One goal in Social Studies is for students to gain experience and knowledge about other cultures' ways of living, belief systems, and technology. Project-based learning allows students to also gain experience and knowledge in engineering and technology literacy. Students gain experience in doing independent research as well as working with their peers so that they are more comfortable completing group projects and research based assignments in high school and college.

The Roman Empire Project

For this project you will choose one of the 4 projects listed below.

1. Roman Emperors Project

   • Make a timeline of Roman emperors who ruled starting with Julius Caesar. There were 29 Roman emperors. For this project, you will create a timeline in color putting all emperors in order including dates. You will also write an interesting fact about each Roman emperor. Although not officially an emperor, the first Roman ruler you will start with is Julius Caesar.

2. Pompeii Project

   • Research and prepare an “out of the box” presentation about Pompeii. The sky’s the limit when presenting this topic. Pompeii and its destruction are interesting topics to research and learn! Find information about Pompeii, where it was located, what years it existed and other interesting facts. Also learn how it was destroyed and how archaeologists have learned about the city of Pompeii. Once you have finished reading about the city and researching it, you will present to the class. You may NOT use a PowerPoint, Prezi, Google Slides, or poster as your presentation. Any other options are available. Get creative!

3. Roman Aqueducts

   • Make a working aqueduct system with written description and examples from the Roman Empire. For this project, you will build your own working aqueduct! First, though, you will have to learn how these Roman aqueducts worked in ancient times. Your aqueduct will use arches and can be made from any materials you think will work. A written description of the Roman aqueducts should be included as well as some famous examples of where Roman aqueducts were located in the empire. Maybe a map would work!

4. Roman Art

   • Make your own Roman mosaic or fresco. The Romans were famous for their artwork. Much of this art took the form of a mosaic or fresco. Create your own art using this art form. The image you create should be something that the ancient Romans would have included as they worked on their mosaic or fresco.

Middle Ages Project

Select one of the three projects to complete.

1.) The Crusades Interactive Map Project

For this project you will create an interactive map showing the routes of 3 of the 9 crusades to the Holy Land, important battles, and important cities. When complete, this project will demonstrate how, why, and where the Crusades took place. Please include a work cited page.

2.) Viking Technology/Inventions

For this project you will research the technology/inventions used by the Vikings that helped them to dominate the Northern European region for centuries and things we still use today. You will choose 6 technology/inventions and display the information on a poster board. In addition, you will need to write about each one of them. Some examples of Viking technology are long boats, longbows, broadswords, axes, brooches, … For additional points you may recreate one of these items with the help of your parents. Please include a work cited page.

3.) Important People of the Middle Ages Project

For this project you will select one person from the list below to research. Projects should be completed on a poster board and should contain at least 5 paragraphs of information about your subject. The paragraphs should have the following details-birth, family, career, beliefs, what made him/her important, death. Each paragraph should be at least 5-6 sentences. Do not copy and paste. You need to put it in your own words. You are also required to hand draw a portrait of your subject and display it on your poster board. Please include a work cited page.

You may choose from:

• Charlemagne

• Dante

• John, King of England

• Joan of Arc

• Henry VI of England

• Lief Erickson

• Marco Polo

Discover China Project

The purpose of this project was to help students understand the significant impacts on technology and global affairs that Chinese culture and civilization have contributed towards.

Student Instructions

For this project you will choose one of the 3 projects listed below. This project will require you to work from home. There will be very limited time in class to work on this project.

Project Options

1.) Chinese Timeline Project

Make a timeline of the history of China from the first dynasty to modern times. You will need to note any changes in leadership, government, or the culture of China as well as any other major events. All time lines must be in color and cannot be completed on a computer.

2.) Great Wall of China Project

Research and prepare an “out of the box” presentation about the Great Wall of China. The sky’s the limit when presenting this topic. In this project you will learn about how the wall was constructed, and why it was constructed. You will also research Mongolian-Chinese relations over the years and how that relationship affected both Chinese and Mongolian culture.

3.) Chinese Inventions

In this project you will research and recreate an invention that was developed by the Chinese. Projects must include a poster board presentation with at least 6 paragraphs of information on it. Projects must be colorful and educational.

Diocese of Raleigh Standards Covered