World History I Projects
Chapter 1 – Create Your Own Civilization
You and seven of your classmates will create your own civilization using the features required to make a civilization explained in this chapter. Be as creative as possible with your design. The only requirements are: it can be found on a map, it is during the correct time period (40,000-4,000 B.C.), and the language is appropriate.
Chapter 2 – Cartouche
Use the Internet to research hieroglyphics. Then, create a cartouche of your name. A cartouche is a hieroglyphic spelling of a name, set within a formal, oval shape. What do the images used in the hieroglyphics tell you about the society and environment of ancient Egypt?
Chapter 3 – Archeologist’s Wish List
Imagine that you are an archaeologist digging in the Indus region. Write a “wish list” of three items you would like to uncover to learn more about the Indus Valley civilization. Explain what you might learn from the items.
Chapter 4 – Dynasties of Ancient China
Use reliable Internet sources, such as university sites and online encyclopedias, to learn more about one of the dynasties in ancient China. Then, use the information that you find to create a time line listing major events and achievements that occurred during that dynasty’s reign.
Chapter 5 – City-States of Ancient Greece
Use the Internet to research information about the city-states in ancient Greece other than Athens and Sparta. Locate five of these city-states on a blank map of Greece. Then, make a fact sheet that includes two or three facts about each of these five city-states.
Chapter 6 – Roman Daily Life
Roman art often depicted scenes of daily life. Find Internet sites with information about Roman food, clothing, and entertainment, and other aspects of daily life. Use printouts of the site you visit to create a portfolio on Roman life.
Chapter 7 – Ancient Americans Art
Use the Internet to research Aztec, Incan, or Mayan art. Then, create a sketch, sculpture, or textile in the artistic style of the civilization you have researched. If you prefer, write a description of a piece of art you have researched, focusing on special features of that civilization’s style.
Chapter 8 – Diary of a Medieval European
Use the Internet to research daily life in early medieval Europe. Then, write a diary entry from the point of view of a medieval European. You might choose to take the role of a lord, noblewoman, knight, monk, nun, serf, or town merchant. Include information about how your status in medieval society affects your tasks, beliefs, and expectations of life.
Chapter 9 – Newspaper Articles on the Crusade
Write two articles reporting on the First Crusade: one from the point of view of a Christian knight, and another from the point of view of a Muslim living in Jerusalem.
Chapter 10 – Information Chart
Create a chart that summarizes the various cultural, religious, and political influences of the following groups on Russia: Varangians, Byzantines, Mongols.
Chapter 11 – Religion Chart
Using information from this chapter and other chapters of in this book, create a chart showing differences between Islam and Hinduism. Include information such as when each emerged, where they spread, and their major beliefs. Consult the table of contents and index to find the information you need.
Chapter 12 – Retelling a Tale
Find an African folk tale and read it. Then, retell it without using the book. Based on this experience, write two or three sentences describing the challenges that a griot faces.
Chapter 13 – Chinese Inventions and Technologies
Use the Internet to research an invention or technological discovery from early China during the time period in this chapter. Then, create and deliver a brief presentation about it. You should tell when the item or technique was invented, how it was discovered or created, and whether it is still used today.
Chapter 14 – Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution Webpage Biography
Use reliable Internet sources, such as university sites and online encyclopedias, to learn more about one of the innovators and reformers discussed in this chapter. Then, use the information that you find to create a webpage discussing the innovator’s life and beliefs during this innovative time in history. Include as many pictures as possible.
Chapters 15 & 16 – European Explorers Map and Caption
Use the Internet to research information about the explorers discussed during the class and in the chapter. Then, using a blank map of the world, show your explorer’s route(s) on his travels. Include in the caption of your map what your explorer was looking for and what he found instead.
Chapter 17 – Absolute Monarch “plug”
Use the Internet to research one of the absolute monarchs described in the text. Then, write a brief biography of the monarch. Focus on the characteristics that made this person an example of absolutism, and on how this ruler affected the country he or she ruled. Be sure to list the sources you used in writing your biography.
Chapter 18 – Political Letter
Use the Internet to research one of the political thinkers described in the text. Then, write a letter to that person explaining whether you think his or her ideas continue to be relevant in the present day.
Chapter 1 – Create Your Own Civilization
You and seven of your classmates will create your own civilization using the features required to make a civilization explained in this chapter. Be as creative as possible with your design. The only requirements are: it can be found on a map, it is during the correct time period (40,000-4,000 B.C.), and the language is appropriate.
Chapter 2 – Cartouche
Use the Internet to research hieroglyphics. Then, create a cartouche of your name. A cartouche is a hieroglyphic spelling of a name, set within a formal, oval shape. What do the images used in the hieroglyphics tell you about the society and environment of ancient Egypt?
Chapter 3 – Archeologist’s Wish List
Imagine that you are an archaeologist digging in the Indus region. Write a “wish list” of three items you would like to uncover to learn more about the Indus Valley civilization. Explain what you might learn from the items.
Chapter 4 – Dynasties of Ancient China
Use reliable Internet sources, such as university sites and online encyclopedias, to learn more about one of the dynasties in ancient China. Then, use the information that you find to create a time line listing major events and achievements that occurred during that dynasty’s reign.
Chapter 5 – City-States of Ancient Greece
Use the Internet to research information about the city-states in ancient Greece other than Athens and Sparta. Locate five of these city-states on a blank map of Greece. Then, make a fact sheet that includes two or three facts about each of these five city-states.
Chapter 6 – Roman Daily Life
Roman art often depicted scenes of daily life. Find Internet sites with information about Roman food, clothing, and entertainment, and other aspects of daily life. Use printouts of the site you visit to create a portfolio on Roman life.
Chapter 7 – Ancient Americans Art
Use the Internet to research Aztec, Incan, or Mayan art. Then, create a sketch, sculpture, or textile in the artistic style of the civilization you have researched. If you prefer, write a description of a piece of art you have researched, focusing on special features of that civilization’s style.
Chapter 8 – Diary of a Medieval European
Use the Internet to research daily life in early medieval Europe. Then, write a diary entry from the point of view of a medieval European. You might choose to take the role of a lord, noblewoman, knight, monk, nun, serf, or town merchant. Include information about how your status in medieval society affects your tasks, beliefs, and expectations of life.
Chapter 9 – Newspaper Articles on the Crusade
Write two articles reporting on the First Crusade: one from the point of view of a Christian knight, and another from the point of view of a Muslim living in Jerusalem.
Chapter 10 – Information Chart
Create a chart that summarizes the various cultural, religious, and political influences of the following groups on Russia: Varangians, Byzantines, Mongols.
Chapter 11 – Religion Chart
Using information from this chapter and other chapters of in this book, create a chart showing differences between Islam and Hinduism. Include information such as when each emerged, where they spread, and their major beliefs. Consult the table of contents and index to find the information you need.
Chapter 12 – Retelling a Tale
Find an African folk tale and read it. Then, retell it without using the book. Based on this experience, write two or three sentences describing the challenges that a griot faces.
Chapter 13 – Chinese Inventions and Technologies
Use the Internet to research an invention or technological discovery from early China during the time period in this chapter. Then, create and deliver a brief presentation about it. You should tell when the item or technique was invented, how it was discovered or created, and whether it is still used today.
Chapter 14 – Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution Webpage Biography
Use reliable Internet sources, such as university sites and online encyclopedias, to learn more about one of the innovators and reformers discussed in this chapter. Then, use the information that you find to create a webpage discussing the innovator’s life and beliefs during this innovative time in history. Include as many pictures as possible.
Chapters 15 & 16 – European Explorers Map and Caption
Use the Internet to research information about the explorers discussed during the class and in the chapter. Then, using a blank map of the world, show your explorer’s route(s) on his travels. Include in the caption of your map what your explorer was looking for and what he found instead.
Chapter 17 – Absolute Monarch “plug”
Use the Internet to research one of the absolute monarchs described in the text. Then, write a brief biography of the monarch. Focus on the characteristics that made this person an example of absolutism, and on how this ruler affected the country he or she ruled. Be sure to list the sources you used in writing your biography.
Chapter 18 – Political Letter
Use the Internet to research one of the political thinkers described in the text. Then, write a letter to that person explaining whether you think his or her ideas continue to be relevant in the present day.