Grade+5_6+-+Civilizations


 * Team Members:** Ed, Lisa


 * Subject:** Social Studies


 * Grade:** 5 and 6 combined


 * Identify Key Learning/Broad Understanding:** Students will examine the cultural, economical, environmental, and social characteristics that influence a civilization.


 * Frame Critical Challenge:** To determine the best civilization.


 * Rough Notes:**
 * 1) Individually create a $2.00 definition of "Civilization", share with a partner, as a group create a $0.50 definition.
 * 2) Group lessons about different aspects of what make successful civilizations (geography, economy, culture, recreation/social, family life, politics, religion).
 * 3) Students select a civilization (ancient - grade 5; aboriginal - grade 6), determine the criteria that make the best civilization; research their civilization based on the criteria.
 * 4) Students present their findings at a "trade show" or provide a mock "fam. trip".
 * 5) Students compare their civilization to another to determine which is the best civilization


 * Type of Critical Challenge:** Judge the better or best, perform to spec.


 * Set Context for the Critical Challenge to Engage Students:** If you could travel back in time, which civilization would be the best one to be transported to.


 * Criteria for Judgement:**
 * 1) Information - characteristics of civilizations; comparing two civilizations.
 * 2) Presentation - power point, brochure (images, graphics, titles, fonts, concise information)


 * Background Knowledge Required:** The elements of a civilization; the history of the civilization (how it applies to those elements).


 * Critical Thinking Vocabulary:** Analysis, judgement, reasoned judgement, fact, fair


 * Thinking Strategies:** Rating scale


 * Habits of Mind:** Inquiring mind, Fair-minded, Consultative


 * BLM:** [|**Features of Civilizations - note taking/rating scale**]