Understanding the History of Civilization

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Get ready to explore the history of civilizations to find out how they developed and what they are like.

Print the Graphic Organizer - Circle Map, found in the Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar, and use it to take notes about the history of civilization.

• Have you ever used a circle map?

If not, watch the video below first.

Now, you are ready!

In the center circle of your Circle Map, write "History of Civilization." As you complete this lesson, write or draw things you learn in the other circles.

Use the questions below to help guide your thinking as you complete your map.

• How did people live long, long ago?
• What do we call the people of long, long ago?
• What are archaeologists?
• What did archaeologists learn about hunter-gatherers?
• What were the effects of agriculture or farming?
• What did people need to do to farm?
• What happened when people stayed in one place with extra food?
• What happened in the villages because there was so much food available?
• What are some examples of the kinds of work they were able to do?
• What were they able to do with the goods they made?
• What types of inventions allowed people to grow even more food?
• What effect did more food have on villages?
• How did people keep track of trades and their increasingly complicated lives?
• Through all of these changes, what did people develop?
• What is a civilization?
• What are the characteristics of a civilization — what is it like?

Now, watch the video below to learn about the history of civilization. Pause the video as you learn something new and write or draw it on the circle map.

• Were you able to fill all the circles on your map?

Great!

Keep it going in the Got It? section!