The Amazing Race: Ancient Civilizations
In teams, students will “race” around the world and visit various
ancient civilizations. In each civilization, students must complete
specific tasks that relate specifically to that ancient civilization and
its greatest legacies in history.
Civilizations
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Middle East (chapter 7)
Africa (chapter 8)
India (chapter 9)
China (chapter 10)
Japan (chapter 11)
Maya (chapter 12)
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Aztecs (chapter 13)
Inca (chapter 14)
Europe: Early Middle Ages (chapter 15)
Europe: High Middle Ages (chapter 16)
Europe: Late Middle Ages (chapter 17)
Instructions
1. Team Selection & Research
 Students will randomly forms teams of 3.
 Each team will randomly select a civilization to research.
 The key focus question: What are the “Three Greatest Contributions or Legacies”
of that civilization? What is that civilization known for in history? What are its
greatest legacies? (ie. trade, government, religion, education, science /
technology, literature, arts, architecture, social structure, military, wars etc.)
2. Fact Sheet or Powerpoint:
 Groups will create a fact sheet or powerpoint (to be posted on website) that
outlines the “Three Greatest Contributions or Legacies” of that civilization.
 Information should include a description of each of the major contribution or
legacies (dates, key figures, description) and its historical importance
 Include images etc.
3. Mini SGA
 groups will create a mini SGA to showcase their “Greatest Contributions /
Legacies”. The mini-SGA should focus on at least ONE of your civilizations
“contributions or legacies” (or more) per civilization and should be
approximately 2-3 minutes.
 Costumes, music, props and a storyline are a must!
 Groups can join up with other civilizations if desired (by geographic location).
4. Presentation
 Groups will present their powerpoint / fact sheets and mini SGA (total
presentation time: 5-10 minutes
 Groups will bring in food to share with the class that “represents” their
civilization! Enjoy the feast!
5. Competition
 Each group will design an activity or task based on their civilization’s “Three
Greatest Contributions” (powerpoint & mini SGA) for opposing teams to
complete in during the “Amazing Race”. This can include any of the following:
multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, true false, puzzle, code, anagram,
quotes, images). Be creative and use a combination of any of these!
 Each group will design a “task sheet” for their activity. 12 COPIES WILL NEED
TO BE MADE (10 civilizations, 1 answer sheet, 1 extra).
 Teams will “travel” from one place to another to complete all tasks created by
each civilization. Only ONE group per station at a time! The team who
completes all tasks the fastest with all the correct answer WINS! Time penalties
may be given for ‘infractions’ or by not following instructions correctly.
Amazing Race: Ancient Civilizations Rubric
Criteria
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Facts /
Information
-exceptional quality of
information / facts
relating to the ancient
civilization’s three
greatest contributions /
legacies with rich
details, examples and
analysis
-role play / skit
exceptionally and
clearly demonstrates
the three greatest
contributions with
props, costumes,
dialogue, music and
clear voices / actions
-exceptional game that
is very original and
creative and clearly
reviews the three
greatest contributions
as well as reflects its
impact on history
-exceptional structure
and clearly organized
presentation and / or
competition task
-all members of group
have clear role and
responsibilities are all
met
-adequate quality
of information /
facts relating to
the ancient
civilization’s
three greatest
contributions /
legacies with
some details and
analysis
-role play shows
some of the three
greatest
contributions but
lacks costumes,
props, dialogue
or action
-poor quality of
information / details,
examples and
analysis relating to
the ancient
civilization’s three
greatest contributions
/ legacies
Mini SGA
-proficient quality
of information /
facts relating to the
ancient
civilization’s three
greatest
contributions /
legacies with many
details, examples
and analysis
-role play
demonstrates the
three greatest
contributions with
some props,
costumes, dialogue
and actions
-proficient game
that is creative and
tests and reviews
the three greatest
contributions
-game needs to
be more creative
and should test /
review concepts
more in depth
-presentation and /
or competition task
is well organized
and structured and
flows smoothly
-most members
have a clear role
and responsibilities
are reflected
-presentation and
/ or competition
task lacks
structure and
needs to be more
organized
-some members
do not have a
clear role
Interactive
Game /
Activity
Organization
-poor preparation of
role play that lacks
clear demonstration
the three greatest
contributions
-no costumes or props
and poor voices /
actions / dialogue
-game lacks any clear
rules or questions /
answers and needs to
review basic
contributions and
concepts more in
depth
-poor overall
presentation and / or
competition task that
needs to be more
organized and
structured.
-no flow or unclear
roles and
responsibilities