Did you know that the twelve signs of the zodiac originated in ancient Mongolia and that the ancient Mongols invented a compass in which a loadstone spoon pointed to the South? What about the fact that the ancient Chinese invented fireworks or that many Egyptian mummies were stuffed with herbs such as Frankincense, and that’s why they have been so well preserved. Perhaps you already knew that the Mayan number system is base 20 or that the Aztecs invented the rubber ball and chewing gum. Learn these facts and more at the Middle School Ancient Civilizations Fair the Tuesday before winter break, December 20.

In addition to assessments completed in each class (such as tests, essays, and other projects), every semester the Journeys Middle School participates in a project that integrates all subjects and the topics and skills developed during the semester. This semester’s project is the Ancient Civilizations Fair. This project demonstrates the semester’s theme of ancient civilizations. It also allows students to showcase the skills that they have developed throughout the course of the semester, such as researching from books and credible websites, paraphrasing, citing sources using MLA format, organization, time management, and communication. The Ancient Civilizations Fair challenges students to become experts on one specific culture, and work with a group of four to six students to complete the requirements for each of their core classes. Each exhibit, therefore, includes information about the mathematics, science, people, history, and language, of an ancient civilization. Student groups will choose to explore one of the following ancient cultures: Mayan, Japanese, Cherokee, Hebrew, Egyptian, Chinese, Mesopotamians, Aztec, Incan, early Hindus, Mycaeneans, Greeks, and Mongols. Preparation for the fair lasts a total of three days, thus requiring students to display strong communication skills and teamwork under a tight deadline.

Many visitors from the high school, elementary school as well as parents, other staff members, and friends are invited to peruse the exhibits throughout the day. Students will be exhausted after so many presentations and so much fair-going, but they will also be exceedingly proud of their work.

Save the date! Tuesday, December 20, to visit the fair. Look for more information about the Ancient Civilizations Fair in Friday Announcements.