Building+a+Wall

Name: **Stephen S. Smith** Project Title: **__Building a Wall__** Grade level: 6th Project idea:
 * Students will research why and how the Great Wall of China was built. They will investigate the reasoning for the building of wall through different dynasties and the differing reasons it continued to be built even though many lives were lost during the construction process. They will then learn how the wall was built and with what materials. The students will learn why the Chinese used the material they did and look at how it has held up over time.
 * Students will look at the modern day walls. Why do we build walls/fences today? Are walls/fences a good way to separate ones land from another?
 * Students will gain an understanding of the economic impact of trading across borders in ancient China as compared to modern time.

Driving Question: **When is it justified to build walls for political boundaries?** Content:
 * Explain how invasions, conquests, and migrations affected the building of the wall.
 * Compare historical and contemporary events and issues to understand continuity and change.
 * Explain how innovation and/or technology transformed civilizations, societies and regions over time (e.g. agricultural technology, weaponry, transportation and communication).

Major Student Product:
 * Students will investigate the pros and cons of building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
 * Students will be divided into two groups. The groups will be responsible for preparing an oral presentation that will support their opinion.
 * Students will write a letter to their congressman outlining their stance on the topic of closing the U.S. borders.