Syracuse University
Ancient World Writing System
Most twenty-first century pupils don't know how to interpret cuneiform. Examining images of cuneiform and papyrus writing and using a chart and Venn diagram, young historians extrapolate what life may have been like for people who lived...
Curated OER
The Cuneiform Writing System in Ancient Mesopotamia: Emergence and Evolution
Students research the parallel development and complexity of writing and civilization in ancient Mesopotamia. In this ancient Mesopotamia lesson, students analyze the Cuneiform writing system in ancient Mesopotamia and how the...
Curated OER
The Emergence and Evolution of the Cuneiform Writing System in Ancient Mesopotamia
Students explore the parallel development and increasing complexity of writing and the growth of civilization in the Tigris and Euphrates valleys in ancient Mesopotamia.
Time Warp Trio
The Seven Blunders of the World
Learners explore the cultures and civilizations of Mesopotamia. They take a look at the factors that shaped the region, and study the history of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and other ancient wonders of the world. The class is divided...
Curated OER
Ancient Tablets, Ancient Graves: Accessing Women's Lives in Mesopotamia
Students explore the role of women in ancient Mesopotamia. Several excerpts from the Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets and artifacts are analyzed to determine the treatment, rights, and powers of women in this era.
Curated OER
The History of Writing
The history of written communication can be an interesting addition to history lessons.
Curated OER
Ancient Mesopotamia
Students locate ancient Mesopotamia on a map. They examine the religion, government and the development of writing. They write and draw pictographs and cuneiform writing. They create a class book based on their investigations.
Curated OER
Papyrus
Students study what papyrus was and what it was used for. Students explore how papyrus was made, and the two writing systems hieroglyphics and cuneiform.
Curated OER
Words into Pictures
Students discover the history of writing through images, and the universal themes that are still relevant. In this communications lesson, students analyze a group of symbols on the black board and must translate them into a complete...
Curated OER
An Ancient Revolution: The Written Word
Students explore the impact of written communication. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students investigate communication from ancient Sumer and discuss its relevance today. Students watch a multimedia presentation about cuneiform...
Curated OER
Africa Review
Seventh graders trace the major events in African history. In this social studies lesson students, create a flowchart depicting the things they learned during this lesson. Students understand the chronology of major events that took...
Curated OER
Ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian Writing
Middle schoolers research cuneiform and hieroglyphics from the internet and use educational software to create their own cuneiform tablet in this excellent World History lesson. The use of the computer software program Inspiration 7.5...
Curated OER
Taking the Mystery Out of Mesopotamia
Students locate Mesopotamia on the map and explain the importance of its location. In this Mesopotamia lesson, students understand why the new discoveries of Mesopotamia were so important to civilization. Students participate in...
Curated OER
Mesopotamian Tablet, Egyptian Art
First graders examine cuneiform writing from a stone tablet, then write a simple sentence using pictographs. They analyze various examples of Egyptian art, construct a model of an Egyptian boat, and create a class painting using glyphs...
Curated OER
Passages of Man and Word
Third graders explore transportation and written communication prior to the Renaissance.
Curated OER
Remains of the Day
Students consider how archaeologists discovered and pieced together artifacts that indicate a Celtic presence in ancient Turkey. They research ancient civilizations and create archaeological digs containing items representative of these...
Curated OER
Write From the Beginning
Students discuss the earliest form of writing, pictographs and view several examples. They then create their own hieroglyphics and write a short story using them. They then create and label a timeline including methods of writing prior...