Ancient Civilizations

Research Task

 

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Background Information

The Ancient World Chamber of Commerce is looking for some experts on the tourist sites of the various ancient civilizations. Tourists from all over the world want to visit these sites, but they are in need of more guides to the areas. They are looking to hire people who are "experts" in areas of the ancient worlds. As you know, this year we have been studying the Ancient Civilizations of the world. Your teachers have offered your services to the Ancient World Chamber of Commerce, but first you must prove yourself.

The Task

Your task is to become an "expert" in one area of the ancient world. You will do extensive research on a specify topic dealing with one of the ancient civilizations covered in your social studies text. From this research you will create a written report accompanied by a creative visual display. You may want to pick something you're already interested in, as it will help when you present it in a well-written report and an oral presentation. You will present your findings to the Ancient World Chamber of Commerce on the evening of June 1, 2000.

The Process

Prior to identifying and researching your specific topic, you will participate in the following activities. These activities will provided you with further background information on how information on ancient civilizations has been discovered, researched and documented.

1. Virtual Dig

You will complete the virtual dig in the computer lab during science.

• You will research materials found at the dig site and determine the level at which they were found.
• You will use this information to make predictions about the people who lived at the site in the past.
• You will compare your predictions to the correct findings.
• You will complete this assignment in one lab period

2. Simulated Dig

You will assume the role of a member of an archeological team and search through dig boxes representing sections of a dig site. Artifacts and earth layers will provide you with information on the culture that once inhabited the dig site much in the same way that real archeological dig sites do.

• You will work in a group, each member role playing a member of an archeological team member
• Your team will carefully uncover, label and record information found in your dig box.
• You will photograph some of your artifacts
• You will record your work in a slide show
• You will display your findings
• You will draw conclusions about the past culture from you findings.
• You will allow each member an opportunity to participate
• You will complete your dig in the time provided and be prepared to present your findings to others.
• The anthropologist of your team will attend a symposium to compare findings with other teams
• The symposium members will put information from all sections (boxes) and present conclusions to all team members at a Dig Conference

3. Brainstorming and Initial Research

Participate in the following prior to finalizing your research question.

• Using the information available in the Library Information Center, generate a list of possible research questions on any of the ancient civilizations from your social studies text.
• Use the Internet to gather background information on archeology and ancient cultures.
• Use your text book to gather background information about your ancient civilization you will be researching.

 

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Research, write, revise, and edit your paper

• Research Links
• Use the Research Template to write your paper
• Make a cover for your paper and staple together

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Develop a visual display and present

You need to develop a visual display which gives the Ancient World Chamber of Commerce information on your topic. Be sure to have note card with some of the more interesting facts you uncovered about your ancient civilization. You will need to provide the Ancient World Chamber of Commerce with a brief oral presentation and need to use your visual to clarify some of your information and answer questions.