The Yavneh Academy sixth grade classes presented their final projects at the Civilizations Fair this past week. Each group studied an ancient civilization and compared their research about ancient times to present-day life in that country. Students collaboratively gathered research about the geography, culture, government and structures of the ancient and modern day civilizations. It was exciting for students to see how different parts of the world evolved over thousands of years. This project built upon nonfiction reading and research skills the students were taught throughout this year. They used primary and secondary sources to learn about how people lived in ancient times. Students watched videos and read articles to gain insight into present-day life in India, China, Latin America, Greece, Australia and Italy. The students had to determine if their sources were credible using a specific criteria. After completing a detailed graphic organizer, each group compiled its research in an illustrated Google Slides presentation. They wrote detailed paragraphs and included illustrations to support their research about each civilization.
After becoming experts on their civilizations, each group created a game, and a model of an attraction from their civilization. Lower school students and faculty members from throughout the school visited the fair, where the sixth grade students shared their research presentations, games and attractions. Students created ancient history Top Trumps, Old Maid, Apples to Apples, Spot it and Twister. One group highlighted aspects of their civilization through a scavenger hunt. The art activities taught visiting students how to make art from ancient India and Greece. A culinary experience from Mexico provided an opportunity to make an ancient Mexican recipe. The visitors walked through the exhibits and felt as though they were really at Chichen Itza, the Colosseum, Taj Mahal and the Parthenon. Some projects showcased design features of ancient architecture that are still used today.
The sixth grade students were proud to share their learning with other Yavneh students. They shared how they enjoyed being able to choose both the topics they researched and how to present their research. In their technology class with Mr. Feiler, each student created “then and now” photos of themselves at both ancient and modern day sights they researched. As a final project, the students felt successful that they used their reading, writing, research, technology and social studies skills they have accumulated this year.
