Saturday, November 5, 2011

Mini Mecca Model Building!

Students modeled exemplary teamwork as they worked in teams of eight to construct a mini model of the city of Mecca--the origins of the religion of Islam--with the mosque as its focal point.  Each team member was responsible for one piece of the model including:  mosque building/rooms, minaret, muezzin, Kabah, qibla wall, Qur'an, Muslims praying on prayer rugs, and mosaic and Arabic artwork.  Students began the activity with in-depth research and note-taking using ThinkQuest, where Miss Lukins had posted a variety of pictures, photos, web site links, a flythrough 3D video of the Kabah, a video of Muslims praying, and even MP3 music of a muezzin singing the call to prayer!  Then, students sketched a "blueprint" of their piece of the model in preparation for building.  Finally, students used their creativity to construct their piece of Mecca using art supplies, paper, paper plates/cups, and more!  Students worked together to make their pieces come together to recreate their version of this important city to Muslims.  Below you will see pictures of the process and on the next blogpost you will see their finished products and reflections! Enjoy!
"Sneak Peek" at an almost finished model!

Researching and note-taking
Sketching a qibla wall (shows direction Muslims should pray)

Creative inspiration from a 3D video flythrough of the Kabah on the big screen!

Building the Kabah and its surroundings

Creating a mini Quran and its stand

A Quran on its stand

Creating colorful mosaics to decorate the walls of the mosque!

Kabah and qibla wall coming along!

Crafting a minaret (tower for the muezzin to sing call to prayer)


Using research links and online photos to aid building

Mecca coming together!

Muezzins singing atop the minarets

Muslim praying in front of the Kabah

Teamwork at its finest!

Entrance to the mosque

A peek inside to see Muslims praying

Minaret towers sky-high!

Adding the final touches...





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