Students begin the lesson by locating cities and other points of interest in the ancient world. In groups, they use the internet to research the types of ships used during this time period and discuss the reasons why trade was used. ...

Learners explore life in early Mesopotamia through a list of jobs that people taken from an ancient clay tablet found in Mesopotamia. The list is compare to jobs still performed in today's society.

Students are introduced to the various occupations in Mesopotamia. In groups, they discuss the reasons for occupations changing over time. They use the internet to research the ancient jobs of their choice and write a paper discussing...

Students explore Mayan culture. In this Mayan world cultures lesson, students identify 5 methods by which the Mayan people carried things. Students view several drawings and photographs of these items, then describe how each item was...

Students explore the importance of corn to the survival of early civilizations of the Americas. Through research and discussion activities, they read and describe how corn was used as food and currency in early civilizations. They...

Students examine the influence of the Spanish conquistadors on ancient South American Cultures. In four separate lessons, they discover the relationships of Cortes and the Aztecs, Pizarro and the Incas, Orellana and the Amazons, and...

Sixth graders investigate the role of wheat in society. In this Social Studies lesson, 6th graders explore wheat production from ancient civilizations to modern times. Students describe wheat's importance in shaping culture.

Students examine factors leading to the demise of ancient civilizations. They list causes that led to the downfall of these societies. Students conduct Internet research and participate in online archaeological investigations.

Students explore the ancient past. In this ancient civilizations activity, students research ancient events and write newspaper articles about the events. Students work in teams of 4 to produce group newspapers that feature their...

Students examine critical role that slaves, freemen, and plebeians played in the Roman Empire. They complete creative writing that addresses how the Roman class system and the use of slavery contributed to the downfall of the Roman Empire.

Students watch a video and continue with research of Ancient Rome and the quest for knowledge. They form expert groups to study one aspect of life in Ancient Rome and share with the rest of the class.

Heredity rule? Absolute power? Class members access Internet sites, view videos, and engage in a educational game to examine the achievements and leadership style of nine Roman emperors. Individuals then select one of these figures, and...

How did the expansion of the Roman Empire during the first century contribute to its downfall? Using a map of the Roman Empire in 44 BC and one of the Roman Empire in 116 AD as references, class member use critical reading skills to...

Students discuss Roman gods and goddess and give reasons the religion would be difficult to follow.  In this Roman gods and goddesses lesson, students read the Legend of Romulus and Remus and complete a chart on all of the gods and...

Learners discover the Hanging Gardens through archaeology. In this Near Eastern history lesson, students read the book, Ancient Iraq:Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Iraq's Past, by Beth Gruber, then create their own hanging garden.

Learners study Ancient India and the vocabulary, language, and everyday life associated with India. They build a time capsule representing their own world for future civilizations to discover. They create labels for each item, giving a...

Sixth graders study the culture of China by comparing it to that of the United States. They write all questions and notes in a journal. The students access the internet to obtain the information and internet sites are suggested in the...

Combine subjects with a cross-curricular writing exercise. Although limited as an engaging or interactive activity, this Medieval Europe activity has learners responding to 3 clear and simple prompts, each of which can easily lead into...

Sixth graders describe the geography of Mesopotamia, explain the characteristics of Sumerian city-states, and identify the cultural practices of the ancient Sumerians. They then explain how empires formed in Mesopotamia.

Young scholars investigate the environmental factors that threaten Timbuktu. Students investigate what measures are being taken to restore their mosques, and the condition of their ancient manuscripts. Young scholars discover information...

Get into the Olympic spirit with a resource about the values and symbols of the Olympic Games. With sections about prominent images of the Olympics, including the flame and the interlocked rings, the packet supplies engaging information...