Ancient Civilizations – Physical Geography

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Ancient civilizations developed, in part, because of their locations and physical geography.

In this lesson, you will explore the impact of physical geography on four ancient civilizations.

• Mesopotamia
• Egypt
• India
• China

Think about the following questions as you work through these materials on ancient civilizations.

• Where were the earliest civilizations located?

• What effects did physical geography have on these civilizations?

Use the resources below to study ancient civilizations. Remember to focus on the impact of location and physical geography on the civilizations.

Use the Graphic Organizer – 4 Column Chart found in the Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar to take notes on the location and impact of physical geography on each of these four ancient civilizations.

Write the name of the civilization at the top of each column and use bullets or numbers in the columns to record the information you find. Suggested answers are on the Ancient Civilizations – Physical Geography Suggested Answer Key also found in the Downloadable Resources. You may have more information than the Answer Key!

First, read about Mesopotamia, and then watch the video below.

Next, read about Ancient Egypt - Life Along the Nile, and then watch the video below.

Now, read about the Early Civilization in the Indus Valley, and then watch this next video.

Finally, read about the Shang Dynasty - China's First Recorded History, and then watch the video below.

Keep it going in the Got It? section.