Origins and spread of the Renaissance, cultural activity of the Renaissance, the origins of the Reformation, the influences of the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation
Medieval Europe unit contains 4 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Medieval Europe Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Medieval Europe: Geography and Environment
Students begin with a brief review of what they know about major geographical features of Europe. Then, they work in small groups to research specific types of European geographical features, such as mountains, waterways, and climate. Next, they read about the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age, two marked climatic changes that had major effects on European history. Finally, they learn about medieval European life and its connection to geography.
Medieval Europe
Students express their initial impressions of the medieval period. Then, they gain information from a video and a text on major medieval institutions including feudalism. They explain the causes and effects of the growth of medieval cities. Finally, they discuss whether they would have wanted to live in medieval times, and why.
The Role of the Church and the Crusades
Students begin the experience with a gripping and perhaps troubling video about the Crusades. They explore more deeply the role and structure of the medieval Catholic Church, the role of religious orders, and the unique situation of Muslim Spain and Portugal. Then they return to the Crusades, describing the effects and explaining their views on why those effects were positive or negative.
The Late Middle Ages
Students learn about the roles of the Magna Carta and English common law in the expansion of individual liberty in Western civilization. Then, they move forward in time to explore the Black Death and explain its causes and effects. Finally, they create a piece of descriptive writing about the Black Death.
