Grade 7
History/Social Science
Standard 7.6

Students analyze the geographic, political, economic,
religious, and social structures of the civilization of Medieval
Europe: development of feudalism, its operation in the medieval
European economy, the increasing contact with cultures of the
Eastern Mediterranean world.


 
Resources
Lesson Plans
Assessments
Video:  
Knights and Armor

Book:  
McCauley. Castles.

Previously Published Data

With a partner, students will design a castle on paper. The plan should be an aerial view to include the surrounding area. It may be hand drawn of computer generated. Prepackaged or commercial materials are not acceptable. Students will need to make sure that:

1.) The castle is drawn and parts are named. 

2.) All parts of the castle are labeled correctly and spelled correctly. 

3.) The site for the castle is geographically labeled (water, hills, country and relative location).

4.) The siege strategy is described and is realistic from a defense position.

5.) All information is historically accurate.

6.) A bibliography with at least three sources is included.

7.) There is a paragraph telling about the owner and those who live in the castle. Include the reason your castle was built.

8.) They write a descriptive essay called "A Day in the Life of..." that is a historical piece of fiction describing life in a castle. A special event such as a battle, festival day, or an ordinary day is included.

Previously Published Data

Castle Project Rubric

3 Points:

Project is on time and organized. Castle drawing is neat, with all parts labeled correctly and spelled correctly. The siege strategy is described and is realistic. The site is geographically labeled. All information is historically accurate. The bibliography has three or more sources listed. A paragraph on why your castle was built and a description of the owner is clearly written. "A Day in the Life of..." shows imagination and creates lively historical fiction that demonstrates an understanding of the Middle Ages.

2 Points:

Project is on time. Castle drawing is neat, with all parts labeled and spelled correctly The siege strategy is described. The site is geographically labeled. Most information is historically accurate. The bibliography has three sources. A paragraph on why your castle was built and a description of the owner is written. "A Day in the Life of..." creates historical fiction that demonstrates an understanding of the Middle Ages.

1 Point:

Project is completed. The castle is drawn, with all parts labeled. The siege strategy is described. The site has most of the geography labeled. Some of the information is historically accurate. There is a bibliography. A paragraph on the castle is written.