Underground civilization

1. Project Summary

• Grade Levels: 3rd-5th or 6th-8th Grades
• Theme: Community Design, Systems Thinking, and Innovation
• Objective: Students design an underground civilization by exploring various aspects such as culture, government, architecture, technology, and economy. The project includes creating a physical or digital model that showcases their civilization’s features.
• Duration:
• Full Project: 3 weeks, 30-45 minutes per day
• Mini-Project: 5-7 days, 30-45 minutes per day
• Sprint: 2-3 days, 45-60 minutes per day

2. Standards Alignment

NGSS Standards

• 3-5 ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
• Application: Students define challenges unique to underground living, such as resource availability, transportation, and structural design.
• 3-5 ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the design problem.
• Application: Students brainstorm and test various elements of their civilization, like architecture and transportation systems.
• 3-5 ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
• Application: Students evaluate and refine their civilization’s infrastructure based on feedback and challenges faced during the project.

Common Core ELA Standards

• Writing:
• W.3.2, W.4.2, W.5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas clearly.
• W.6.7, W.7.7, W.8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources.
• Reading:
• RI.3.1–RI.8.9: Analyze informational texts, extract key details, and integrate ideas from multiple sources.
• Speaking & Listening:
• SL.3.1–SL.8.6: Engage in collaborative discussions, present information, and respond to feedback.

Common Core Math Standards

• Measurement and Data:
• 3.MD.4: Represent and interpret data related to planning a civilization.
• 6.RP.3: Use ratio reasoning to solve problems like resource distribution or space optimization.

3. Thematic Connections

• Science Concepts:
• Ecosystems: Explore sustainability challenges such as food production and waste management underground.
• Engineering: Develop structural solutions for underground living, considering pressure, light, and air circulation.
• Math Integration:
• Geometry: Designing buildings and transportation systems using 3D shapes.
• Measurement: Calculating dimensions for spaces and resource needs.
• Social Studies Integration:
• Civics: Create systems of governance and explore how laws and community standards evolve in unique conditions.
• Economy: Develop trade systems and analyze how resources are shared in a constrained environment.
• ELA Integration:
• Writing narratives and descriptions of their civilization’s culture, government, and innovations.
• Reading about historical civilizations to understand their development and decline.

4. Benefits of Project-Based Learning

Grades 3-5

• Critical Thinking: Encourages students to solve complex, real-world problems creatively.
• Interdisciplinary Connections: Combines science, math, social studies, and literacy in a meaningful project.
• Empathy Development: Helps students consider the needs and challenges of an underground community.

Grades 6-8

• Systemic Thinking: Encourages advanced analysis of interdependent systems within the civilization.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Promotes teamwork as students collaborate on a large-scale project.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Develops research and analytical skills through iterative testing and refinement.

5. Additional Benefits

• Engagement: The imaginative theme of an underground civilization motivates and excites students.
• Innovation and Creativity: Encourages out-of-the-box solutions to complex challenges.
• Skill Development: Enhances collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

6. Implementation Examples

• Week 1:
• Discuss components of civilizations (e.g., government, culture, technology).
• Brainstorm and define key challenges of an underground civilization.
• Week 2:
• Begin designing models, either digitally (e.g., Minecraft) or physically (e.g., clay, cardboard).
• Test initial concepts and refine based on peer feedback.
• Week 3:
• Finalize designs, create detailed presentations, and evaluate each civilization using a rubric.
• Present projects and reflect on the learning process.

7. Why This Project is Perfect for Grades 3-8

• Grades 3-5: Introduces complex systems in an accessible way, fostering foundational skills in problem-solving and collaboration.
• Grades 6-8: Allows for deeper exploration of abstract concepts like governance, trade, and sustainability, while reinforcing research and analytical skills.

The "Underground Civilization" project provides a comprehensive, standards-aligned framework for engaging students in creativity, engineering, and systems thinking while exploring essential aspects of society and innovation.