Grade 5: A Curated “Kid-seum”
In Mr. Mike Willis’ history class, fifth graders stepped into the role of museum curators as they created mini exhibits showcasing one ancient Mesopotamian civilization: the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, or Neo-Babylonians. Their job was to research, design, and present an exhibit with artifacts that taught others about the significance and achievements of their chosen civilization.
Each exhibit began with a Big Idea Panel, a poster or slide that introduced the civilization and outlined when and where it existed, its major accomplishments, a key city, and at least one important geographic feature, such as a river, mountain, or plain. Students also created a map with labels to show their civilization’s location within Mesopotamia.
Students then built artifact replicas, using materials like clay, cardboard, and paint to create two items connected to their civilization, such as cuneiform tablets, steles, winged bulls, or Ishtar Gate-inspired tiles. Each artifact included a label explaining what it was, why it mattered, and how it reflected the civilization’s culture or achievements.
To complete their exhibit, students delivered an expert talk that walked their classmates through their Big Idea Panel and artifacts, explaining how each piece connected to the civilization they studied.
The Mesopotamia Museum Exhibit allowed fifth graders to think critically, synthesize their research, collaborate effectively, express their ideas creatively, and present their learning with confidence as they explored one of the world’s earliest civilizations.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
