TEKs and Learning Objective

Learning Objective: Students will be able to evaluate and communicate how ancient civilizations developed models of the universe using astronomical structures, instruments, and tools such as the astrolabe, gnomons, and charts and how those models influenced society, time keeping, and navigation

Language Objective: Students will listen to directions from the teacher, read from online resources and discuss findings with a partner or teacher

Main Question: What are some ways ancient civilizations used the night sky?

Class Slide for 9/3 - 9/4

Ancient Civilization Project

🧠 Project Goals

Understand how ancient civilizations observed and interpreted the cosmos.
Identify tools and methods used in astronomical observations.
Evaluate the cultural, scientific, and practical impacts of early astronomy.
Communicate findings clearly through a presentation.

📋 Project Components

1. 🔎 Research Report (1-2 pages typed)

Each student (or group) will submit a short written summary of their findings that answers:

Which civilization did you study?
What astronomical tools/structures did they use (e.g., astrolabe, gnomon, star charts, observatories)?
What model(s) of the universe did they develop?
How did these models influence:
- Society and religion?
- Timekeeping?
- Navigation and exploration?
What legacy (if any) did their ideas leave on modern astronomy?

✍️ Include citations from at least 2 credible sources.

2. 🖼️ Visual Aid

Create a visual element to support your presentation:

Poster, slideshow (Google Slides, PowerPoint), or infographic
- If slideshow (preferred) please include minimum 6+ slides
  - Title slide
  - Society + Religion
  - How did they use the night sky or Sun
  - Breakdown of technology used (could have multiple slides for different ones)
  - Infographics/diagrams about each slide
  - Any other information class should know about (fun facts maybe?)
Include diagrams of tools or models (e.g., how a gnomon works)
Map, drawing or a detailed (labeled) diagram of an ancient structure (e.g., Stonehenge, Chichen Itza)

3. 🗣️ Oral Presentation (3–5 minutes)

You will present your findings to the class, highlighting:

The main astronomical concepts/tools used...
A short demonstration or explanation of one tool or concept...
How the model influenced the society and world around it...

4. 🤝 Peer Engagement & Feedback

During presentations:

Complete a Peer Feedback Form for at least 3 groups
Ask at least one thoughtful question during the Q&A portion of another group’s presentation

🔍 Suggested Civilizations / Topics

Students may choose from (or propose their own):

Ancient Egypt – sundials, star charts, Orion alignment in pyramids, religious festivals etc
Babylonians – early celestial records, zodiac development, saros cycle, predicting eclipses etc
Ancient China – lunar calendars, armillary spheres, recording comets etc
Maya civilization – El Caracol observatory, solar calendars, Chichen Itza etc
Ancient Greece – Ptolemaic system, astrolabe, geocentric/heliocentric models etc
Islamic Golden Age – preservation of Greek knowledge, celestial navigation tools, star charts etc
Stonehenge builders – solstice alignments, megalithic calendars, lunar cycles etc
Polynesian navigators – star compasses, ocean navigation, predict weather and ocean rhythm etc
Native Americans (Please pick a specific tribe) - religious practices, crop planting, navigation/migration, mythology etc

📈 Assessment Rubric (20 points total)

Category	Points
Research Accuracy & Depth	/5
Clear Explanation of Tools/Models	/4
Visual Aid Quality & Relevance	/3
Oral Presentation (Clarity, Engagement)	/4
Peer Feedback Participation	/2
Writing Mechanics & Citations	/2