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Early Humans Teacher Resources
Find teacher approved Early Humans educational resource ideas and activities
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Study the wonder and science that leads us to our human past. From Darwin and Huxley's assertions regarding the origin of the species to the discoveries at Oldivi Gorge, this PowerPoint is sure to interest your class. They'll learn about early hominids such as Homo Erectus, Homo Habilis, and Neanderthal, not to mention the interesting genetic evidence that makes it all true. Definitely geared for a high school audience.
Learners examine the cause and effect relationship between geography and ancient civilizations. After reading an article, they determine how new findings can help scientists examine the migration patterns of these civilizations. Using the internet, they research how climate and geography affected prehistoric humans and create their own dioramas. They reflect on these issues in their journals.
Students explore how people in earlier times used art as a way to record stories and communicate ideas by studying paintings from the Cave of Lascaux and other caves in France. Three lessons on one page.
Students research theories of human evolution. In this evolution lesson, students use the Internet to learn more about theories explaining the development of Homo sapiens. They act as anthropologists and write a two-page magazine article explaining human origins.
Students explore the world of paleoanthropology and how scientists trace the origins, migrations and lifestyle of prehistoric humans.
Sixth graders read about the different types of Humanoid. They examine the different cultural beliefs and their own personal beliefs about evolution. They research the species using the scientific theory about evolution.
Learners read online information and identify relevant information about a particular dinosaur species, assume the personality of a specific dinosaur species, and write online "getting to know you" letters to other student-dinosaurs in the class. They study and write the basic parts of a personal letter. They swap letters and write replies.
Eighth graders examine prehistoric terrain. For this geography lesson, 8th graders discover necessary resources for settlers. Students work in small groups to create a trail crossing the state of Kansas.
Students explore prehistoric times by completing web activities in class. In this human ancestry lesson, students identify the archaeological discovery of the "Lucy" skeleton and what it meant for science. Students investigate the Leakey Foundation website and analyze a news article about the discovery before summarizing it in written form.
Learners investigate the origin of tools. For this history of tools and human needs lesson, students view a portion of "2001 Space Odyssey" in which apes pick up bones and use them in various ways. Learners manipulate and explore simple objects and brainstorm ways in which they could be used as tools. Students generate a definition of "tool" based on this experience, then complete a handout about human survival with a small group.