Name: Period:

You may work in groups of 2 or 3!:

Partner 1:phone #:

Partner 2:phone #:

Project Title:

Due Date: November ??, 2011 (Any late projects will earn partial credit)

Your grade will be based on our 4-Point History Social Studies Rubric:

History-Social Studies Rubric

4 -Excellent The student's work is historically accurate, is exceptionally detailed, meets or exceeds grade-level requirements for written/oral communication. Presentation is unique and visually outstanding.

3 - Good The student's work is historically accurate, contains ample detail, meets grade-level requirements for written/oral communication. Presentation is attractive.

2 - Fair The student's work contains some historical inaccuracies, needs more details, contains many errors in written/oral communication. Presentation lacks quality and attention to detail.

1 - Poor The student's work contains numerous historical inaccuracies, lacks focus, lacks content. Presentation lacks effort.

Mesopotamia Project

In the development of civilizations, Mesopotamia is known for its "firsts": first writing system, first wheels, first sail boats, first city-states, first written laws. The ancient inhabitants of this area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers have left us many clues about their contributions to civilization as well as their everyday lives.

As we read History Alive!, Chapters 4-6, your task is to research and recreate an aspect of the life and times of Mesopotamians. Choose ONE topic from the list below and begin the research cycle:

  • Write a letter to the editor of the Babylonian Times in response to one of Hammurabi's laws. In the letter, clearly state the code number you wish to discuss, your opinion of the code, and why you feel the way you do. If you disagree with the code, you should offer suggestions for Hammurabi to consider. Generally, it is recommended that people sign a letter to the editor. However, when dealing with Hammurabi, that may not always be advisable. He may add code 283 to his list, which could possibly be aimed at disrespectful citizens who disagree with his divinely inspired judgments.
  • Create a display on the development of writing. Make sure your display is labeled.
  • Construct a model of what a typical Sumerian house might have looked like. Leave one wall open so we can see inside. On a 5" by 7" index card, discuss the architectural style.
  • Create your own standard, in the style of Ur. Your standard should reflect your family, school, and hometown. Use paints, colored pencils, bits of colored paper, etc., to simulate mosaics.
  • Create a model of a Sumerian irrigation system.
  • Make a model of Babylon
  • Make a detailed, labeled chart of inventions from Mesopotamia.
  • Make an alphabet book of Mesopotamia.
  • Create a detailed, illustrated brochure for a scribe school. Include daily life activities and accommodations so potential students would know how to prepare for their educational experience.
  • Research the foods that were available to the Mesopotamians. Prepare some samples to bring to class. You may work by yourself or with a partner. Extra credit for appropriate Mesopotamian meal-time music!
  • Create a picture book/story book to explain the roles of men and women in Mesopotamia.
  • Create a PowerPoint presentation about one aspect of Mesopotamia.
  • Create a costume that a Mesopotamian would have worn.
  • Another project of your choice. Please discuss with and get it approved by Ms. Vizas. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY PAGE

(Please create a bibliography that includes any of the resources that you read/cite/learn from while working on your project.)

Each type of reference has a specific format to display the information. Below are the patterns and examples of each of the various reference types. The part in bold simply identifies the type and is NOT to be included on the actual bibliography page. See sample page given at bottom.

Books: Author(s). Title of Book. Place of publication: Publisher’s name, year.

Example: Horton, Casey. Endangered Dolphins. Los Angeles, CA: Johnston Press, 1991.

Encyclopedias: Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Encyclopedia. Volume number. Place of publication: Publisher’s name, year.

Example: Danson, Charles. “Dolphins.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Volume 6. Hawthorne, NY: Children’s Press, 1999.

Magazines: Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Magazine. Date: Page(s).

Example: Smith, John F. “Dolphins are our Friends.” National Geographic. Nov. 2002: 25-29.

Internet (online article): Author. “Title of Article.” Journal Title. Volume. Issue number (date). Date Accessed. <Network address.>

Example: Reed, Bruce. “Loveable Sea Creatures.” Oceanography Today. January 1996. October 4, 2005. <

The correct format for a bibliography is to list all reference materials used (i.e. book, magazine, internet, etc.) in alphabetical order, by author’s last name. Below is a sample:

Bibliography
Danson, Charles. “Dolphins.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
Volume 6. Hawthorne, NY: Eastman Press,1999.
Horton, Casey. Endangered Dolphins. Los Angeles, CA:
Johnston Press, 1991.
Reed, Bruce. “Loveable Sea Creatures.” Oceanography
Today. January 1996. October 4, 2005.
<
Smith, John F. “Dolphins are our Friends.” National
Geographic, Nov. 2002: 25-29.

Useful Sources You May Wish to Use:

  1. Our History textbook: History Alive!, especially chapters 4-6
  2. Scan the books from Ms. Vizas’ classroom Mesopotamia library
  3. Explore our school library and/or your local library
  4. Internet sites. A few useful sites to get you started are:
  • The SCORE web site. Always a great starting point for research! From the 6th grade page, click on Mesopotamia:
  • The British Museum:
  • University of Chicago Museum
  • Women in Mesopotamia:
  • Hammurabi's Code of Law:
  • Ancient Mesopotamia:
  • Ancient Irrigation:
  • The Standard of Ur:
  • Ziggurats: