7th Grade: History Books

Essential Question: How can you create an interesting book about a time period in History using the Elements and Principles of Design?

History Books

When visiting the Library, ever notice how many different types of books there are? Reading books are usually bigger and thinner, while novels are smaller and thicker. Most of them are made by binding one end and adhering the pages to the binder.

This is not the only way to bind books though.

Throughout history, different cultures have made variations of books in many different ways throughout the ages.

Slat books were the first kind of books, made in China. They were made of strips of bamboo that were held together by cord. This is were the Chinese custom of writing from top to bottom began. The books were either rolled up for storage, or folded like an accordion.

Papyrus scrolls in Egypt were made from papyrus which is made from the papyrus plant that grows in the Nile River. The stems are cut and sliced into thin strips which are laid on top of each other in two layers- one horizontal and one vertical. The paper is then pressed together so the paper is bound together.

Scrolls were also used as books in ancient Greece and Rome, but there were no pictures like the ancient Egyptians used. They were just writings on scrolled paper.

History Books

The first part of this assignment will be to research a unique book- like an accordion book, and do a quick presentation on the book, including the background on where the book was made and why it was made. Include interesting facts on how the book was made as well.

A.    Choose a period in history to learn about and take notes on.

Some examples are:

            Ancient Egypt              Ancient China             Medieval Europe

            Ancient Rome              Ancient Greece            Baroque                                                                      Prehistoric Times   Mayan                        

B.     Break that period in history down in to 5 major events or characteristics that happened during that time period and their significance.

***MAKE SURE YOU USE MLA FORMAT TO SITE YOUR SOURCES***

-Need at least 2 book references, and 3 internet sources.

Example: Ancient Egypt

1.   Pyramids Built

2.   Tomb Robbers

3.   Battle

4.   Merchants

5.   Fall of Ancient Egypt

C.     Do a rough draft of how you will illustrate and lay out the books. This should be done on drawing paper.

a.      Make notes on the rough drafts, including citing your sources. Print out pictures and tape or glue them to the rough drafts.

D.    Choose a book layout from the “Book Layout Packet” to create your book.

a.       You may practice the layouts on drawing paper first, then use bigger paper to create the books.

E.     Start illustrating and putting your books together. You may not use pictures printed from internet or removed from books/newspapers/periodicals (magazines) in your books- everything is to be hand-drawn (this is ART CLASS J).

a.      USE Stick Glue, MARKERS AND COLORED PENCILS

                                                              i.      Crayons and pastels will smear.

b.      Use the Elements and Principles of design in your layout.