Destination Medieval Times

THE PROGRAM: For approximately two weeks, students explore different facets of Medieval life and create projects to display on the night of a Medieval banquet. Students explore, learn and create the following projects during Medieval week: In science, ink is created from berry juice; in language arts, parchment paper is created from tea bags, and the students' berry ink is used to write specific writing assignments; in social studies, scale models of castles and cathedrals are created; in math, stained glass windows are designed to scale; in physical education, simple acrobatic tricks are learned; in art, bricks are made for the outside of the castle using shading techniques; in music, orchestra students learn Medieval chamber music; in special education, a mural of Sherwood Forest is drawn to display in the outer courtyard. In several of the disciplines, outside research projects are required and these too are displayed at the banquet.

The culminating event is the Medieval banquet. Students are given several ways to partici pate: being a chess piece in the live chess game, a merchant selling wares, a minstrel telling a story, an acrobat performing at the banquet, or a knight to be knighted during the banquet by the King and Queen.

THE STUDENTS: Ninety sixth grade students. Ability levels range from Title One to above average students. The project can be adapted to any time period and in any discipline because food and celebration are a part of every era. All of these projects stimulate creativity beyond the scope of the mandated curriculum.

THE STAFF: This program needs the support of all administrators, team members, special area teachers, parents, and custodial staff.

THE MATERIALS: The materials necessary for the night of the banquet include: a cafeteria, many roles of masking tape, large manila paper for the chess board, audio visual materials, and art supplies.

MATERIALS & FACILITIES: Each year the whole sixth grade takes a field trip to Medieval

Times in Lyndhurst, NJ. During this field trip, the students have the opportunity to participate in an authentic Medieval banquet. A bibliography of resources will be made available in the project packet.

OVERALL VALUE: The use of this project provides a hands-on experience with this time period and fosters creativity beyond the scope of the curriculum. It is an excellent vehicle for bringing students, parents and the community together to praise the children's accomplish ments and rejoice in their learning.

RECOMMENDED FUNDING: approximately $300.00

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

DEVELOPER: Annmarie Uhl and
Margaret Castellano

SCHOOL: Haverstraw Middle School

Grant Street
Haverstraw, NY 10927
(914) 942-3400

PRINCIPAL: Raymond Hagadorn

DISTRICT: North Rockland Central School District

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