6th Grade Social Studies: World History
Nine Week Project
Due Date
Monday, October 8, 2012
Unit 2-Chapter 3: Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent
Standards: 6.1.spi.7 Identify the early writing forms in Mesopotamia, 6.1.tpi.3 Write and decipher messages using various alphabets,
6.1.tpi.10 and 6.5.spi.11 Construct examples of appropriate items from various cultures, 6.3.spi.3 and 6.3.tpi.7 Identify/create the location of
early civilizations on a map, 6.4.spi.3 Identify the development of written laws (Hammurabi’s Code), 6.5.spi.5 Identify major technological
advances (wheel, irrigation, written language)
In the development of civilizations, Mesopotamia is known for its “firsts”: first writing system, first wheels, first alphabet, first city-states, first
empire, and first written laws. The ancient inhabitants of this area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers have left us many clues about
their contributions to civilization as well as their everyday lives.
Instructions
Your task is to research and recreate an aspect of Mesopotamian life and times. You may be creative with the tools/materials you use;
however, be sure to pay attention to all instructions. You may complete this project with a partner(s). Choose a topic from the list below and
begin the research/recreation cycle:
 Model: Models must be 3-D. You must use labels to identify the different parts of your model. All writing on models must be
typed. Please make sure all information is historically and grammatically accurate. Be creative!
 Book: Books must be in a “book” form. Writing must be typed (unless you have very neat handwriting). Book must include
pictures and be extremely colorful. Please make sure all information is historically and grammatically accurate. Be creative!
 Map: Maps must either be 3-D in some form. You must use labels to identify the different continents/countries/waters/empires
etc. All writing must be typed on maps (unless using paint or other crafts). Be creative!
Project Options
1. Create a model of a Sumerian Irrigation System
a. Farm, Crops, and Irrigation System
b. Include Content/Relevance
2. Make a detailed, illustrated alphabet book of Mesopotamia
a. A-Z using information about Mesopotamia
b. Include Content/Relevance
3. Create a display on the Development of Writing
a. Example: Displayable Chart or Large, Completed Cuneiform Tablet
b. Include Cuneiform Writing
c. Include Content/Relevance
4. Build a ziggurat
a. Label Model
b. Include Content/Relevance
5. Create a model of the Hanging Gardens
a. Model/Display
b. Include Content/Relevance
6. Make a map or model of Mesopotamia and its empires/city-states
a. “Sam and Bob heard kangaroos and chimpanzees playing”
b. Include Content/Relevance
Created a functional wagon or chariot highlighting the wheel(s)
a. Functioning (Model/Display)
b. Include Content/Relevance
8. Create a functioning Lyre
a. Functioning (Model/Display)
b. Include Content/Relevance
9. Cylinder Seal
a. Functioning (Model/Display)
b. Include Content/Relevance
10. Phoenician Ship
a. Model/Display
b. Include Content/Relevance
11. Create a picture book/story book to explain Hammurabi’s Code
a. Must use at least 10 Laws from Hammurabi’s Code
b. Include Content/Relevance
7.
Rubric
4-Elxcellent The student’s work is historically accurate, is exceptionally detailed, meets or exceeds expectations for written/project models.
Presentation is unique and visually outstanding
3- Good The student’s work is historically accurate, contains ample detail and meets grade-level requirements for written/project model
instructions. Presentation is attractive.
2-Fair The student’s work contains some historical inaccuracies, needs more details, contains many errors in written/project model
instructions.
1-Poor The student’s work contains numerous historical inaccuracies, lacks focus, and lacks content. Presentation lacks effort.
Late Projects
Late projects are unacceptable in nature. However, if you turn in a late project, with the exception of an absence, your project grade will
lose 20 points automatically.
Helpful Research Websites
University of Chicago Museum: http://www-oi.uchicago.edu/OI/MUS/HIGH/OI_Museum_Mesopotamia.html
Mesopotamia: http://mesopotamia.mrdonn.org/
Mesopotamia: http://hypermedia.educ.psu.edu/k-12/edpgs/su96/meso/mesopotamia.html
Writing: http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/writing/home_set.html
Assyria: http://www.crystalinks.com/assyrian.html
History Link: http://www.historylink101.com/ancient_mesopotamia.htm
British Museum: http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/menu.html