Curated OER
Ancient Cultures
Students develop archeological skills in order to explain how scientists determine what ancient cultures were like. They develop an appreciation of the work that is involved in finding out about our past.
Curated OER
The Importance of Rivers in the Development of Early Civilizations Importance of Rivers in the Development of Early Civilizations
Sixth graders explore the role of rivers in the construction of early civilizations. In this importance of rivers instructional activity, 6th graders listen to a poem written by Langston Hughes and work cooperatively to develop a graphic...
University of Pennsylvania
Canaan and Ancient Israel
Planning for your next activity on ancient Israel, but not sure where to start? Check out this assortment of activities to help get the ball rolling. It includes a range of ideas on topics, such as Greek and Egyptian mythology,...
Curated OER
Going Greek
Third graders learn about the life of a young boy in Greece and all about his cultural heritage. Pupils gather information about the history, culture, and the many influences the ancient Greeks had on modern day society. Terrific video...
Curated OER
The Roman Empire
Fourth graders identify the reasons behind the fall of the Roman Empire and describe the changes that occurred after the fall of the Roman Empire.
Curated OER
An Ancient Odyssey
Students identify both the traditional myths and historical facts that are associated with geographical locations in ancient Greece. They create a "Travel to Ancient Greece" display to present their findings.
Curated OER
Aztec History
Students explore facets of Aztec history. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students map landmarks in Mexico, read excerpts from The Sad Night: The Story of an Aztec Victory and a Spanish Loss, by Sally Mathews and design concept...
Yummy Math
Happy 14th B’ak’tun, the start of the next Great Mayan cycle
The ancient Mayans had a complex calendar and number system with a rich history. In fact, the date 12/21/2012 was the center of much controversy as to whether or not it was the end of time. It wasn't the end of time, but...
Curated OER
The Eagle Has Landed: Aztecs Find a Home
Pupils examine the Aztec civilization in what is now Mexico. Using a map, they locate the empire and explain the legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan. They explore the symbols on various Mexican flags and what they meant to the Aztec...
Curated OER
Meso-America
Students will identify and locate Central and South America and their countries and features, as well as Meso-American civilizations. Students will compare civilizations and discuss voyages of relevant explorers.
Curated OER
Vikings in Vinland
Young scholars examine the role of archaeology in gaining information about past civilizations. After reading an article, they discover evidence of the Viking settlement of North America. They summarize the information in the article...
Curated OER
The Four Corners Region of the United States Cultures, Ruins and Landmarks
Students who live in the inner city are introduced to the four corners region of the United States. In groups, they examine how the region differs compared to where they live and their culture. They develop maps of the area and locate...
Curated OER
The Alphabet is Historic
Students describe how the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans passed down the alphabet through the generations. They compare and contrast the letters from early alphabets to the one of today and discuss how they are different. Using a map,...
Curated OER
Traveling the Silk Road
Students take a virtual trip down the Silk Road. Using a map, they trace the location of the trade route and others that were developed later. They use different spices and goods to trace how they came to the Americas. They answer...
Curated OER
Let's Spice It With Pepper
Students identify and locate the areas in which pepper and spices orginated. On a map, they locate the areas and write the name of the spice that is found there. They use historical events to trace its route to the Americas. They...
Curated OER
Visual Arts - Overview - April
Third graders investigate the architecture of Ancient Rome, The Pont du Gard, an aqueduct in Nimes, France; The Pantheon and Trajan's Column in Rome; and various triumphal arches throughout the land that was once the Roman Empire are the...
Ocean Explorer
Looking for Clues
Upper graders become "shipwreck detectives" by studying the debris field from a shipwreck in the Aegean Sea which took place in the 700s. A website is accessed that gives specific information about the debris field, and pairs of...
Curated OER
Spark Activity: Counting Laps
Students move around a makeshift "track" set up by the teacher, moving around it as many times as they can before the stop signal. Students begin by power walking and slow-jogging, then build up speed as they proceed. Students call out...