World Builders: Crafting Imaginary Worlds Through Creative Writing
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as authors and world-builders, collaboratively construct a unique and immersive fictional world, drawing inspiration from real-world cultures and utilizing technology to effectively engage our readers and shape compelling narratives?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do writers create believable worlds for their stories?
- What elements make a world engaging and immersive for the reader?
- How can understanding real-world cultures and societies inform the creation of a fictional world?
- How does the setting impact the plot and characters in a narrative?
- How can technology be used to enhance the world-building process and share our creations with others?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will collaboratively design and develop a cohesive fictional world, incorporating diverse cultures and landscapes.
- Students will create original narratives set within their collaboratively built world, demonstrating an understanding of setting, character development, and plot.
- Students will effectively use technology to produce, publish, and share their world-building project and narratives.
- Students will engage in constructive peer feedback and revision to improve their writing and world-building.
- Students will demonstrate command of standard English grammar, usage, and vocabulary in their writing.
- Students will analyze and synthesize information from various sources to inform their world-building decisions.
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Package
A mysterious package arrives containing strange artifacts (maps, letters, trinkets) from an unknown world. Students must analyze these clues to begin piecing together the world's history, geography, and cultures, sparking immediate questions and the need for creative world-building.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.World Genesis: Laying the Foundation
Students brainstorm and select the core elements of their world, such as its name, dominant species, and unique magic or technology system. This activity emphasizes collaborative decision-making and creative concept generation.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 collaboratively created 'World Concept Document' outlining the foundational elements of their fictional world.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsW.7.3 (Narrative writing); SL.7.1 (Collaborative discussions); L.7.4-7.6 (Vocabulary)Cartographers & Chroniclers: Detailing the World
Students create detailed descriptions of their world's key geographical locations, cultures, and historical events. They will use descriptive language, imagery, and multimedia elements (images, maps) to bring their world to life.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 'World Guidebook' containing detailed entries on the world's geography, cultures, and history, including visual aids.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsW.7.3 (Descriptive details); W.7.4 (Clear writing); SL.7.2 (Analyze details); SL.7.5 (Multimedia); L.7.3 (Language conventions)Tales from the World: Narrative Creation
Students write individual narratives set within the collaboratively built world. They will focus on developing compelling characters, engaging plots, and vivid descriptions. This activity emphasizes narrative writing skills, peer feedback, and technology integration.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn individual short story set in the collaboratively built world, revised based on peer feedback and published online.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsW.7.3 (Event sequences); W.7.5 (Revising); W.7.6 (Technology); SL.7.6 (Adapt speech); L.7.1 (Grammar); L.7.2 (Conventions)Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioWorld-Building and Narrative Writing Rubric
World Genesis: Foundations
Assesses the foundational elements of the fictional world established in the 'World Concept Document'.World Concept Cohesion
How well the foundational elements of the world are defined and contribute to a cohesive whole.
Beginning
1 PointsThe world concept is vaguely defined with minimal detail. Core elements are inconsistent and do not support a cohesive world.
Developing
2 PointsThe world concept is adequately defined, but some details are missing or unclear. Most elements are consistent and contribute to a somewhat cohesive world.
Proficient
3 PointsThe world concept is well-defined with clear and consistent details. All core elements work together to create a cohesive and believable world.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe world concept is exceptionally well-defined with rich and imaginative details. All core elements are intricately woven together, resulting in a highly original and immersive world.
Originality and Imagination
The extent to which the world's name, species, and systems are original and imaginative.
Beginning
1 PointsThe world's elements lack originality and are heavily reliant on common tropes. There is little evidence of creative thought.
Developing
2 PointsThe world's elements show some originality, but may still rely on familiar tropes. There is evidence of creative thought, but it is not fully developed.
Proficient
3 PointsThe world's elements are mostly original and demonstrate creative thinking. Familiar tropes are used in unique and interesting ways.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe world's elements are highly original and imaginative, demonstrating exceptional creative thinking. The world is unlike anything encountered before.
Collaborative Decision-Making
How effectively the group collaborates to generate and select world elements.
Beginning
1 PointsCollaboration was minimal, with one or two individuals dominating the decision-making process. Many group members were disengaged.
Developing
2 PointsCollaboration was inconsistent, with some members contributing more than others. Decision-making was sometimes inefficient or contentious.
Proficient
3 PointsCollaboration was effective, with all members contributing ideas and participating in the decision-making process. The group worked together harmoniously.
Exemplary
4 PointsCollaboration was highly effective, with all members actively engaged and contributing unique perspectives. The group demonstrated exceptional synergy and mutual respect.
Cartographers & Chroniclers: World Details
Evaluates the depth and richness of the world's details, as presented in the 'World Guidebook'.Descriptive Detail and Depth
The level of detail and depth in the descriptions of geographical locations, cultures, and historical events.
Beginning
1 PointsDescriptions lack detail and depth, providing only superficial information about the world's elements.
Developing
2 PointsDescriptions provide some detail, but lack depth and complexity. The world's elements are not fully fleshed out.
Proficient
3 PointsDescriptions are detailed and provide a good understanding of the world's geographical locations, cultures, and historical events.
Exemplary
4 PointsDescriptions are rich, immersive, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the world's geographical locations, cultures, and historical events. The world feels alive and believable.
Real-World Inspiration
How effectively real-world cultures and locations are used as inspiration for the world's elements, while maintaining originality.
Beginning
1 PointsInspiration from real-world cultures is minimal or nonexistent. The world lacks grounding and feels unrealistic.
Developing
2 PointsInspiration from real-world cultures is present, but not effectively integrated. The world feels derivative or stereotypical.
Proficient
3 PointsInspiration from real-world cultures is effectively integrated into the world's elements, adding depth and complexity while maintaining originality.
Exemplary
4 PointsInspiration from real-world cultures is skillfully woven into the world's elements, creating a unique and believable world that reflects a deep understanding of different societies.
Visual Aid Quality and Relevance
The quality and appropriateness of images, maps, and other visual aids included in the 'World Guidebook'.
Beginning
1 PointsVisual aids are missing, irrelevant, or of poor quality. They do not enhance the understanding of the world.
Developing
2 PointsVisual aids are present, but are of inconsistent quality or relevance. They provide limited support to the descriptions.
Proficient
3 PointsVisual aids are relevant, of good quality, and enhance the understanding of the world's geographical locations, cultures, and historical events.
Exemplary
4 PointsVisual aids are exceptional, adding significant depth and immersion to the 'World Guidebook'. They are carefully chosen and seamlessly integrated with the text.
Tales from the World: Narrative Quality
Assesses the quality of the individual narratives created within the collaboratively built world.Narrative Engagement and Originality
The originality and effectiveness of the narrative in engaging the reader and bringing the world to life.
Beginning
1 PointsThe narrative is unoriginal and fails to engage the reader. The story does not effectively utilize the created world.
Developing
2 PointsThe narrative is somewhat original, but lacks consistent engagement. The story only partially utilizes the created world.
Proficient
3 PointsThe narrative is original and effectively engages the reader. The story makes good use of the created world to enhance the plot and characters.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe narrative is highly original and captivating, drawing the reader into the created world. The story masterfully utilizes the setting to create a unique and unforgettable experience.
World Integration
How well the narrative integrates with and expands upon the collaboratively built world.
Beginning
1 PointsThe narrative is disconnected from the collaboratively built world. It could easily be set in any generic fantasy setting.
Developing
2 PointsThe narrative shows some connection to the collaboratively built world, but the integration is superficial or inconsistent.
Proficient
3 PointsThe narrative is well-integrated with the collaboratively built world, utilizing its unique elements to enhance the story and characters.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe narrative seamlessly integrates with the collaboratively built world, enriching the setting and providing a deeper understanding of its history, cultures, and inhabitants.
Feedback and Revision
The extent to which the student incorporates feedback from peer review sessions to improve their narrative.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student shows no evidence of incorporating feedback from peer review sessions. The narrative remains unchanged from its initial draft.
Developing
2 PointsThe student incorporates some feedback from peer review sessions, but the revisions are minimal or ineffective.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student effectively incorporates feedback from peer review sessions, resulting in a noticeable improvement in the narrative's quality and clarity.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student thoughtfully and skillfully incorporates feedback from peer review sessions, resulting in a significantly improved and polished narrative that demonstrates a strong understanding of the revision process.
Grammar and Conventions
The command of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling in the narrative.
Beginning
1 PointsThe narrative contains numerous errors in grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling that significantly detract from its readability.
Developing
2 PointsThe narrative contains several errors in grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling that occasionally detract from its readability.
Proficient
3 PointsThe narrative demonstrates a good command of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling, with only minor errors.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe narrative demonstrates an exceptional command of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling, with virtually no errors.