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Making History is a civilization building game based on the development of the technologies, civics and cultures of the worlds most far reaching ancient empires. The simulation takes place on a 5'x5' map of the world which is divided into 180 territories - each with unique flora, fauna and minerals. In order to increase their population and gain new territories students must research various advancements. For example, if students have domesticable animals, such as goats, they may research them to gain a stable food supply thus allowing their population to grow.

Not all is rosy for early man, however. Every turn (roughly 2 hours of class) civilizations are struck by hurricanes, sand storms, plague or civil unrest. Each of these disasters has their own remedy, but students who fail to act will watch their society whither.

Making History incorporates reading and writing skills into their research; arithmatic in keeping track of their population growth, natural science in their study of animals, plants, minerals and biomes; interpersonal and problem solving skills for planning within their groups and negotiating with other groups.

Wildly popular with students, I believe simulations like these do for education what sports has done for exercize.

-Sensei Matt