ANCIENT CIVILIZATION PROJECT
Name: _______________________________
Students will prepare a presentation comparing and contrasting two ancient
civilizations. Your presentation will be in a Powerpoint format. A thumb drive is
highly recommended for back ups.
You will need at least two books per culture, and two Internet sites per
culture.
Powerpoint: 88 points --- You will need to prepare at least 30 slides in bullet format
(maps, timelines, and bibliographies do not need to be bulleted).
 Each slide MUST have a title that tells the topic and civilization it discusses
(30 pts.)
 8 topics chosen below for first civilization, w/ at least four bulleted facts (8
pts.)
 8 topics chosen below for second civilization, w/ at least four bulleted facts
(8 pts.)
 8 slides to compare and contrast the two cultures (need at least one
comparison and one contrast per topic) (16 pts.)
 1 slide for a map of the first civilization (1 pt.)
 1 slide for a map of the second civilization (1 pt.)
 1 slide showing a timeline of at least five events for the first civilization (1 pt.)
 1 slide showing a timeline of at least five events for the second civilization (1
pt.)
 1 title slide that has creator name on it (1 pt.)
 1 bibliography slide that shows all resources used (1 pt.)
 Completed on time (10 pt.)
 Correct conventions (10 pt.)
 Slides are easy to read in size and color choices (6 pts.)
 Include pictures in many of the slides (10 pts.)
Presentation: 3 points --- Students read slides for the audience. Additional
information can be added verbally, if desired. Use good volume, body position, and
clarity.
Bibliography correctly made on paper: 10 points
Used class time well: 10 points
Total project: 111 points
Choose two of these civilizations:
Egypt
Rome
Greece
China
Mesopotamia
Nubia
Maya
Aztec
Inca
India
Required Topics
Must do slides on all five of these topics.
• Religion – How did their religion impact their culture?
- god or gods
- afterlife
- death rituals
- religious leaders
• Government – Who ran the civilization?
- How were leaders chosen?
- How long did they serve?
- What is the hierarchy of leaders?
- Who were the famous leaders?
• Contributions – What did this civilization create to contribute towards the
advancement of humanity? How did it influence modern society today?
• Economy – What was the basis of their currency?
- Type of currency
- Trade
- Imports/exports
- Value of natural resources
- Jobs of regular people
•Natural Features – How did their natural features influence their civilization?
- mountains
- lakes & rivers
-
deserts
Optional Topics
Must do slides on three of these topics.
• Social Structure
- class system
- wealth
- standard of living
- slavery
• Recreation – What did the people do for entertainment?
- games
- music
- theater
- sports
- art
• Education – Did they have formal education?
- Who went to school?
- Was it required?
- Who were the teachers?
- Which subjects were learned?
• Important events – Were there any interesting civilization changing events?
- natural disasters
- economic upheaval
- illness
- wars
- cause of decline
• Additional information – You can include other information that you discover that
is interesting to you (food, housing, family unit, life expectancy, infant mortality,
etc.)
Culminating Event
Once this project is completed, the entire sixth grade will celebrate with a
culminating event. Parents and teachers will create mini unit types of activities for
students to participate in during the morning. All projects will be on display in the
cafeteria, and students will contribute foods for a potluck from their civilizations.
Foods can be ancient or modern.
Due Dates
To assist your advanced planning, the due dates are listed below for the following
parts of your report:
Library books due in class:
Notes due:
Food chosen:
Final projects due:
Culminating event:
Mon., Jan. 4
Fri., Jan. 22
Mon., Feb. 1
Mon., Feb. 5
Fri., Feb. 12
Looking forward to many great presentations this year!