EDU 805
Project Form
Teacher Name: Kevin Reeves
Project Title
Estimated Length
Grade Level
Subject Area
Geography and Accomplishments of Ancient China
Five Days
Sixth Grade
Social Studies
1. What content standards must you cover with this project? (List State, District and Tech
standards here.)
6.SS.G.P.1- explains and uses map titles, symbols, cardinal and intermediate directions,
legends, latitude and longitude.
6.SS.H.C.2-describes key accomplishments of ancient China (e.g., Great Wall of China, Shi
Huangdi, dynastic cycle, Mandate of Heaven, Taoism, Confucianism, civil service, Silk
Road).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy. RH.6-8.5 Describe how a text presents information (e.g., sequentially,
comparatively, causally).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy. RH.6-8.7 Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs,
photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy. SL.6.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (oneon-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and
issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy. SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats
(e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue
under study.
ISTE Standards:
Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct
knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
b. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression
c. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively,
including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of
others. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety
of digital environments and media.
2. State your project’s driving question. (Essential Question)
How did the geographical features of ancient China foster to their accomplishments? i.e.
Great Wall of China and the Silk Road
3. How will you introduce the project? (This is used to engage and motivate the students
about the project.)
I will use the Flipped Classroom Model to introduce the geography of ancient China. The
students will be required to view the podcast linked below the night before Day 1 of our
lesson. The podcast does a great job introducing and discussing the different geographical
features of ancient China. The students will be able to revisit this podcast to help facilitate
the relationship between ancient China’s accomplishments and its’ geography. This will
also help the students with the construction of their own map.
Podcast Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6IrkUvJxio
SlideShare Link:
http://www.slideshare.net/reyzter/geographyof-china-5246612
Prezi Link:
http://prezi.com/bx-oeumu9kmh/ancient-china/
National Geographic Interactive Map Maker Link:
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/mapping/interactive-map/?ar_a=1
4. Products and artifacts students will be turning in for you to assess their progress and
understanding of the subject matter. Ex: drafts, story boards, videos, papers, websites,
multi-media presentations etc. Make sure the products are a good measure of the student
understanding of the standards and outcomes of the project.
The students will have technological freedom in how they would like to present their
project.
The students must:
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Show mastery of the key features of a map. i.e. titles, symbols, cardinal and
intermediate directions, legends, latitude and longitude
Present major accomplishments of ancient China
Describe relationship between the geography of ancient China and their
accomplishments, i.e. Great Wall of China and Silk Road
Effectively present the project to their peers
Presentation Options are limited to, but may include:
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SlideShare
Podcast
Blabberize
Map Maker
Google Earth
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Prezi
PowerPoint
iMovie
5. How will you assess the project? EX: Rubric, informal assessment, formal assessment etc
I will assess this project through both formal and informal assessment.
I will use the attached rubric for formal assessment.
Rubric Link:
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?ts=1371139616
6. Explain in detail what you will be doing each day of the project. Add more days as needed.
Day 1: Discuss the Ancient China Podcast from the previous night. Mind Map ancient China
and its’ accomplishments. Discuss the geographical features of ancient China. Begin
searching for relationships between ancient Chinese accomplishments and its geography.
Day 2: Use the textbook to explore the required features of a map. Explore National
Geographic’s Interactive Map Maker.
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/mapping/interactive-map/?ar_a=1
Day 3: Introduce the project using the SlideShare link. Share the rubric. Introduce ways to
present the project. Meet in groups and begin planning out their plan of attack. By the end
of the class period the students will decide which presentation method they will use and
assign roles within their groups.
Day 4: Work Day: By the end of the day the students should be ready to share their
presentations the next day.
Day 5: Present
7. Academic scaffolding you will provide to your students to ensure they understand the
standards and outcomes of the project.
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Additional help will be given on each of the new or confusing concepts so the
students will have the appropriate knowledge and understanding of what is required
Group academic discussion concerning research and content as needed
On-going informal assessment
Peer teacher groups for student questions
8. List preparations necessary to address needs for differentiated instruction for ESL students,
special needs students, or students with diverse learning styles.
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Variety of presentation platforms
Groups
Verbal and nonverbal presentation options
Classroom work day
Option to extend lesson to other countries for fast finishers
9. How will you and your students reflect on and evaluate the project?
 Class discussion
 Individual evaluations
 Group evaluations
 Teacher-led formal debrief
 Student-facilitated formal or informal debrief
 Other (list)