NameStudent #

Homeroom/Block

Mesopotamian Treasure Chest Research Project

Mesopotamian Treasure Chest

Greetings fellow historians!

As our class travels through the Ancient Civilizations of Mesopotamia and the First Empires, you, an archaeologist, and your partner, an anthropologist, will be creating a treasure chest filled with artifacts and fossils that shows the importance of these civilizations to the lucky person who discovers the coffer.

PART I: Obtain a Treasure Chest

Select a treasure chest and decorate it. Your container should reflect the time period between 3000 B.C. (B.C.E.) and 500 B.C. (B.C.E.)

Part II: Encase Your Treasures

While I trust your expertise and decision making, you should consider that your classmates want to be astounded so make sure you include specimens that are exciting and different. Do not rely solely on the textbook. We will have time in the computer lab to further investigate these societies. Your treasure chest needs to include the following:

At least two(2) artifacts or fossils that give information about the geography of this region;

At least two(2) artifacts or fossils that give information about life during this civilization. This – may include specimens that give information about families, housing, social classes and jobs;

At least two(2) artifacts or fossils that give information about how this area was governed;

At least two(2) artifacts or fossils that give information about the religion. This may include gods/goddesses, temples, and beliefs of the people who lived in Mesopotamia.

At least five(5) artifacts or fossils that give information about theaccomplishments and inventions(think science, literature, art, technology)from this civilization.

Part III: Apply the Importance of Your Treasure to Society

After filling your chest with all that you believe is important to the Mesopotamian Civilization, choose one specimen from each category to write about. Your written description must be typed and will include the following information:

1)The name of your artifact/fossil;

2)Why you chose to include the artifact/fossil in your cache;

3)Why the artifact/fossil was important to the Mesopotamian Civilizations;

4)What significance/impact the artifact/fossil has on today’s society.

Part IV: Presentations

When you have completed the assignment, you will be sharing your treasure chest with the class. Your fellow historians are an inquisitive group so you and your partner need to be prepared to answer questions from the group about what you are presenting and why you chose your items.

Part V: Final Evaluation - Essays

Lastly, you will need to demonstrate your knowledge about Mesopotamia’s civilizations by responding to BOTH of the following two essays. Essays must be typed (1” margins, 12 point font, double spaced) and have the proper heading (don’t forget to put both names)

1.Name three (3) achievements of Mesopotamian civilizations and tell why each achievement was important to society.

2. How was the geography of Mesopotamia suited for the growth of population and creation of a civilization?

Part VI Grading Rubric

You will be graded as follows:

Points Possible
Students’ treasure chest reflects the appropriate time period / 5
Two geography specimens / 10
Two society (life) specimens / 10
Two government specimens / 10
Two religion specimens / 10
Five accomplishments and invention specimens / 25
Description and importance of one specimen from each category / 20
Presentation with pertinent information / 10
Essay 1: Achievements with relevance to society / 15
Essay 2: Explains why the geography was well suited for growth / 10
TOTAL / 125