Ms. Leal's 3rd and 4th grade class completed civilization projects, learning about natural resources and trade.

After nearly two months of planning and working, the students of Ms.
Leal's 3rd and 4th grade class proudly displayed their completed
civilization projects to schoolmates, family and friends.

The students had initially expressed an interest in the project while
learning about natural resources and trade in social studies. The idea
was expanded to include five of the main elements of a society: geography,
politics, economy, culture, and technology. The students completed
several smaller assignments that became part of the larger presentation.
Some of the assignments included drawing a land and resource map, creating
a list of laws and consequences, describing a holiday celebrated by the
civilization, building a model shelter, inventing currency, and creating
an overview web.

The students enjoyed the opportunity to build their own societies and they
learned a lot.

"I learned that civilizations are places that need many things to keep
them up and running." -Tyrese

"I learned that some places don't always have what they need so they need
to import. And if they have too much they need to export." - Nicholas

"I learned that it would be hard to be a leader because you have to take
care of everyone." - Harrison

"I've learned that not all civilizations are the same…" - Jamison