What Was Happening Around The World?

We are studying medieval Europe, which spans in time from approximately 590 CE to 1500 CE. That means we are looking all the way back to 1,424 years ago, up to 514 years ago!

So you understand what was happening at this time, it is important to understand what was going on around the world. For this reason, we are going to make a class timeline that spans the globe.

You will get to choose a topic that interests you from the table below. However, your teacher will make sure that everyone in the class is doing a different topic so your timeline can be complete. Once you have chosen your topic, you need to follow the instructions carefully to create a poster for the classroom.

Step 1: Choose your topic.

Empire/Civilisation
Vikings / Polynesia / Ottoman Empire / Mongolian Empire / Khmer Empire / Medieval Europe / Feudal Japan / The Americas
Inventions and technology / Inventions and technology / Inventions and technology / Inventions and technology / Inventions and technology / Inventions and technology / Inventions and technology / Inventions and technology
Beliefs and culture / Beliefs and culture / Beliefs and culture / Beliefs and culture / Beliefs and culture / Beliefs and culture / Beliefs and culture / Beliefs and culture
Warfare and weapons / Warfare and weapons / Warfare and weapons / Warfare and weapons / Warfare and weapons / Warfare and weapons / Warfare and weapons / Warfare and weapons
Houses and architecture / Houses and architecture / Houses and architecture / Houses and architecture / Houses and architecture / Houses and architecture / Houses and architecture / Houses and architecture
Food sources and cooking / Food sources and cooking / Food sources and cooking / Food sources and cooking / Food sources and cooking / Food sources and cooking / Food sources and cooking / Food sources and cooking
Fashion / Fashion / Fashion / Fashion / Fashion / Fashion / Fashion / Fashion

Step 2: Do some research and gather the following information.

You need to include the following:

·  The key dates that reflect when your chosen civilisation or empire was present in the world.

·  Your title should include the civilization or empire, AND your chosen topic.

·  At least 3 annotated images that relate to your topic.

·  At least one primary source of information on your topic. For example, this could be a picture of an artifact from the time. You need to explain what this artifact shows about you topic.

·  At least one secondary source of information on your topic. For example, this might be some information that you have found about your topic. However, remember to put it in your own words!

·  At least 5 different pieces of information on your topic. You are trying to give an overview so that if someone read your poster, they would gain a general understanding of your chosen topic.

Step 3: Create your poster!

Remember that this is a visual task, so your poster needs to be visually appealing. Use lots of colour, images and visual cues so that the reader knows where to look. Avoid messy or tiny handwriting, and use a pen that is easy to see.

Step 4: Put it on the class timeline.

Your teacher will have already set up a giant timeline in the classroom. When you are ready, go up to your teacher and get them to help you place your poster in the appropriate spot. Use your key dates to guide where you need to put your poster.

Step 5: Create a signpost for the timeline.

For this step, you need to find the other class members who are working on the same civilization or empire as you. As a group, you need to agree on a signpost that you can make for the class timeline, for your civilisation. This is so that when looking at the timeline, readers will be able to easily identify your collection of posters. For example, if making a signpost for ancient Egypt, you might create a giant pyramid, sphinx or mummy.

This signpost will be put next to your posters. Your group must decide what the signpost will be, then assign roles to help with the creation of the signpost. Once it is ready, let your teacher know and they will help you place it on the timeline.