3D Castle Project
(Extra Credit Project)
During the middle ages, castles served many functions. The giant stone structure needed
to house not only a noble and his family, but it must also house soldiers, government
officials, and a multitude of servants. All the belongings for the noble family, its guests,
servants, and army must be stored within the castle walls. Ultimately, though, the castle
was a weapon of war.
A castle was a major feature in a military’s defense. The structure provided many
advantages in fending off enemies. The thick walls took the brunt of any attack by
holding the enemy out while allowing an army to hide safely within it. Towers provided
lookout posts so an enemy approach could be seen easily thus increasing a defenders time
to prepare. A drawbridge, gatehouse, portcullis, and sets of heavy wooded doors
protected the entrance to the castle. Arrow loops protected archers from enemy arrows
while catwalks and crenellations protected soldiers manning the outer walls.
OBJECTIVE
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the castle in the 12th and 13th centuries
as both a home and a weapon of war by building a 3D model of their ideal castle.
DIRECTIONS
Build a model castle similar to those built in the middle ages. Use the castle parameters
below as a guide for what to include in your building.
CASTLE PARAMETERS
Size: Castles must be large enough to include all necessary parts, but not bigger than two
people can carry.
Construction & Materials: Castles can be constructed with whatever materials students
have available to them. However, prefabricated kits are prohibited. (This means
you may not go out and “buy” a castle.)
Necessary Castle Elements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Outer wall (Outer curtain)
a. Towers
b. Arrow loops
c. Narrow windows
Moat
Drawbridge
Gate House
a. Wooden doors w/ drawbar
b. Portcullis
c. Murder Holes (& killing zone)
Open Area
a. Stables
b. Animal pens
c. Water well
d.
6.
e.
Keep
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Barracks for soldiers &
servants
Armory
Tower (larger windows)
Inner walls (Inner Curtain)
Great Room
Living quarters for noble or
royal family
Kitchen
Servant quarters
Dungeon
Chapel
Working Parts: Castles must have a working drawbridge and portcullis. Any other
working parts will add points to the project.
Building Plans: Provide a plan (or map) for the castle with labeled parts for all required
elements and, especially, any added elements. (The plan should be a drawn, flat
map of your castle that identifies the different parts.)
Name: Give your castle a name (Winchester, Castleguard). Be sure to include the name
at the top of your building plans and somewhere on the castle itself (perhaps an a
flag or banner).
GRADING RUBRIC:
Student: __________________________
Section
Basic Construction
Sturdy / transportable (0-5)
Accuracy (0-10)
Points
possible
0–5
0 – 10
Necessary Elements
Working Parts
All items listed included (0-25)
Drawbridge can raise and lower (5)
0 – 25
0–5
Portcullis can raise and lower (5)
0–5
Name of project (5)
Accuracy w/ model (10)
Labels (10)
Tour explanation of castle
Extra elements (1 point per)
Extra working elements (3 points per)
0–5
0 – 10
0 – 10
0 – 25
Building Plans
Presentation
Extra Points
2
Description
Pointed
Earned
Total: 0 – 100 +
Grade options: Students attempting this project will be allowed to apply points earned
toward their Middle Ages Test. Any extra points will be applied to the student’s
overall quarter grade.
Group member verification: In your own handwriting, please write the first and last
name of each person who DESERVES credit for helping with this project.
Member #1 ___________________________
Member #2 ___________________________
Member #3 ___________________________
Member #4 ___________________________
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE: __________________________________________
(This sheet must accompany your project (One for each member of your group). Please
put your name above the grid.)