INDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES 

Below you will find links to and descriptions of all the history assignments we use in the Electronic Binder.  Click on the individual assignment links to get the full instructions and printable worksheets.  We have divided the assignments into 3 categories based on what skills you will use to complete them. 

 

Detective: A detective closely examines historical facts and puts them together in many forms. They work with charts to present information clearly and logically. They enjoy answering questions and finding details.

 Artist: An artist focuses on pictures to learn about the past. They produce drawings to present information to others in unique ways. They enjoy creating work that shows off their skill and talent. 

 Profiler: A profiler is mostly interested in people and how they think. They like to imagine themselves in historical situations and write about how they would have reacted. They usually present their information through short writings.

 Specialist: A specialist in history uses all three of the above skills to create projects that appeal to many people. They are interested in all aspects of history and present their ideas in complex projects. 

  

Partial Class Period Assignments 

Name Type Description

Acrostic Poem A word from the unit is written vertically and then each letter is used to start each line of a descriptive poem.

Annotated Illustration Draw a picture of a historical object and annotate it with captions.

Be The ThingWrite a short explanation of life experiences as if you were a particular object from history (for example, if you were a Spartan shield).

Bio PoemComplete a poem using a pre-made layout about a specific person (or group) in history. This entry requires detailed information about the figure.

Bumper Sticker Create a bumper sticker about a specific topic. This activity requires a high level of creativity.

Cause and Effect Chain

Describe 2 causes and 2 effects of a historical event. This entry requires an event or action.

Countdown! Complete a 5 section Graphic Organizer for the topic.

Creative Line Art Using a picture with random shapes and scribbles, create a scene depicting something that was discussed in the lesson.

Day Planner Write out the daily schedule for a person living in history. This explains what a typical person would do throughout the entire day.

Epitaph / Gravestone

Design the epitaph and gravestone for a famous figure. This activity requires some research about the figure.

Historical Ad Create a print advertisement for a piece of technology from the time period.

History Report Card

Give grades to a historical figure based on certain elements assigned by the instructor.

In and Out Complete a graphic organizer highlighting the influences and contributions of a given society or person.

Picture Analysis Answer a series of thought-provoking questions about a single photograph or piece of art.

Picture Frame Create a graphic organizer in the shape of a picture frame about a historical figure.

Postcard Make a postcard as if you were visiting the civilization being studied.

TXT MSG SUMRE Write a summary of a historical event to a friend in the form of a text message.

Venn Diagram Complete a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast historical figure, events or civilizations.

Wanted Poster Create a wanted ( or hero ) poster for a figure in history.

You Are There Letter

Write a letter to a historical figure giving them advice on a problem they are facing.

 

Full Class Period Assignments

Name Type Description

Brain Chain List 10 important people, events, or concepts and then create conceptual links between them in a graphic organizer

Circle Summary Complete the graphic organizer as a lesson summary. Lesson must be divided into 5 parts for this activity to be relevant.

Comic Strip Create a 3-5 panel comic strip showing an event from a historical period.

Flash Cards Create flashcards for the key terms in this lesson.

History IMs Create an Instant Message conversation between two historical figures about a historical event.

Illustrated Map Draw a map and add captions or small pictures to bring the map to life.

Illustrated Timeline Draw a timeline and add captions and visuals to bring it to life.

Introduction Speech

Write and recite and introductory speech for a historical figure. This may require extra research about the subject.

Invitation Create an invitation card ( the who, what, when, where, and what to bring, etc. ) to an event studied during the lesson.

Legal Brief Write a legal defense for a historical figure who may have been accused of committing a crime.

Point-Counterpoint

PoemsComplete two bio-poems side by side to highlight the similarities and differences between two historical figures or groups.

Recipe for a Civilization

Write a recipe with a list of ingredients it would take to create a civilization. ( This requires a great amount of abstract thinking. )

Song Rewrite Rewrite the lyrics to a song to make them about a historical event or period.

Worlds Collide Draw pictures contrasting key points of two cultures or civilizations.

You Are There Diary

Write a series of diary entries as if you were a certain historical figue going through the era of study.

 

Multiple Class Period Assignments

Name Type Description

A-Z History Book Create a picture book of key terms from a unit of study. Each will start with a different letter of the alphabet.

Create a Crossword

make your own crossword puzzle. You may use any online site to assist you with this activity.

Historical Myspace Create a Myspace page for a historical figure.

Historical Picture Book Create a children's book about a specific topic.

Historical Play Write and perform a short play about a historical event. This activity may be completed with a partner or small group.

HiStory Write a creative fictional story using key terms and figures from the lesson.

HiStoryboard Create a storyboard layout for a movie.

History Board Game

Use a basic file folder or sample template to create a board game about a period in history.

History Model Write a report on and build a model of a technological achievement from the period of history studied.

History Newscast

Working with a small group ( 3 or 4 ) of other students, film a short newscast presentation on a historical event

History Newspaper

Working with a small group ( 3 or 4 ) of other students, create a newspaper ( broadsheet ) with multiple articles and elements from a time period in history.

History Web Page Create a webpage about a specific topic from the lesson.

Mind MapCreate a large word cluster using words from the lesson. Then, write sentences explaining why you made certain connections. This is similar to the Brain Chain.

Movie Madness Use art and writing to recreate a given lesson as a movie. You will design a movie poster and a movie review.

One-pager Design a one page magazine-style cover for a lesson.

Paper Bag Puppet

Create a puppet of a historical figure along a list of statements that that person would or did say.

Slideshow / Photostory

Presentation Create a PowerPoint presentation on a historical topic.

Travel BrochureCreate a six-panel foldout brochure ( Microsoft Publisher ) that highlights the history, important areas and accommodations of a culture.

What If?Flip the script on an important event in history. Change one major detail and then speculate as to what might change as a result. You will then show your results in a recreated textbook page.

BUMPER STI CKER

When you’re out driving with your family you probably see cars with bumper stickers. They are usually colorful, funny, and make an interesting point. Your task: Create a short statement based on the unit we’ve been studying.

1.Create your bumper sticker. Make sure it is: Related to the Unit Colorful Thoughtful

2.On the back of your bumper sticker write an explanation of what your bumper sticker means and why you wrote it.

3.

Countdown

Your Task: Complete the following chart using information from the unit.

I n N’ Out Chart Your task: Copy and complete the graphic organizer below which highlights the events and people that influenced a particular person or civilization in history as well as the contributions of that person or civilization. Instructions:

1. Do not write the words in the example below, they are simply showing what goes in each arrow.

2. In the center box write the name of the person/civilization and draw a picture to represent them.

3. In the arrows labeled “Influence” -write something that influenced (helped, encouraged, inspired, etc.) the person or civilization. This could be something from someone else or from inside the person/civilization itself. -For example, for the Roman Empire you might put “Greek architecture”

4. In the arrows labeled “Contribution” -write something that the person/civilization contributed (gave, taught, shared) to others (inventions, ideas, etc.). -For example, for the Roman Empire you might put “Latin language”

5. At the bottom or on the back of your chart explain whether you think this group took more from others or gave more to others and why you think that.

Picture Analysis Your Task: Answer the following questions in complete sentences on your own sheet of paper. 1. What exactly do you see in the painting / photograph? 2. Study the people and/or objects in the image one by one.

What similarities and differences do you see? 3. How are the people dressed? 4. What are they doing? 5. Imagine you are in the picture. What might you hear or

smell? 6. What is unique about this image that the artist /

photographer wanted to capture? 7. What happened right before this image? 8. What is about to happen after this image?

Picture Frame

Your task: Copy and complete the picture frame graphic organizer below for a person from this unit. Instructions:

1. Draw a picture frame like the one below on your own paper. 2. In the center box draw or print out a picture of your person

3. In the top box write the person’s name artistically.

4. In the bottom box write two detail sentences from the book or your

notes. Copy the sentences exactly and note what page and line each sentence came from.

5. In the left box write a personal response to something the person did or

said. (This reminds me of… I t is fair/unfair that… I wish I knew more about…)

6. In the right box list 3 social studies terms related to the person.

Postcard from the Past A postcard is a photograph that people often send while on vacation. I t shows the people back home what they are missing and allows a brief note. Your Task: On a large (4 x 6) index card create a postcard that you would send home to tell your family about the civilization we are studying. The front of your postcard should have a colored picture of the civilization and a short greeting. The back should have a short note to your family describing something amazing about that civilization (one full paragraph) and a stamp that represents a famous person from the civilization.

Back

Dear Mom and Dad, Wow guys I wish you could be here in Rome with me! This city is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The first thing I noticed was how clean everything is. The roads are all paved beautifully and the buildings are just incredible. I got to visit the senate building yesterday and I felt like I could have been a Roman Senator myself! The way the Romans use columns and arches in everything is truly amazing.

Your Name An Address (can use your own)

Front

TXT MSG SUMRE (Text Message Summary) Ur Task: imagin ur sendg a sumre of a historical event 2 a friend via txt msg wrt ^ the sumre in txt msgn lang including all appropriate abbreviations n smilies. Pretend u r directly involved in the event. (Imagine you’re sending a summary of a historical event to a friend via text message; write up the summary in text messaging language including all appropriate abbreviations and smilies. Pretend you are directly involved in the event.) Ur sumre must: - include abbreviated words where appropriate. - include all key points of the event. -be short and to the point but at least one paragraph. -be written in a friendly way as if you were personally involved. - include the regular, non-text message version. Example: OMG did u hear wut hapnd 2 Caesar?! Sum of his closest friends iced him ryt OTF of the sen8. I hurd dat wuz all coz Cassius wz jLs. I culdnt bleve it bt I hurd dat brutus wuz nvolvD 2. I cant bleve it I luv Caesar so much. I 1ndr if he luvs M2. lol Oh my goodness! Did you hear what happened to Caesar? Some of his closest friends killed him right on the floor of the senate. I heard that it was all because Cassius was jealous. I couldn't believe it but I heard that Brutus was involved too. I can't believe it. I love Caesar so much. I wonder if he loves me too.

Venn Diagram

Your task: Copy and complete the following chart for your assigned events or people. Instructions:

1. Copy the chart below onto your own paper. 2. Write the name of one event/person on one side and the

name of the other on the other side. 3. In the first circle list 5 unique characteristics of

event/person 1. 4. In the second circle list 5 unique characteristics of

event/person 2. 5. In the middle section listed shared characteristics of the

two events/people.

Person/Event 1 Person/event 2

Similarities

Wanted/Hero Poster

Your Task: Create a Wanted/Hero poster for a figure from history. I f

you consider the person to be a villain you will create a Wanted

poster. I f you think the person was good you will create a Hero poster.

Your poster must include:

1. A sketch of what the person probably looks like. 2. A reward amount listing the specific crime or heroic action

the person did.

3. A made-up quote from a person living at the time showing what people might have said about this person.

4. The approximate date this poster would have been found.

5. A written description of what the person has done in their

life.

Brain Chain Your Task: Make connections between important concepts and vocabulary from the unit. I nstructions:

1. Make a chart like the example below on your own paper. Your chart should have 15 boxes under the Concepts column, not just 4.

2. Create a list of 15 people, concepts, terms, or locations in the “Concepts” column below. These can be any terms related to the unit. For Rome you could put I taly, aqueduct, citizen, gladiators, roads, Constantine, etc.

3. Then, in the “Links” column, write a sentence explaining how each pair of terms is connected. For example, if you had a link of citizen and gladiator you might write: “Gladiators were often slaves who fought to earn their freedom; they could even earn enough money to become a citizen.”

* **When you are done you must have 15 concepts and 14 sentence

links!***

Concepts Links

Mr. McCarthy

Awesome

History

Textbook

Mr. McCarthy’s basketball team record shows that he is an awesome coach.

History is awesome because it is all about sharing stories.

History is often taught using textbooks even though they are boring, out of date, and sometimes flat out wrong.

Circle Summary Your task: Determine the most important fact for each of the 5 highways for the unit we just completed. Draw a picture of that fact in the first box, write the fact in the middle box and respond to it in the last box. Instructions:

1. Copy this chart onto your own paper. 2. In the center of the circle write the name of the unit and draw

a picture or symbol to represent it. 3. Write the most important fact you learned about this unit

from each of the 5 highways of history in the middle box. 4. For each fact draw and color a picture in the first open space. 5. Write a personal response to the fact. (This reminds me of… I

think it is fair/unfair that… )

Historical Legal Brief Your task: As a defense lawyer your job is to prove your client is not guilty of crimes he/she is accused of. Write a legal brief defending a particular person or group in history. You will create an opening statement and describe what witnesses you would call and what you would ask them. Instructions: Copy and complete the sheet below

---------------------

Name of Defendant:____________________________________________ Crime Accused of: _ __________ ____________________________________________ I . Opening statement- Write one paragraph summarizing the issues at hand and to introduce what you will present as evidence to defend your client. I I . Witnesses- Explain who would you call to testify for your client. 1. First witness to be called: _________________________________________________

i. First question:

ii. Second question: Information this witness will provide: 2. Second witness to be called: ______________________________________________

i. First question:

ii. Second question: Information this witness will provide:

History Flash cards Your task: Create 4 flashcards for key terms from a given unit of history. Each card will include a picture and complete explanation of the term. The explanations must be at least 3 complete sentences and the pictures must be colored. Instructions: -Fold a piece of white paper into four boxes. -For each flashcard write the word on one side of the card. -On the same side as the word draw and color a picture.

-On the back side write a definition and explanation of the term that is at least 3 complete sentences.

Example:

Colosseum

The Colosseum was a building in the Roman Empire. I t was built using over 30,000 slaves. The building held gladiator fights as well as mock naval battles to keep the people of Rome entertained and distracted from their problems.

History I nstant Messages Your task: Write out an instant message (IM) conversation between two historical figures about a given topic. I t should be written in netspeak (lol, brb, ttyl, and smilies for example) and should show at least to some degree the opinions of each figure. Your IM conversation must: -include online names for each figure -have at least 10 lines from each figure. (numbered) -discuss a historical event or topic in detail (“omg that’s 2 bad” isn’t detail!)

-give a sense of each figure’s opinions about the event. (I t should read like a conversation not like one voice arguing with itself.) -use netspeak when appropriate. -use smilies when appropriate.

Example: 1. ImTheMan (Cassius): Yo Brutus, so are you in with us or not? 1. EtTuBrute (Brutus): I dunno C. Caesar’s like a dad 2 me. : -( 2. ImTheMan: IDC if he really iz ur dad. We’ve been over this. He’s gotta go before he takes over all of Rome. >< 2. EtTuBrute: Ya but do you rlly think he’ll do that? He’s been so good at fighting off Rome’s enemies. 3. ImTheMan: Dude that’s the prob. The people are all like crazy in luv with him and they’ll do anything he sez. 3. EtTuBrute: Ya so wut? That doesn’t mean we have 2 kill him rite? o.O 4. ImTheMan: Of course we do. We cant just like vote him out or something the peeps will be all like “no you didn’t!” and they’ll be mad at us. 4. EtTuBrute: Ya, I guess ur right we gotta do this. This aint about us though right C? This is about the people of Rome. =D 5. ImTheMan: Sure w/e Brutus this is about keeping the Senate in power wich helps the people. They need us! 5. EtTuBrute: k, so the plan is to all get him when he stands up ya? 6 ImTheMan: Yep, right there in the Senate so the people know this was about keeping the Republic. Well all do it too so they won’t be all mad at just one of us

Illustrated/Annotated Map Your task: Create a map of a historical event that includes illustrations and captions highlighting key information. Your map should be neat and colored. Your map must include: ROUGH DRAFT

1. The basic map of your event. 2. Choose a minimum of 5 specific details of the event

that you want to represent on your map. 3. Either a picture or a 3 sentence caption for 5

different events. Each item should be in the proper location on the map.

4. A legend and relative scale. 5.

*Number each piece on your rough draft and show it to your teacher before moving on. FINAL DRAFT

6. All of the above pieces neatly colored on white paper.

Illustrated/Annotated Timeline Your task: Create a timeline of a historical period that includes illustrations and captions highlighting key information. Your timeline should be neat and colored. Your map must include:

1. The basic timeline of your historical period. 2. Choose a minimum of 10 specific events that you

want to represent on your timeline. 3. A 2-3 sentence caption for each event along with the

correct date when it occurred. 4. A picture for at least 4 of the events. 5. Color throughout.

Introduction Speech Your task: Often when a famous person is about to give a speech they are first introduced by someone else with a short speech. Write and recite a short introduction speech for a famous figure. Your speech must: -Be about 1 minute in length (approximately 2 paragraphs written should do it). -Include key details and information about the figure.

-Be inspiring (if you are introducing Constantine you’d likely want to leave out the fact that he was suspected of killing his wife.) -Make the person sound important.

Example: Ladies and gentlemen of rome, it is my pleasure to introduce to you today a man who rose up in our time of need. This is a man who can and will save the Roman Empire. He is not just a squabbling senator; no, he is a warrior! What other man do you know who killed an elephant?! This is the man who led the Roman army to victory time and time again. He conquered Gaul and grew our mighty land all the way to the Atlantic Ocean! This is the man who out of the goodness of his heart adopted his nephew Octavius as his own son. Today I am proud to introduce the only Roman leader who truly cares about you – the people. He got rid of the awful, wasteful Republic and replaced it with the new and mighty Empire and the one person who could hold it all together. Ladies and gentleman, here he is, JULIUS CAESAR!!!

Invitation to a Historical Event I ntroduction: I f you’ve ever been invited to a party, you’ve probably received an invitation. I t probably told you where the party was located, when the party would start and end, why the party was happening, and what to bring. Your Task: Create an invitation to an important historical event from the unit. I nstructions: Like any party invitation, include the following elements:

1. “What?” – What historical event are they being invited to (at the top of the page)?

2. “Where?” – Where was it located (maybe draw a map)?

3. “When?” – What time (date) did the event happen?

4. “Why?” – Why should people come to see this event?

5. “What to bring?” – What should a person bring to this event in order to participate in it?

6. “R.S.V.P.” – Who should you contact in order to tell them you’re coming and how would such contact happen in the time period?

7. Use colorful lettering and at least 2 images.

Recipe for a Civilization Your Task: Write a “recipe” for the creation of a particular historical culture or civilization. Include the “ingredients” that went into forming that civilization and any special instructions for bringing them together. Example:

Roman Empire Salad Ingredients: 1 Ambitious General (J ulius Caesar) 1 scared population 100 Senators Thousands of trained soldiers Barbarian enemies 1 Conspiracy 1 Large Mixing European Continent 29 Knives 1 Angry Nephew (Octavius) 1 Prideful Senator (Cassius) Instructions:

1. In the Large Mixing European Continent add the Barbarian enemies to the scared population and the 100 Senators.

2. After letting them mix for about 10 years it will begin to boil - add the Ambitious General and the Thousands of trained soldiers. These will calm the mixture and stop the boiling.

3. After stewing for a few months you will have 1 Prideful Senator. 4. Take the Prideful Senator out and mix it with 1 Conspiracy and

29 knives. 5. After letting that new mixture sit for awhile mix it back in with

the rest of the ingredients. 6. At this point the Ambitious General will be completely dissolved

into the mixture, you are almost done! 7. Add the Angry Nephew to the dish. 8. The Angry Nephew will mix with the thousands of trained

soldiers to dissolve the remaining ingredients. While all the flavors will mix together the Angry Nephew will be the strongest spice. Inside your Large Mixing European Continent you will be left with a Roman Empire Salad!

Worlds Collide Your task: Choose one of the five Highways of History and compare it

among two civilizations that we have studied by drawing two pictures.

Instructions:

1. Fold a blank paper in half. 2. Along the top of each half write the name of the civilization in

big, colorful letters. 3. Along the bottom of the page in the middle write what

highway (geography, society, technology, government or economics) you are comparing.

4. On each side of the paper draw and color a picture that shows the highway for the civilization you have picked.

a. The picture should take up most of the half page if not all of it.

b. The two pictures should highlight the differences between the civilizations.

5. On the back of your paper write a short paragraph explaining how the two civilizations are similar or different in this highway.

Example:

A -Z H i s to r y B o o k Your Task: Create a book explaining 24 terms, people, places or ideas from a given historical time period. Each page will consist of a single word starting with a letter from the alphabet, a graphic, and a short explanation of the term. This should be completed with a partner. Directions:

1. Fold a paper in half.

2. On each of the 2 panels you will:

a. Beginning with the letter “A” choose a term from the unit that begins with that letter. Example: I f the page is ‘J ’ and this was the unit on Asia you might choose “J apan”. You may choose any two letters to skip if you want (Q and X most likely!)

b. Write the term in big, colorful letters on the top or bottom of the page.

c. Write at least 3 sentences explaining what the term

means.

d. Draw and color a picture to go along with your term. This could be a map, chart or your own drawing.

Example:

J apan J apan is an island country. I t is isolated because it is surrounded by water. Legends say water drops from a spear created it.

Korea Buddhism came to J apan from China through Korea. J apan traded with Korea regularly. The Mongols conquered Korea and tried to attack J apan from there.

Your Task: Create a crossword puzzle using important people, places, events, and vocabulary from this unit. I nstructions: 1. On a regular sheet of paper, create a list of 20 important

people, places, events, or vocabulary from the unit. 2. Make sure these terms are spelled correctly and have the

correct number of letters. 3. Create a clue for each word (this can be a detail, a question, a

definition, etc.). 4. Still on your own paper, begin writing the words out in various

crisscross combinations. 5. Once you have something you like make note of which words go

across and which words go down. Separate the clues into across clues and down clues.

6. After you have completed all the steps above, show this to your

teacher. 7. On a new clean sheet of paper draw the boxes and clues as neatly

as possible. 8. Design your paper with a title and a picture somewhere the

represents the topic of the puzzle.

H i s to r i c a l N e w s p a p e r Your task: Create a newspaper about the unit consisting of articles, comic strips, advertisements and editorials. Instructions: I. Give your paper a title that fits with the unit. “History Newspaper” is not enough! II. Your paper should include 8 or more items including:

1. 3 or more news articles about events from the unit. These should be written from the point of view of a reporter who witnessed these events and was “in the middle of the action.” These articles should be a minimum of two paragraphs and should include made-up quotes from people involved in the event.

2. 1 or more editorials (opinion pieces) about events at the time. In an

editorial the newspaper editors discuss an event and give their opinions on what happened and what they might have personally done about it.

3. 1 obituary of a famous person from this period. An obituary is a short

retelling of the major events in that person’s life.

4. 1 picture that goes along with one of your front page stories.

5. 2 or more “other” items such as: a. Comic strips about either a person or event from the time period.

Each strip should be at least 3 panels in length. b. Advertisements from a company that might have existed at the

time. c. Puzzles about the time period such as a crossword, jumble or word

search. d. Sports report about a sport played in this period. e. Horoscopes f. Advice column

Historical Picture Book Your task: Create a picture book (children’s book) detailing the most important information from a period in history. The book should be simple enough for a child to understand but should still include important historical information.

The book will have 6 pages each with its own topic. Each topic will have a drawing (picture, symbol, map, graphic

organizer [“bubbles”], etc. that must be colored. Each topic will have 3 or more sentences written about it. At least one topic should be about a specific person from this

unit. The topics should be chronological. That is, the events that

happened first should be the beginning of the book. The book should have an ending. Make sure your final topic

wraps up the information. Include a front and back cover. The front cover should have

the title and author. The back should have a short summary of the book.

Historical Play

Your task: Write and act out a 3-5 minute play about a specific historic event. You will include a background for scenery (either drawn or projected) and any necessary props. Your play may be funny and take some small liberties with the facts but the basic story must be historically accurate. Your play must:

Include a written script Be performed mostly from memory (do not just read your

script!) for the whole class. Be approximately 3-5 minutes in length when performed. Include backgrounds for each scene (either real or virtual) Use at least 1 prop or costume Be historically accurate

History Board Game

Your Task: Create a board game

themed around a particular history topic. You will need to create a list of 20 facts, rules, game pieces, cards, the board and anything else needed to play your game. You should use color throughout your design.

1. Write a list of at least 20 important facts from this unit (you may do more) on a piece of paper.

a. These facts must be used in your game in some way. 2. Sketch out the look and design of your game. 3. Write the instructions for your game. After completing 1-3 get the board from your

teacher. 4. Using a file folder create your game board. Write the name of

the game on the folder’s tab. Using construction paper, art supplies or images from the internet to create the board inside the folder using both sides.

5. Create any cards or pieces that will be needed for your game. 6. Design a front cover for your game. Draw this on the front of

the folder.

History Model Your task: Create a model of a historical object using any materials (clay, cardboard, foam, Legos, vegetables, etc.). Your model must also include a 3 paragraph report on the object. Your model must:

Include a report at least 3 complete paragraphs in length that describes what you have created and its historical importance. The report must contain information from at least two research sources.

Include a journal describing how you made your model.

Be large enough that key details can be shown.

Use proper proportions (you should not have people bigger

than castles)

Stand up without additional support.

Be as accurate as possible.

Include a list of materials used.

Be appropriately colored (when possible).

History Newscast

Your Task: Create a 3-5 minute video news report about an event from a given historical period. This should include all of the key details of the events and at least one interview of a witness or person involved.

1. Write a 3 paragraph report on the event you have chosen.

2. Determine what each group member will be doing for the video (director, writer, actor, editor, etc.)

3. Create a story board and script for your video. 4. Create any costumes, props or backgrounds you’ll need

for your video. 5. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. 6. Film and edit your video. (To be done before or after

school only!)

History Web Page Your task: Create a webpage about a specific topic from this unit. Instructions:

1. Create a layout on paper that shows where the objects will go on your webpage. Your layout must include:

a. A title across the top b. 3 written paragraphs c. 3 pictures or videos each with captions d. 3 links to other pages about the topic e. 3 listed sources of your information f. 3 short answer questions that review the information

2. Your layout must look good. Do not just put the objects anywhere on the page.

3. Include all written information, pictures and videos on a thumbdrive or in an email to turn in.

4. Optional: Create the webpage and post it online (20 extra points if you do).

Hi-Storyboard Your task: Imagine you were going to make a movie about a specific person or event in history. Before filming a movie a director first makes a storyboard which maps out the story on paper which is called a storyboard. You will be making a storyboard (not a movie!) Instructions:

1. For the person or event you are storyboarding think of the 5 most important parts.

2. For each of the 5 parts think about the setting, the characters, and the things that would be said.

3. Create your storyboard for each of the 5 parts. a. Each part must have a written description of the place, time and

people involved. b. I t also must summarize the action in the scene in a paragraph. c. Each part must also have a drawing which represents what you

would be seeing if this scene were filmed. 4. Make sure your storyboard is so clear that anyone could follow the

directions to create your movie. 5. Remember, you have five scenes to complete and they should be in

the order that they would be in a real movie about the subject.

Example

Scene 1 Setting: Floor of the Roman senate, 45 B.C. Characters: Senators, Brutus, Cassius One year before the assassination we see Cassius giving a speech to the senate on his worries about Caesar. He details his fear that Caesar wants to name himself emperor and disband the senate. The senators listen closely and nod in agreement. Brutus is shown and his face shows serious concern like he doesn’t want to hear this but he believes Cassius. The scenes closes with a close-up on Cassius’ very angry face saying “We can’t allow this!”

Visual

Mind Map Your task: Whenever we learn new things our brain makes connections to other things we already know. You will create a visual map that shows how your brain connects the terms from a given unit. You end result will be something like a web. Make your map look unique and artistic. Instructions:

1. Create a list of 20 things (people, places, ideas, inventions, etc.) for the topic.

2. Create a rough draft of your mind map. a. On a regular paper write the title of the unit in a bubble in

the middle of the page. b. Draw another bubble with one of the words from your list of

20 connected to the first bubble anywhere on the page. c. Draw another bubble with another word. Connect it either to

the first bubble or to the other word. (I f they are related in some way).

d. Continue adding bubbles and connections until all 20 words are in a bubble and connected to some other bubble.

e. Look over your map and add a second connection for each bubble. EACH BUBBLE MUST CONNECT TO AT LEAST 2 OTHER BUBBLES!

3. Write your own definitions for 10 of the 20 words from your list in a

complete sentence. 4. Choose any 10 connections you made on your map and explain

why you made them in 1-2 complete sentences each. (Tell me how those two items are related other than “they both came from the same place”.) Number these 1-10 and write the number on the connection line.

5. On a large piece of construction paper create the final draft of your mind map.

a. I f needed, rearrange your bubbles so connection lines can be as straight as possible.

b. Draw each bubble and word neatly. Use different colors throughout (you may choose to have your colors represent certain things, if you do be sure to include a legend showing this.)

c. Draw 5 pictures on your mind map which match up with either the words in the bubbles or the connections.

Movie Poster and Critique Your Task: Imagine the just completed unit had been made into a Hollywood produced movie. Design the movie poster that you would use to advertise the movie and write a critique of the “movie.” Instructions:

1. Draw and color your poster on a full page of white paper. a. I t must include:

i. An image or scene that represents the “movie” ii. The title of the “movie” iii. The “actors” in the “movie”

2. Write your movie critique on lined paper.

a. Your critique should be 3 paragraphs. i. Paragraph 1 should summarize the major events of

the unit. ii. Paragraph 2 should summarize the main people in

the unit. iii. Paragraph 3 should give your opinion on the events

of the unit. (Was it boring? Was it exciting? Did they make mistakes? What would you have done differently?) How many stars out of four would you give it, why?

myspace.com/HistoricalFigure Your task: Create the layout of a Myspace page for a historical figure. You do not actually have to create the page online, just a model of what it would look like drawn out on a piece of paper. Instructions: Create each part listed below. Number them on your paper.

1. The person’s name and a nickname that shows what they are known for.

2. The person’s picture. 3. The person’s age and location. 4. An “about me” section that summarizes the person’s life in at

least 2 paragraphs. 5. 1 “blog” where the person writes his/her opinion about an event

that happened during his/her lifetime in at least 2 paragraphs. 6. Comments from at least 3 “friends” talking about this person’s

life. 7. A “likes” section detailing what things this person would enjoy

(books, music, activities, etc.)

Your Task: Write a 2 paragraph biography of a historical figure along with a list of 10 statements he/ she might say. Then create a puppet of that person. I nstructions:

1. Research the assigned historical figure using your textbook, your notes, library or class books, or the internet.

2. Write a 2 paragraph biography of your historical figure which includes:

a. their lifestyle b. where they lived and c. why they were important historically.

3. Write10 statements this person would have said. These can be taken directly from speeches they gave or can be invented based on what you have learned about the person.

4. Create the historical figure’s face (either drawn or in layers of cut out of construction paper) and attach to the top flap of the paper lunch sack.

5. Create clothing (that fits the time period) and attach to the front of the paper bag.

+++Your puppet must clearly represent the historical figure+++

(I f your Roman soldier looks like a Chinese woman there’s a problem.)

Slideshow Presentation Your Task: Create a slideshow presentation for a section of the lesson of your choice.

* * * You must design your slides on a storyboard first* * *

Your slideshow must have at least 4 slides and each slide must include:

o A subtitle o At least three bullets of information o At least one picture, clip art, video, OR song o Correct information from the unit o Correct spelling and grammar

Travel Brochure Your Task: Create a travel brochure that would excite potential tourists to take a vacation in the society we studied this unit. (Do this as if the culture is still thriving. In other words, don’t describe the ruins of the Colosseum, describe it in its glory gladiator events and all.) I nstructions:

1. Turn a blank sheet of computer paper sideways and fold it into thirds. 2. Unfold it and number the sections on the back – from left to right – 5, 6, and

1. I know it seems wrong right now, but in the end it will be right. 3. Flip it over and number the sections on the front – again from left to right –

2, 3, and 4.

Back Front .

5

6

1

2

3

4

4. Now complete each section as follows: Section 1: Write the name of the location (example: “Exciting Rome”) and draw a picture of the location. Section 2: Write the word History and briefly describe the important events of this culture’s past. Draw a map of the location. Section 3: At the top of the section write the name of a specific site in this culture that every vacationer has to see. Draw a picture of the site and write about why tourists should see it. (Why is it important to the culture? What happens there?) Section 4: Create a fake amusement park. Title this section with the amusement park’s name, draw a picture, and write about some of the rides and attractions. Section 5: Title it “Accommodations and Dining”, draw a picture, and describe where the vacationer will stay (in other words, this culture’s version of a hotel) and write about the cuisine (types of food) a vacationer might eat there. Section 6: Write a paragraph that persuades tourists that this culture and location is the best place to take a vacation. (Hint: if it doesn’t make you want to go there, it probably won’t make anyone else want to either.)

What If?

Your Task: Create a textbook page showing how history would have changed if one major detail had changed such as if King John had written the Magna Carta to grow his power instead of his nobles writing it to grow their own.

Instructions:

1. Choose an event from this unit and change a major detail of it. a. For example: “Magna Carta Makes King John More Powerful”

2. Write a one-paragraph summary of how this change may have happened. (example below) 3. Write a one-paragraph summary of what you think would have happened in history if this

detail had changed in history. (example below) 4. Show the two paragraphs to your teacher.

Do not move on until you have completed steps 1-5 above and shown them to your teacher.

5. After your teacher approves your paragraphs create a new page for your textbook that teaches your version of the event.

6. The page should have color in appropriate places and be neatly written. It should look like a real page from your textbook (except handwritten). You do it on a computer if you choose. [example on back]

Here’s an example of what the summary paragraphs might look like for the Magna Carta:

How it Happened:

When threatened by the church King John backed down immediately. He told the church that England needed the extra tax money and he couldn’t think of any other way to do it. The church agreed that the money was needed and told John they would support him raising taxes against the nobles. They sat down and wrote the Magna Carta to set out a new set of rules for the nobles to ensure John’s power would be safe.

What Changed?:

King John became incredibly rich and powerful. His new alliance with the church, sealed by this document, required the nobles to submit to him in every situation. If they did not they would be punished harshly by both John and the church. The people, amazingly, had even less rights than before. Even the courts worked to keep the people in line. Instead of protecting their rights judges simply enforced anything John said.

44 BC

200 AD

Augustus becomes Emperor

Trajan builds the forum

???

Aliens attack Rome

44 BC

200 AD

Augustus becomes Emperor

Trajan builds the forum

???

Aliens attack Rome