Sixth-grade social studies students at Crispell just learned about the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia, and how those early societies developed and still influence our world.

 

For one of their projects, the students were asked to take the perspective of a Mesopotamian historian and use the artifact analysis technique to take a closer look at Mesopotamian artifacts.

 

Students collaborated and used inductive reasoning to identify the artifacts, discuss how and why they were made, as well as who would be using them. They also posed additional questions that they still want to investigate.

 

This project was also a lesson for students in making presentations. As group leaders presented, they focused on their presentation skills, more specifically using appropriate voice and showing life from the PVLEGS acronym – poise, voice, life, eye contact, gestures, and speed. PVLEGS is a public speaking method to help presenters improve their delivery and thereby be more dynamic and engaging for the audience. “Life” encourages them to infuse passion and emotion into their presentation through their voice.

 

It was a truly interesting project that also brought growth in the students’ public speaking skills.