Cleopatra Research and Script Project

Immerse your students in the captivating world of ancient Egypt with the Cleopatra Script Project—a dynamic and engaging educational resource ideal for both middle and high school classrooms. This comprehensive activity features step-by-step instructions, project worksheets, and informative reference guides, all thoughtfully crafted to inspire curious minds while deepening their knowledge of Cleopatra. This project transforms history lessons into interactive experiences that foster creativity and critical thinking. Perfect for group work or individual exploration, the Cleopatra Script Project is a great choice for educators seeking to bring ancient history to life.

Cleopatra VII (69–30 BCE) was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt. She was known for her intelligence, political skill, and alliances with powerful Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Her reign ended with Egypt becoming a province of Rome after her death.

I don't know about you, but my students LOVE talking about their favorite movies and TV shows. This product is designed for students to work together to create a short movie script about Cleopatra. They will research her life and the time period in which she lived and will write their script based on what they learned.

There are seven steps in this project-most need many class periods to complete.

1. Introduction-introducing the project and students begin brainstorming.

2. Research-students answer research questions about Cleopatra and the time period in which she lived. They will learn about major events in her life, what the food was like during the time period, the clothing, setting and more.

3. Character Profiles-students collaborate to create their characters. They talk about what they think Cleopatra was like. They also create three supporting characters for their script.

4. Script Outline-students work together to talk through the main points in a story outline (i.e. climax, rising and falling action, etc.)

5. Writing the Script-students work in their groups to write their script. They are given a rubric and a "Script Writing Paper" which gives them ideas on how to get started and some points when writing a script.

6. Movie Poster-students use their creativity to make the title for their movie, a tag line and a poster to 'advertise' for their movie.

7. Pitch-students are given a rubric and they will 'pitch' their movie to the 'board of directors' (the class). They will present a portion of their script and try to persuade the group to vote for their movie to progress in the 'movie making process.'

This product includes:

1. Teacher Directions-including prep info and materials needed

2. Teacher procedure

3. Teacher tips

4. “Introduction” worksheet

5. Research Packet 

6. “Character Profiles” Packet 

7. “Script Outline” worksheet

8. “Writing a Script” and Ideas worksheet

9. “Script Rubric” 

10. “Movie Poster” worksheet

11. “Pitch Rubric” 

12. “Pitch Notes” 

Materials Needed:

• Pencil

• Copy of “Introduction” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)

• Copy of “Research” Packet for each student (INCLUDED)

• Copy of “Character Profiles” Packet for each student (INCLUDED)

• Copy of “Script Outline” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)

• Copy of “Script Writing” Paper for each group (INCLUDED)

• Copy of “Script Rubric” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)

• Copy of “Movie Poster” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)

• Copy of “Pitch Rubric” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)

• Copy of “Pitch Notes” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)

• Ability to do research (computers, etc.)

• Optional: Coloring utensils

Join my email list here to learn about ways to encourage students to experience the content!

You can also follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at edventureswithmrsd@gmail.com.

Thank you!