Lesson
Plan: The Invasions
Overview
In keeping with the theme of understanding the transition
from one type of society to the next as described in
the state standards, this lesson shows how the invasions
of Germanic tribes during the Middle Ages helped bring
about the changes that ended once and for all the ancient
times and ushered in the medieval period. Students will
accomplish the following:
-
Read and see the movement of the invasions
-
Learn the various improvements in technology brought
by the new groups of people
-
Complete a project that illustrates those improvements
and explain how Europe changed
Standards Addressed
Grade 7
Social Studies — History, Benchmark C
04. Explain the lasting effects of military
conquests during the Middle Ages.
Procedure
-
As a class, read and discuss the enclosed handout,
Background: The Invasions. More attention should
be given to the understanding of the development
of feudalism, rather than to the specific invasions.
-
For additional resources, reference the photos
and video clips found at www.WesternReservePublicMedia.org/middleages/resources.htm.
-
After discussion, begin the creation of a catalog
that illustrates the new products brought into Europe
by the invaders. These products are discussed in
the last three paragraphs of the handout. Be sure
that one group or individual advertises the idea
of feudalism, since that is a major change brought
about by the barbarian invasions. The page “Sample
Advertisement” gives an example of this exercise.
-
Students may work in groups or pairs, or each student
can select a product to advertise individually.
The advertisement should show an illustration of
an advanced technology such as the yoke. It also
should include a description of why the advance
is important, what it can do for society, its cost
and its ordering information.
-
Finished individual pages can be posted around
the room or hallways, or combined into a catalog,
to help students understand the many advancements
brought about by the invaders.
Evaluation
Rubric for Grading Advertisement
| |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
| The ad explains changes
brought about by the invasions. |
The change is explained well and is historically
correct and informative. |
The change is explained and is historically correct. |
The change is present but there are problems with
the explanation. |
The ad doesn’t teach anything regarding
the changes brought about by the invasions. |
| The ad includes an illustration,
either original or clip art. |
The illustration helps teach the concept of what
was developed. |
The illustration is about the Middle Ages. |
The illustration is correct, but doesn’t
show much effort. |
The illustration is missing or completely inappropriate. |
| The presentation of the work shows effort
and pride. |
Work is very neat, with good sentences,
good grammar and correct spelling. |
Work is neat and has no more than one writing
or spelling error. |
Work is readable but has two or more writing or
spelling errors. |
Work is immature in presentation and shows no
pride
or effort. |
|
