Civilization Lab

Introduction

🌍 Build, Rule, and Shape History!

Ever dreamed of creating your own empire, designing towering cities, or shaping the laws of an entire society? In this course, you’ll become the architect of a brand-new civilization, drawing inspiration from some of history's most influential societies—like the Inca Empire, Rome, Medieval Japan, and modern America. Each week, you’ll uncover the secrets of past civilizations, take part in interactive challenges, and apply your knowledge to bring your own world to life. Will your civilization be a peaceful utopia, a military superpower, or something never seen before? You’ll express your ideas through the creation of a Minecraft build, a D&D campaign, a board game, a novel, or even a 3D model—whatever format best brings your vision to life. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your skills in research, writing, project planning, and collaboration. In the end, you’ll present your civilization and see if it has what it takes to stand the test of time. History is yours to create—will your civilization become legendary? This expedition will have reading requirements.

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Essential Questions

How do biographies inspire us to act?

How can struggle be positive?

How can point of view change the meaning of nonfiction texts?

How can nonfiction be creative? 

What makes a civilization thrive or collapse?

How do geography and resources shape culture?

How do cultural expressions reflect the values and beliefs of a society?

How can we use historical models to imagine new societies?

Learning Objectives

Analyze how geography, government, economy, and culture influenced the rise and fall of ancient civilizations. Apply historical research and nonfiction writing techniques to create original content that reflects a fictional civilization.

Develop project management skills by organizing and completing a long-term creative project.

Communicate their ideas clearly through collaboration, discussion, and presentation.