Medieval Project

Attention parents and students! An exciting project awaits you - the Medieval Europe project! This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your research and project-making skills. 

What is "The Medieval Project"?

The Medieval project is a highly anticipated highlight for students each year. They'll immerse themselves in researching a topic of personal interest and channel their creativity to produce a project that authentically reflects their comprehension and passion for the subject. Specifically focusing on some facet of European life during the Middle Ages (approximately 500-1500 AD), students will engage deeply with the period's culture, events, and innovations.

What does my student have to do?

• Choose a topic that interests them.

• Explore and learn more about the chosen topic.

• Create a project that demonstrates their understanding of the topic.

Due Date

Due date: Wednesday, March 20.

Students may begin bringing in their projects one week before on March 13. 

Projects will be placed in the 5th grade hallway on tables.

Types of Projects

Students are required to create a tangible product or artifact as part of their project submission. Merely writing a paper or essay will not fulfill the assignment requirements. 

Tri-fold Poster Scrapbook Musical presentation 3D Model Costume Create Medieval newspaper Shoebox Scene Castle Weapon Board Game Artwork inspired by research Write/illustrate a short story inspired by research

Where will my student do this project?

At home.

How will my student do this project?

1. Once they have selected a topic that truly intrigues them, the next step is to immerse themselves in discovering everything about it. Engage in thorough research, delve into various facets, and uncover captivating details to enhance their knowledge. 

--Students will receive 2 days in class to research--

2. After acquiring a profound understanding of the topic, it's time to apply their creativity and expertise to craft a project that reflects their newfound comprehension. Whether it's a shoebox scene, an artwork, a model, or any other form of tangible expression, infuse their work with passion as they present their insights distinctively and compellingly. 

--This project is not intended to be a money-eating endeavor--

3. Remember, the journey of learning and creating holds as much value as the final project itself. Enjoy the process, embrace the challenges, and rejoice in their progress as they bring their project to fruition. 

--Students may have adult help in creating their project but it should be mostly done by the student--

Students can...

1. Take days off - not every day needs/should be spent working on this project

2. Complete their project log - if days are taken off/nothing is done for a week that is okay

3. Ask for and receive adult help on this project

4. Turn in the project as early as Wednesday, March 13

Plagiarism

Students should not plagiarize (steal somebody else's words/ideas). Google Docs has a great citation tool. Additionally, there are many available on the web for free. 

The expectation is that students will cite any website from which they receive information then turn those citations in.

Castle Guidelines

Your student should choose one of the three types of castles to recreate: Motte & Bailey, Concentric, & Stone Keep 

The maximum size at the base may not exceed 30” x 30”

Include the country/area where your castle would have been found.

If applicable, include the name of the castle you are basing yours on.

No prefab/lego castle kits/video game-created castles will be accepted. The project must be made from scratch. 

Make sure your castle would’ve been around during the Middle Ages in Europe (researching what Medieval castles looked like is a must - do not go with what you’ve seen in movies/TV/video games). Your castle inspiration must have been made between the years of approx. 500-1500

It needs to include at least 10 of the following labeled features - you must write the name of the feature on your castle or attach it in some way to that feature.

Outer Bailey Inner Bailey Wall/Curtain Keep Drawbridge Parapets Corbels Machicolations Moat Barbican Postern Gate Arrow Loops Portcullis Gatehouse Murder Holes Rocky Ledges Towers

Weapon Guidelines

Recreating a Medieval weapon as a project is ok :) However...

It cannot be a working model for safety reasons (nothing sharp) 

It must be historically accurate (researching what Medieval weapons looked like is a must - do not go with what you’ve seen in movies/tv/video games). 

It must have been used/created/invented between the approximate dates of 500-1500.

You must include a poster detailing what you have learned during your research on the weapon. You can include (but are not limited to) describing what type of weapon it is, how it was made (Medieval Times), when it was used, where it was used, etc. This poster does not need to be the size of a trifold.

Battle Scene Guidelines

The maximum base size is 30” x 30”. 

The scene must be historically accurate (for example: using Lego people is fine...using lightsabers and pistols is not). 

The battle must have taken place between the approximate dates of 500-1500.

You must include captions that tell the viewer: What the battle was called, who was fighting whom, and which side won. If any important historical figures fought in the battle, you should include them as well.

Final Thoughts...

Your student's project should reflect the amount of time given to complete it. 

Contact Mrs. Kreider if any concerns/questions come up.