The Amazing Race:  Ancient Civilizations



In teams, students will “race” around the world and visit various ancient civilizations.  In each civilization, students must complete specific tasks that relate specifically to that ancient civilization and its greatest legacies in history.




Civilizations

·        Middle East  (chapter 7)

·        Africa (chapter 8)

·        India (chapter 9)

·        China (chapter 10)

·        Japan (chapter 11)

·        Maya (chapter 12)

·        Aztecs (chapter 13)

·        Inca (chapter 14)

·        Europe:  Early Middle Ages (chapter 15)

·        Europe:  High Middle Ages (chapter 16)

·        Europe:  Late Middle Ages (chapter 17)

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions

1.  Team Selection & Research

  • Students will randomly forms teams of 3.
  • Each team will randomly select a civilization to research. 
  • The key focus question:  What are the “Three Greatest Contributions or Legacies” of that civilization? What is that civilization known for in history?  What are its greatest legacies?   (ie.  trade, government, religion, education, science / technology, literature, arts, architecture, social structure, military, wars etc.)

2.  Fact Sheet or Powerpoint:

  •  Groups will create a fact sheet or powerpoint (to be posted on website) that outlines the “Three Greatest Contributions or Legacies” of that civilization.
  • Information should include a description of each of the major contribution or legacies (dates, key figures, description) and its historical importance
  • Include images etc.

 

3.  Mini SGA

·        groups will create a mini SGA to showcase their “Greatest Contributions / Legacies”.  The mini-SGA should focus on at least ONE of your civilizations “contributions or legacies” (or more) per civilization and should be approximately 2-3 minutes.

·        Costumes, music, props and a storyline are a must! 

·        Groups can join up with other civilizations if desired (by geographic location). 

 

4.  Presentation

  • Groups will present their powerpoint / fact sheets and mini SGA  (total presentation time:  5-10 minutes
  • Groups will bring in food to share with the class that “represents” their civilization!  Enjoy the feast!

 

5.  Competition

  • Each group will design an activity or task based on their civilization’s “Three Greatest Contributions” (powerpoint & mini SGA) for opposing teams to complete in during the “Amazing Race”.    This can include any of the following:  multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, true false, puzzle, code, anagram, quotes, images).  Be creative and use a combination of any of these!
  • Each group will design a “task sheet” for their activity.  12 COPIES WILL NEED TO BE MADE (10 civilizations, 1 answer sheet, 1 extra). 
  • Teams will “travel” from one place to another to complete all tasks created by each civilization.  Only ONE group per station at a time!  The team who completes all tasks the fastest with all the correct answer WINS!   Time penalties may be given for ‘infractions’ or by not following instructions correctly. 

 

Amazing Race:  Ancient Civilizations Rubric

 

Criteria

Level 4

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Facts / Information

-exceptional quality of information / facts relating to the ancient civilization’s three greatest contributions / legacies with rich details, examples and analysis

-proficient quality of information / facts relating to the ancient civilization’s three greatest contributions / legacies with many details, examples and analysis

-adequate quality of information / facts relating to the ancient civilization’s three greatest contributions / legacies with some details and analysis

-poor quality of information / details, examples and  analysis relating to the ancient civilization’s three greatest contributions / legacies

Mini SGA

-role play / skit exceptionally and clearly demonstrates the three greatest contributions with props, costumes, dialogue, music and clear voices / actions

-role play demonstrates the three greatest contributions with some props, costumes, dialogue and actions

-role play shows some of the three greatest contributions but lacks costumes, props, dialogue or action

-poor preparation of role play that lacks clear demonstration the three greatest contributions

-no costumes or props and poor voices / actions / dialogue

Interactive Game / Activity

-exceptional game that is very original and creative and clearly reviews the  three greatest contributions as well as reflects its impact on history

-proficient game that is creative and tests and reviews the three greatest contributions

-game needs to be more creative and should test / review concepts more in depth

-game lacks any  clear rules or questions / answers and needs to review basic contributions and concepts more in depth

Organization

-exceptional structure and clearly organized presentation and / or  competition task

-all members of group have clear role and responsibilities are all met

-presentation and / or competition task is well organized and structured and flows smoothly

-most members have a clear role and responsibilities are reflected

-presentation and / or competition task lacks structure and needs to be more organized

-some members do not have a clear role

-poor overall presentation and / or competition task that needs to be more organized and structured.

-no flow or unclear roles and responsibilities