Over the course of last semester, the fifth graders at Redbud Elementary explored Ancient Civilizations. In order to challenge students to make connections and go beyond the surface level of understanding, we used the Depth and Complexity Icons (JTaylor).
One of the first icons we used was “patterns.” This icon helped us to investigate Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and Ancient Egypt to determine what these civilizations had in common. Upon realizing that many successful civilizations were founded near rivers, we used the “multiple perspectives” icon to discuss how rivers could be both a benefit and a threat to these societies. The “ethics” icon assisted us in considering the implications of various forms of government over the people they serve – including theocracies, dictatorships, oligarchies, and republics. We also learned key vocabulary associated with agricultural concepts and types of crops using the “language of the discipline” icon.
This learning culminated in the students’ diligently curating ancient civilizations of their own. Students considered all aspects of design, from where on the globe their civilization would be located to how their people would utilize a local river and resources. They constructed flags, currencies, and architecture that would be the hallmarks of their civilization. Some students stretched their thinking even further – manufacturing religions, traditions, and mythology that drove the creation of their ancient civilizations.
After all the hard work, students were given options in how they wanted to share their project with others. Check out some aspects of their creations in the pictures provided. Overall, we learned a lot and enjoyed every minute of it.
*Note: This project is based on the work of Ian Byrd and his Ancient Civilizations Project available at ByrdseedTV.
Becky Spillers is a TAG Specialist at Redbud Elementary School