March 1st , 2014.
Hear Ye – Hear Ye! To all in the Kingdom!
To celebrate the grand fair of the kingdoms of the free world, King
Maverick of Moodyland has invited all architects, artists, writers, and skilled
artisans to participate in the following endeavor:
Build a model to scale of a famous castle, cathedral, mosque or synagogue,
which accurately and creatively displays and explains the excellent artistry and
ingenious features of your homeland’s architecture. You should include the
elements of the building, both inside and out, that reflect the features of a
classic medieval building and the religious beliefs of the worshipers inside.
You may work with a partner if you so desire, pending approval by a
royal representative, or you may work as an individual. This criteria booklet will
be your guide to creating a work of such high quality it is worthy for all
Bishops, Kings and Queens to view. Ensure that you use greatest care to
write neatly and accurately when recording your findings, calculations, and
design diagrams. Use a pencil and a ruler for all diagrams and mathematical
script.
The final and absolute due date for presentation of your Medieval Model
shall be high noon on Wednesday, April 2nd. If you do not submit your Model
on time, we shall receive this unspeakable insult and treachery as an act of war
against the kingdoms of the free world. Your castle, fields, livestock, and
belongings will be destroyed to the ground. Have a pleasant day!
From the office of the King,
King Maverick
Checklist of progress:

The due date for the completed criteria booklet is: ______________________

The due date for the Model to scale is: __________________________

Circle one: working individually / working with a partner

Paragraph approved by humanities teacher. Teacher signature: ____________________

Net approved by math teacher. Teacher signature: ___________________________

List materials needed:
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________

Material choices approved by teacher. Teacher signature: ________________________
Full Name(s): ___________________________________________________
RUBRIC: CASTLE/CATHEDRAL PROJECT
Social
Studies
Component
Scientific
Knowledge
Mathematical
Calculations
and Scale
Work Habits
Not Yet Meeting
Minimally Meets
Expectations
Expectations
Fully Meets Expectations
Exceeds Expectations
Writing to inform paragraph does
not inform the reader about the
history and artistic details of the
building.
Model does not reflect the true
structure.
Writing to inform paragraph informs
the reader about the history and
artistic details of the building but
important information is missing or
the paragraph shows minimal
effort.
Model shows minimal effort and
only reflects some architectural
detail
Writing to inform paragraph informs
the reader accurately about the
history and medieval architectural
details of the building.
Model accurately reflects the true
structure. It includes 6 - 9 clear
labels that reflect architectural
details.
Explanations do not illustrate much
understanding of scientific
principles of construction
techniques and flying buttresses.
Scale is not calculated.
Plan does not show measurements
clearly or is otherwise inadequately
labeled.
Explanations indicate relatively
accurate understanding of scientific
principles of construction
techniques and flying buttresses.
Scale calculations are attempted,
but inaccurate.
Plan provides clear measurements
and labeling for most components.
Explanations indicate a relatively
accurate understanding of scientific
principles of flying buttresses and
construction techniques.
Scale is calculated accurately.
Plan is neat with clear
measurements and labeling for
most components.
Writing to inform paragraph
provides extra detail and accurately
informs the reader about the history
and medieval artistic details of the
building.
Model accurately reflects the true
structure. It includes 10 or more
clear labels that reflect architectural
details. Effort exceeds
expectations.
Explanations indicate a clear and
accurate understanding of scientific
principles of flying buttresses and
construction techniques.
Scale is calculated accurately.
Plan is neat with clear
measurements and labeling for all
components.
Project handed in 7+ days late.
Did not use classroom work periods
effectively.
Constant reminders needed to stay
on task.
Project handed in 1-6 days late.
Occasionally did not use classroom
work periods effectively.
Needed many reminders to stay on
task.
Project handed in on time.
Used classroom work periods
effectively most of the time.
Project handed in early or on time.
Always used classroom work
periods effectively.
Castle Project:
Full Name(s): ______________________________________________
1. Social Studies Component:
Research, then write a “Writing to Inform” paragraph about a famous medieval building from the
list below. Your paragraph should:

Include location of building and important dates

Include important historical events

Be edited for conventions and mechanics

Have a minimum 300 words, max. 500 words

Have a minimum of two sources to be listed in the correct format at the bottom of the
paragraph

Be typed and attached to model for reference
Criteria for Model

If doing a cathedral/mosque/synagogue, include a legend with 8-10 important artistic
and architectural details that reflect the beliefs of the religion

If doing a castle, include 8-10 defensive and offensive elements of the structure.

Use recycled materials where possible (no styrofoam)

May have a detachable roof
Castle
Cathedrals
Tower of London- UK
Westminster Abbey- UK
Angers Castle- France
Canterbury Cathedral -Uk
Bodiam Castle- England
Notre Dame- France
Eltz Castle- Germany
Siena Cathedral-Duomo di Siena
Mosques
Hagia Sophia- Istanbul, Turkey
Reims Cathedral- France
Cologne Cathedral- Germany
Blue Mosque- Istanbul, Turkey
Dome of the Rock- Jerusalem
Prophet’s Mosque- Medina, Saudi Arabia
Synagogues
Hurva Synagogue- Jerusalem
2. Mathematical Calculations and Scale.
Your project must include an accurate calculation of scale :

Your Display Board (the cardboard or wood that your project sits on) must be no
larger than 60cm x 60cm.

The height of your tallest point must not exceed 40cm
Famous building Name and Location: _________________________________________
Original building dimensions (in metric units) of all of the main buildings and walls found within
the building:
Model dimensions (in cm):
Scale of your model: ____________________________________________
(For example, Windsor Castle is 300m at its widest point. If your model is 30cm wide, then the
scale would be 30cm to 30000cm = 30:30000 = 1:1000)
3. Scientific Knowledge:
Give an explanation of what materials were used to build the walls, towers, buildings, and other
structures of the castle, cathedral, mosque, or synagogue. How did these materials stay
together (did the builders use glue, nails, mortar?)
Give an example of one architectural design element that helped support or strengthen your
building. (i) Explain the engineering of this element and (ii) were there any religious or artistic
reasons for this feature? For example, flying buttresses, although considered aesthetically
unpleasing, were used to support cathedral walls.
List at least 3 Interesting Facts regarding the construction of your castle. For example, Are
there any special design features that gave the castle an advantage/disadvantage to attacks?
Use of colour and stained glass? Shape of building? Location of building and global
orientation?
Work Journal
Day 1 & 2:

Choose building

Start research on building – its history, architectural features, dimensions, etc.
Day 3:

Determine the scale you will use to construct your model

Complete mathematics page of criteria booklet and materials list
Day 4 & 5:

Draw net and have it approved by teacher (signature required)
Day 6:

Begin social studies component
Day 7:

Continue social studies paragraph

Get written work edited and approved by teacher (signature required)
Day 8:

Begin model
Day 9:

Model work
Day 10:

Submit completed criteria booklet and paragraph

Continue working on model