MEDIEVAL EUROPE WEB QUEST

Scenario 

You are a person from Medieval Europe. The King has decided that he wants to know more about what is going on in the Kingdom and has selected you as a representative of your role in the social order.  You need to research and be ready to report back to the King’s advisor. You must be honest, but tread warily, as you must maintain respect and honour for your liege.

Task  

Investigate life in Medieval Europe, including social and political structure, leaders, religion and culture.

You will be expected to outline what daily life is like for men, women and children in your group using sources showing aspects of daily life such as clothing, housing, work, leisure, food and worship. You also need to describe and comment on (assess) the relationship of your group with other social groups.

You may work together with others who have been selected in your group or class, that is;

     I.        the nobles or ruling class

   II.        knights

 III.        the church

 IV.        tradespeople or merchants,

   V.        or if you are a peasant or serf…

Alternately, if you want to, you may work with others who live in the same environment, that is, in a town, on a manor, in a monastery or in a castle.

You will be asked to present your information using a Keynote presentation, with a 1 minute hot seat question time for each member of your group about their position in Feudal life.

Process 

1)     Work in groups of 3 or 4

2)    You will have 3 class lessons to gather and record your information for the King

3)    Each group will assign different persons to specific aspects of Medieval life, such as clothing, housing, work, leisure, food and worship.  If you have time, you can include other aspects.

4)    Each member will select at least 3 primary and/or secondary sources (such as diagrams, written records, images, maps, artefacts) that you will use as evidence to support your presentation.

5)    A list of sources consulted during research and a comment on their usefulness should be included.

Class Assessment Criteria

You will be assessed on

Your ability to research accurate information on a set topic

Your ability to analyse and synthesise

Your ability to convey information in an informative and empathetic manner

Your ability to use ICT and oral skills

Your ability to work independently and together in a team

RUBRIC

Learn about:     

•           the way of life in Medieval Europe (social, cultural, economic and political features), and the roles and relationships of different groups in society (ACDSEH008)

Learn to:

•           identify the extent and key sites of Medieval Europe

•           describe everyday life of men, women and children in Medieval European society

•           outline key cultural, economic and political features of Medieval European society

•           using a range of sources, identify the roles and relationships of key groups in Medieval European society         

Usefulness means asking questions about a source such as:

• Is it a reliable source?
• Is there enough information and sufficient detail to help me answer the inquiry question?
• Does the information support and reinforce evidence from other sources?
• Is it balanced or does it present one point of view?
• Is it based on fact or opinion?
• Is the information current?

Resources  

Textbook

Oxford Insight History 8: Chapter 8.1 and 8.2 (pp. 58–87)

Digital resources

• Starting point for what is Medieval Europe http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/cultures/europe/medieval_europe.aspx
• Basic definition of feudalism http://www.thefreedictionary.com/feudalism
• Aspects of life in Medieval Europe http://www.lordsandladies.org/life-in-middle-ages.htm
• Aspects of life in Medieval Europe http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/medieval_peasants.htm
• Aspects of life in Medieval Europe http://pengzi.maruzen.com/ian/m_europe/index_1.htm
• Aspects of life in Medieval Europe
• http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-life/
• Aspects of life in Medieval Europe http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/medieval_church.htm