Unit 3: Social Structures
Student Guide
Grade 4
Focus: Medieval Social Structures
Learning Center 2 of 6: Nobles, Lords & Ladies
Today you will…
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Materials
Learn more about castles and why they were built in certain places
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Map of your awarded territory
geographically
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Castle Planning Sheet (Rank
Learn why castles played an important role in maintaining the feudal
Order)
system
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Item information sheet
Put yourself in the shoes of a Lord or Lady who has been given a plot
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Social Studies Journal
of land by the Monarch! Where will you build it? What things would
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Book: What Were Castles For?
be most important for you in building your castle?
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Book: Castles
Mark on a map where you would build your castle; write an
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Class computer
explanation of why you chose that spot.
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Journal Rubric
Use the knowledge you have gained on castles, Lords, Ladies, and
other members of the feudal system to rank (in order of importance)
the objects on your Castle Planning Sheet.
Other Resources
Medieval Europe: Castles
Steps:
1.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q
Read the provided website and books about castles and watch the
YouTube video “Medieval Europe: Castles” at
6Fn2WtXfis
Medieval Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Fn2WtXfis
2.
Put yourself in the shoes of a Lord or Lady who has been given a plot
http://www.castlesandmanorhouses.c
of land by the Monarch! Where will you build it? What things would
om/life.htm
be most important for you in building your castle?
Student Guide
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3.
When you feel you have done your research, take out the Castle Planning Sheet and begin to consider what is
important to you as a Lord/Lady and why. What things are absolutely essential? Use your knowledge to rank the
items on the sheet in order of importance.
4.
Use the map of the land you have been awarded by the monarch and choose the ideal spot for your castle. Mark it
with an “X”
5.
In your Social Studies journal you must explain 1) Why you chose to rank the items the way you did. How come you
emphasized certain items? Use examples from your research to back up your answers. 2) Write a paragraph
explaining why you chose to build your castle where you did. What are the physical characteristics of that spot that
make it a good place for a castle? Use evidence from what you read to support your answer.
How do I earn marks?
You earn marks through your entry in your Social Studies journal. Make sure you address the questions asked and use
evidence to support your answer. Please see the journal rubric attached for a detailed explanation of what is expected.
What do I do if I finish early?
If you finish early, you may do this task for bonus marks: Draw your castle according to where you decided to place it on the
map. Name your castle, and make sure to clearly include the objects that you ranked highly; label these items and the
geographical features around your castle.
Student Guide
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