Syrian Stories Project Guide Syrian Stories
Research & Visual Design Project
Partner Task
The Mission
Syria is a land with thousands of years of history, diverse cultures, and a complex modern story. Your task is to work with a partner to create an educational poster that teaches your classmates about both the physical nation and the humanitarian journey of Syrian refugees.
Goal 1: Country Profile
"What is Syria like as a nation?"
Goal 2: Refugee History
"Why are people leaving their homes?"
Poster Requirements
Country Profile Essentials
National Identity: Large drawing of the flag and a map showing regions and borders.Vital Stats: Population, Capital, Official Language, and Religions.Structure: Government type and Currency.Economy: Natural resources and major exports.
Refugee History Insights
The "Why": Why did they flee and when did the mass departure begin?The Risks: What did people risk if they stayed? Who was most at risk?Destinations: Where did the majority of refugees go to find safety?Key Takeaway: What is the most important thing for your classmates to know?
Design Professional Tips
Text Contrast
Never use yellow marker on white poster. Use dark colors for text so it can be read from 5 feet away.
Visual Flow
Use arrows or numbers to guide the reader through your poster in a logical order.
Show, Don't Tell
Use symbols, small illustrations, and graphs to represent data whenever possible.
Partner A: ___________________________ Partner B: ___________________________ Date: _________
Research Organizer
Complete this research sheet before you begin your poster. Every box must be filled with verified information from your provided articles and resources.
Part 1: The Nation of Syria
Official Language(s)
Population (Latest Stats)
Capital City
Type of Government
Currency Name
Main Religions
Natural Resources
Top 2-3 Exports
Part 2: The Refugee Journey
The Cause: Why did people begin to flee?
Timeline: When did the crisis start?
High Risk Groups: Who was most in danger?
The Dangers: What were the specific risks of staying vs. leaving?
The Destinations: Where did most refugees seek safety?
Syrian Stories Intro Slides Geography & Global Issues
Syrian
Stories
Researching a nation, witnessing a journey, and sharing the human side of history.
Collaborative Project
Visual Presentation
Why This Project?
Global Awareness
Understanding one of the most significant humanitarian events of our century.
Empathy through Facts
Moving beyond headlines to learn about real people and their choices.
Your Project Goals
Create a detailed Country Profile
Map the Refugee Crisis
Design an Educational Poster
Part 1: The Nation
Building a snapshot of Syria today.
Geography
• Hand-drawn Map
• Bordering Nations
• Regional Layout
Vital Stats
• Population & Language
• Religions
• Capital City
Economy
• Exports & Resources
• National Currency
• Government Type
The Humanitarian Focus
Refugee History
You will use your research articles to answer deep questions about the Syrian people's displacement.
Why & When?
The origins and timeline of the crisis.
Risks & Stakes
The danger of staying vs. the danger of leaving.
Where to?
Common destinations for families seeking safety.
What makes a Great Poster?
Accuracy
All data points are correct and sourced from your research articles.
Readability
Can people read your main headings from across the room? Is it neat?
Visual Balance
Effective use of drawings, icons, and text. Not too crowded!
Impact
Does it make people feel connected to the story of Syrian refugees?
Syrian Stories Teacher Resource Project Rubric
Syrian Stories: 8th Grade Social Studies
Max Score
40 pts
Criteria Advanced (10) Proficient (8) Needs Improvement (6) Country Profile Facts All 10 requirements included; facts are accurate and well-organized. 7-9 requirements included; facts are mostly accurate. Fewer than 7 requirements; multiple factual errors. Refugee History Analysis In-depth answers to all 6 questions; shows high empathy and insight. Answers all 6 questions clearly; basic understanding shown. Missing answers to multiple questions; superficial analysis. Visual Design & Map Map and flag are neat and hand-drawn; layout is balanced and readable. Map and flag are clear; layout is functional but slightly cluttered. Map is missing details; layout is messy or difficult to follow. Collaboration & Research Research organizer fully complete; evidence of strong teamwork. Research organizer mostly complete; evidence of fair work split. Organizer incomplete; evidence of unequal work contribution.
Suggested Pacing
Day 1
Project intro & research. Students complete the Organizer using provided articles.
Day 2
Poster design & drafting. Sketching the map and flag, planning layout.
Day 3
Finalizing poster. Adding color, ink, and presenting to small groups.
Facilitation Questions
"How does the geography of Syria (neighboring countries) affect where refugees choose to go?"
"Looking at the resources and exports, what does that tell us about the Syrian economy before the crisis?"
"What is the difference between a 'migrant' and a 'refugee' based on your research?"
"If you were looking at this poster and knew nothing about Syria, what is the #1 fact you would remember?"
Syrian Stories Gallery Walk Form Gallery Walk
Syrian Stories Peer Feedback
Student Name: __________________________
How it Works
As you tour the classroom, visit three different posters . For each poster, find one specific detail you learned about the country and one detail about the refugee crisis. Then, provide a piece of "Constructive Glow" (what they did well) or "Constructive Grow" (what could be improved).
Poster #1 (Creators: __________________________)
New Fact: Country Profile
New Fact: Refugee Journey
One thing this poster did visually well:
Poster #2 (Creators: __________________________)
New Fact: Country Profile
New Fact: Refugee Journey
One thing this poster did visually well:
Final Reflection
After seeing the work of your peers, what is one thing you would change about your own poster if you had another hour to work on it?
