Chapters 2-4 Unit Project
A Differentiated, Scholarly Approach to Learning
Project Due Date: Thursday, November 13 @ the end of the class period
Gallery Showcase: Friday, November 14
These past months, we have spent time learning about the Roman and Muslim Empires. You now
have the chance to focus on an area of interest and create a product to share with the class.
Everyone will choose a TOPIC from the list below. You will complete a project of 40 points. All
students must adhere to the following guidelines:
o
Partners on Projects? You may work individually or with up to two other students for this
project. Partners should be people you work well with because you are sharing a grade! It is
your responsibility to work collaboratively. You should choose peers whom you can easily
work with at lunch or outside of school, if necessary (i.e. they should live near you!).
o
Technological difficulties will NOT be accepted as an excuse for late or missing work. (ex:
the flash drive not working on the day of the presentation or being unable to print at home
will not excuse you from turning in the project on time!) Always have a back-up plan!
Extension Passes are NOT valid for this assignment. As a reminder, the library is open at 7:30
every morning for your convenience.
o
Research: It is expected that you research details above and beyond the textbook. Using
the textbook as a starting point is fine, but then you will need to look for more information.
This will be your evidence to support your claims in your project. You must have a minimum
of 3 sources. Don’t forget to create Research Cards for every source that you use (NO
WIKIPEDIA OR BLOGS). You will need to create a Works Cited page using Easybib.com
with all of your sources (including the textbook!). Yes, the textbook counts as one source, if
you use it.
o
COWS? Remember that access to a COW laptop is NOT guaranteed. Be prepared to use
your time wisely if you do not have access to a computer. You are welcome to bring in your
own technological devices to record, type, use iMovie, etc. REMEMBER, YOUR OWN
DEVICES WILL NOT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET AT SCHOOL.
o
Plagiarism will result in a zero. All work must be original. Avoid copying/pasting, changing
around “some” words, etc.
o
Homework: You are required to work at home each evening on this project. Class time will
be provided, too. Make sure any software program you use is both compatible at home and
school.
o
Materials: Bring needed materials to class each day so you can be a productive worker. Your
work habits grade will be affected on a daily basis.
o
Final Projects: All projects have their own set of directions. Please note the specific
directions for the project you select.
o
Digital Projects: If choosing a digital project to display your knowledge, it is critical that you
understand how to use the features of the program in order to meet the academic standard.
If your project is digital and will not be printed out for display, you will be turning in your
project to your teacher in your period’s hand-in folder on the server.
o
Gallery: All projects will be displayed in a museum-style gallery on Friday, 11/14. On that day,
you will be expected to set up your project for others to view, including a placard. If it is a
digital project, you’ll be provided with a COW for display.
PROJECT OPTIONS:
TOPIC I. Think Like an…Architect
Essential Question: What are patterns of Classical Roman design, and how might they function in
the 21st Century?
Problem: “Many cities around the world are experiencing intense, even explosive growth that often
poses a significant threat to the natural environment. The skyscrapers and other ‘megastructures’
that are commonly built to accommodate such growth consume enormous amounts of energy in
their construction and day-to-day use, place great burdens on water and sewer systems, and
typically isolate occupants from natural light and air.
Nonetheless, many architects, engineers, and planners believe that large, densely-packed urban
buildings, when properly designed and constructed, represent an inherently ‘sustainable,’ or ‘green,’
form of development” (National Building Museum, 2003).
Project: Examine patterns in Medieval Rome’s architecture, such as domes, vaults and/or arches
(consider Roman bridges, aqueducts, temples, palaces, and churches that were essential for that
time period). Then, create an authentic, 3-dimensional, 21st Century structure that utilizes two or
more of these features. Think about the kinds of structures that would meet the needs of today’s
society and survive through the 21st Century.
Research the building materials, special features that are environmentally friendly, new energy
sources, water supply and much more. Name your original structure and clearly label its parts.
Placard: To answer the Essential Question, include:

Original title that reflects your essay topic

Topic Sentence: _______________ (name of the 21st century structure that you
created) depicts the patterns found in Medieval Rome’s architecture.

Background DETAILS of your structure (ex: Who uses it? For what purpose/need?
When would it be utilized? Where is it located? Why is this important in today’s
society?)

Analyze (explain) the Roman architectural PATTERNS found at the site (highlight
use of icons).

Evaluate what you believe will be the IMPACT of this structure OVER TIME.

Conclude with your answer to the Essential Question!

Attach Works Cited page to back of the placard.
TOPIC II. Think Like an…Environmentalist
Essential Question: What is the impact of water on people and the environment?
Problem: The past few years have been California's driest on record. Forecasters predict that
droughts like the current one could become the new norm. The state uses water rationing and a
90-year-old water distribution system to cope until the rains come. The system is a huge network of
dams, canals, and pipes that move water from the places it rains and snows, to places it typically
doesn't, like farms and cities.
"The system that we have was designed back in the 1930s through 1950s to meet population and
land use needs of the time," says Doug Parker, director of the California Institute for Water
Resources in Oakland, Calif.
Project: Prove the above quote as you compare and contrast California’s situation with the
Muslim Empire in the Arabian Peninsula. Then, discuss the value of water to your world today.
Your focus here is on proving the significance of water to a thriving civilization.
Consider some of the ethical issues surrounding the consequences of running out of water. What
can engineers and environmentalists do to help California in face of the draught? Report your
findings in a product of your choice that avoids a typed, stapled report.
Placard: To answer the Essential Question, include:

Original title that reflects your piece

Topic Sentence: The Muslim Empire in the Arabian Peninsula and the state of California
both have experienced severe water crises. Compare and contrast their situations.

DETAILS about the importance of water to a thriving society (highlight use of icons).

ETHICAL issues surrounding the consequences of running out of water.

Conclude with your answer to the Essential Question!

Attach Works Cited page to back of placard.
TOPIC III. Think Like an…Artist (Choose A or B)
Essential Question: What one event do you believe best depicts our Universal Theme “Conflict
Creates Change?”
Option A: Choose a significant event from the Roman Empire
Option B: Choose a significant event from the Muslim Empire
Project: Develop an authentic piece of artwork (canvas painting…a minimum of 8x10) that best
depicts our Universal Theme “Conflict Creates Change.” Then, research and select a modern-day
event that closely parallels your medieval selection. You may artistically divide your canvas into two
sections or create an interpretative single art product that effectively illustrates (combines) both
events.
Must also include a placard (typed or black felt-tip pen) that includes your name(s) and name of art
piece. Be sure the name clearly depicts both events.
**Please note that this is for true artists only: You WILL be evaluated on the
QUALITY of your artwork…your art must clearly depict the historical message.**
Placard: To answer the Essential Question, include:

Original title that reflects your piece

Topic Sentence: _________________ (name of event) is a significant event from the
___________ Empire, and ________________ (name of modern-day event) closely resembles this
phenomenon.

Historical DETAILS/ORIGIN (ex: who? what? when? where?) of the historical event

IMPACT of the event on the people of the empire.

Then, PARALLEL (compare) and describe any PARADOXES (differences) between the
historical event with your modern-day event (highlight use of icons).

Conclude with your answer to the Essential Question!

A Works Cited page must attached onto the back of the placard.
TOPIC IV. Think like a…Sociologist
Essential Question: How is giving Alms relatable to your own life today?
The Problem: Consider the city/community in which you live. Are there any people or organizations
that need charity? Charity can come in many different forms – from donating money to donating
time and effort. For example, Pakistani school girl, Malala Yousafzai, was shot in the head by
Taliban gunmen. Her "crime" -- to have defended the right of girls in Pakistan to be educated.
After her recovery, Malala became an activist for the rights of girls worldwide to receive an
education. Recently, she and others established The Malala Fund, which invests in early-stage or
small organizations that are led by local leaders. “We advocate at the international, national and
local level for policy and system changes that give girls access to a high quality education at a
community level.’’
The Project: You will be developing a charity that you believe will benefit your community. You will
develop a public service announcement (one minute or less) explaining the problem and how your
charity helps. You must also create a professional-looking brochure to make the public aware;
provide all information in a BIG, BRIEF, and BOLD way!
To help you, consider the following questions:
●
What is your charity called?
●
Who/What group could most use your charity?
●
Describe what your organization does and why you have created it
●
How will you go about helping people/animals/the environment/etc.? Do not simply say “I
would help the homeless by giving them money.”
Placard: To answer the Essential Question, include:

Original title that reflects your project

Topic Sentence: Giving alms, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, impacts Muslims and relates to
our own lives as well.

Essential DETAILS of giving alms and what it means to Muslims (highlight use of icons).

PARALLEL the giving of alms to your life.

Explain how you will strive through your charity to CONTRIBUTE to your community. How
you plan to help others? What IMPACT do you hope to make?

Conclude with your answer to the Essential Question!

Attach Works Cited page to back of the placard.
V. Think like a…Travel Agent
Essential Question: What would it be like to travel on a Hajj today?
The Problem: The fifth Pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage to Mecca. The early 14th century was a
wonderful time for a Muslim traveler. It was nearing the end of the Golden Age of Islam, one of
the great explosions of scientific and cultural achievement in history. Great opportunities for
long-distance travel began to exist in the 13th century after the Mongols and other nomadic groups
established large, stable empires in Eurasia that brought about travel, trade, and cultural
exchange.
What would it be like to travel on a hajj today? There are many reasons people may have concerns
for their safety; governments are unstable, and there is unrest and fighting in many areas. Is it
safe?
Project: As a travel agent, your role is to assure travelers their safety and comfort in their travels
to Meccas. Create a colorful, realistic brochure (that folds and has panels) enticing travelers to
journey to Mecca next year. Include sites, ritual activities, and cultural benefits, making sure you
explain their value to the people.
Be neat/colorful/include pictures. All panels must contain text and pictures. Remember, this is
for a MODERN day trip! And be sure you assure them of their comfort and safety.
Placard: To answer the Essential Question, explain why taking this religious journey is of significant
value to Muslims in spite of possible safety concerns.

ORIGIN of how/why the hajj started (highlight use of icons).

DETAILS and RULES of what specifically happens on the hajj. What traditions are
followed? What can travelers expect?

Conclude with your answer to the Essential Question!

Original title reflecting your project.

Attach works cited page to back of placard.
Please read through the directions and project choices thoroughly then fill out the information
below:
1. ____ (student’s initials) I have reviewed all of the project choices.
2. I am going to complete the following project: ______________________________
3. Highlight key words within your project’s directions.
4. I am planning on completing my project using (iMovie, canvas, etc.):
____________________________________________________________________
5. I chose this project because (avoid answers such as “fun” or “easy.” Rather, consider your
learning style):
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
6. CHOOSE ONE: I am going to work by myself ______
I am going to work with: ________________________________________
7. Parents: I have also read and understand the project expectations. I will email the teacher if
I have any questions or concerns.
Parent Signature: _______________________________________
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CH. 2-4 PROJECT RUBRIC
PROJECT:
Content/Evidence of Research
2
4
6
Authenticity/ Creativity
2
4
6
Overall Neatness
1
2
Directions Followed
1
2
8
10
SUB-TOTAL
______ /20
Placard:
Follows Directions
0
1
Original Title
0
1
Includes historical details of project
0
1
Answers essential question
0
1
Mechanics
0
Works Cited page included
0
2
3
4
5
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
topic (including Depth and
Complexity)
(3 sources minimum)
SUB-TOTAL
______ /20
GRAND TOTAL ______ /40