplary
4 PointsInformational sheet is exceptionally clear and visually appealing, using creative and effective design elements to enhance understanding and engagement. Demonstrates advanced organizational skills.
Depth of Research
Depth of research and detail provided in the informational sheet.
Beginning
1 PointsInformational sheet lacks sufficient detail and demonstrates minimal research.
Developing
2 PointsInformational sheet provides some detail but lacks depth in certain areas.
Proficient
3 PointsInformational sheet provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the chosen aspect of Roman society.
Exemplary
4 PointsInformational sheet demonstrates extensive research and provides exceptional detail, exceeding the basic requirements. Includes unique insights and perspectives.
Game Design Mechanics
Assesses the student's ability to design a board game that effectively teaches players about Roman history, with a focus on clarity, originality, and historical accuracy.Clarity of Design
Clarity and coherence of the game design document, including a clear description of the game's objective, rules, and components.
Beginning
1 PointsGame design document is unclear and disorganized, lacking essential information about the game's objective, rules, or components.
Developing
2 PointsGame design document is somewhat clear, but contains some confusing elements or omissions.
Proficient
3 PointsGame design document is clear and well-organized, providing a comprehensive overview of the game's objective, rules, and components.
Exemplary
4 PointsGame design document is exceptionally clear and well-organized, demonstrating a deep understanding of game design principles and providing all necessary information in a concise and engaging manner. Exceeds basic requirements.
Originality
Originality and creativity of the game mechanics and design.
Beginning
1 PointsGame mechanics are unoriginal and lack creativity.
Developing
2 PointsGame mechanics show some originality, but could be further developed.
Proficient
3 PointsGame mechanics are original and creative, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to game design.
Exemplary
4 PointsGame mechanics are highly original and innovative, demonstrating exceptional creativity and a sophisticated understanding of game design principles. Significantly exceeds basic requirements.
Historical Accuracy
Historical accuracy and integration of Roman history into the game mechanics.
Beginning
1 PointsGame mechanics are historically inaccurate or do not reflect Roman history.
Developing
2 PointsGame mechanics include some elements of Roman history, but may contain inaccuracies or lack depth.
Proficient
3 PointsGame mechanics are historically accurate and effectively integrate Roman history into the gameplay.
Exemplary
4 PointsGame mechanics are exceptionally accurate and seamlessly integrate Roman history into the gameplay, creating a rich and immersive learning experience. Demonstrates deep historical knowledge.
Game Prototype and Playtesting
Assesses the student's ability to create a functional game prototype, conduct effective playtesting, and reflect on the design process.Prototype Quality
Quality and functionality of the game prototype.
Beginning
1 PointsGame prototype is incomplete or non-functional.
Developing
2 PointsGame prototype is partially functional but contains significant flaws.
Proficient
3 PointsGame prototype is functional and playable, but may have some minor flaws.
Exemplary
4 PointsGame prototype is fully functional, polished, and demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship. Exceeds basic requirements.
Playtesting Effectiveness
Effectiveness of the playtesting process, including the collection and analysis of feedback.
Beginning
1 PointsNo playtesting was conducted, or feedback was not collected.
Developing
2 PointsPlaytesting was conducted, but feedback was not effectively analyzed or used to improve the game.
Proficient
3 PointsPlaytesting was conducted and feedback was effectively analyzed and used to improve the game.
Exemplary
4 PointsPlaytesting was conducted with a diverse group of playtesters, and feedback was thoroughly analyzed and used to make significant improvements to the game. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the playtesting process.
Reflection Quality
Quality of the reflection on the playtesting process and revisions made to the game.
Beginning
1 PointsReflection is superficial and lacks insight into the playtesting process or revisions made.
Developing
2 PointsReflection provides some insight into the playtesting process and revisions made, but lacks depth.
Proficient
3 PointsReflection provides a thorough and insightful analysis of the playtesting process and revisions made to the game.
Exemplary
4 PointsReflection demonstrates exceptional critical thinking skills and provides a comprehensive analysis of the playtesting process, including specific examples of how feedback was used to improve the game. Offers valuable insights and suggestions for future development.