Samurai Diary
The Samurai Diary is another of the projects presented in March at CCSS. Students take on the role of a Japanese samurai warrior and describe his life over several crucial years in medieval Japan. Inclusion of historical elements is a requirement and prompts come directly from state standards.
Manors and Crests
During the unit on the European Middle Ages, students create their own fiefdoms and design family crests to represent them. Symbols and maps are again based in historical study and interpretation.
Marco Polo Postcards
During the unit on China, students send post cards home to Venice as Marco Polo would have done. One card describes the sites and events to a family member while the other reports of an important invention to the Doge of Venice.
Mayan Calendar Round
Based on a TCI assignment, students decorate and mount rotating Mayan Calendars. A description of the operation of the calendar, numbering system, or religious beliefs is also included.