TITLE: ˙Chess - A Game or Rules of Society?
AUTHOR: Paul Chase, Blackfoot High, ID
GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT: This lesson could be adapted to any
secondary level social studies class (Grades 7 © 12). With
some preparation, it could also be used in the higher
elementary grades also, possibly 5th and 6th grades.
OVERVIEW: Within the context of Western European History,
the changing social structure can be confusing. From the
fall of Rome to the Industrial Revolution, the social
classes and how people fit into the classes was supported by
written and unwritten law. In addition, society's
recognition of what was most valuable and therefore
attracted power and influence, has undergone much change.
To be able to more fully understand what social status and
class structure fits within which time period is a goal of
each history teacher. To this goal, this lesson is aimed.
As we watch the never ending story of the peoples in
Western Europe, the need to have a firm understanding of
their history is essential. Students need more than just
the military or political history, but also a clear picture
of the evolution of the social history that continues to
influence the interactions of the different groups within
western Europe.
This particular lesson is a one©day activity that can be
used almost any time during a Western European History Unit.
At the conclusion of the lesson, each student will be able
to identify the social classes of medieval Europe, and
utilize the chess board and pieces to understand their
relationship to each other. Introduction: (Note: this can
be done by the teacher or a previously-assigned
student or guest speaker)
RESOURCES/MATERIALS:
1) Class Textbook - Unit on Medieval Europe
2) Short report on game of chess
Teacher lecture, student report, or guest speaker
Resources: Encyclopedia; Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess,
Bantam Publishing, 1966
3) One large set of chess pieces for demonstration
(Note: Large board and pieces can be cut out of
construction paper for effective display of moves
on wall)
4) Enough chess boards to divide up class
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
Short explanation of the game of Chess, its origins and
purpose. Show and explain the pieces and their moves.
Relate the pieces to their social class and their
responsibilities: King, Queen, Knight and Rook © Nobility;
Bishop - representing the Church; Pawn - the peasant class.
The moves, rules, restrictions and importance of each piece
are very structured, much like the social system of the time
period.
Hand out chess boards, let students play. Many may be
playing for the Play Chess first time, so dividing into
teams (2 - 3 on each team) is a good idea.
Culminating Activities:
If time permits, a short quiz is a good idea as a quick
review. Or, if you do not want another paper to grade, an
oral review and summary of the pieces and their social
relationships is an excellent way to end this lesson.
Note: You may find that interest in chess may be quite
strong, and even though you must move on to other areas,
keeping the chess boards around is a wonderful break now and
then, and can be turned into an ongoing activity throughout
the semester
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John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org