New York City Department of Education
Geography and Early Peoples of the Western Hemisphere
Young historians discover the early people of the western hemisphere. The unit explores how the land changed, how it was used and homes of early Americans such as Incas, Mayans, Inuits, Aztecs, and Pueblos. Individuals also examine these...
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Civilizations: Rise To Power
Students discover details about the rise of civilizations. In this Roman history lesson, students watch "Civilizations: Rise to Power," and read primary sources from different periods of the empire's history. Students write essays that...
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Egyptian Civilization
Fifth graders explore facets of ancient Egyptian life. In this lesson on ancient civilizations, 5th graders find the location of ancient Egyptian nations on a world map and describe the climate and features. They explain how post...
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The Roman Republic
Explore the struggles, laws, and government of Early Rome. Great images and easy to follow information make this a great accent to any lecture on Ancient Rome and the Early Republic.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
The First Communities
These documents list essential questions and foundational concepts associated with early civilizations and farming communities in the agricultural revolution. Use this as a starting point for developing specific lessons and activities...
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Foundations of American Government
Fourth graders explore the origins of American government.
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Should the Ming End the Treasure Voyages?
During the first century of Chinese Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the government sent out a total of seven voyages into the Indian Ocean. Young historians will discuss, explain, role play, and compare the decisions made by rulers during the...
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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 lesson, 6th graders listen to a poem written by Langston Hughes and work cooperatively to develop a graphic organizer to...
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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...
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Agriculture and the Government
Students study the government's involvement in the U.S. A's food production and make connections relating to farm programs. In this historical agriculture instructional activity, students read content and research significant...
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Scientific and Cultural Advancements of Early China
Seventh graders explore early Chinese civilization. As pupils study Chinese history, they examine its scientific accomplishments. In partners, 7th graders create an advertisement presentation for an advancement of ancient China.
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Woodblock Printing: Early Printing Traditions in China
Students examine important role of woodblock printing in Chinese history, identify message important to them, and create woodblock prints to gain first-hand understanding of how it was used as tool for communication.
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Mesoamerica
Students demonstrate knowledge of early Middle American civilizations. They study Mesoamerican i religions, governments, and achievements. They identify geographies of North and South America.
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Geography of Early China
Students research and identify the primary geographic features of China. They investigate which features isolated China, and identify the significance of the Hwang River to Early Chinese civilizations. Finally, they research the Silk...
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Travel Agent to the Ancient World
Learners persuade others to visit ancient times. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students participate in a webquest that requires them to encourage others to visit ancient Greece, ancient Israel, Ancient Rome, ancient China,...
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Architecture and Democracy
Fifth graders contrast and compare ancient Greece to the U.S.A. In this Greek History lesson, 5th graders investigate the buildings and designs of ancient Greece, as well as their democracy and government. Students answer questions...
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The Greek Gods
What were the early Greek myths? Have elementary learners examine the Persian Wars and read various Greek myth in order to identify the cause and the results of the Persian Wars. Myths, activities, simulations, and a unit plan are links...
Teachers' Curriculum Instituted
The Roman Record
Using Google Earth, Google Docs, and other Google Tools, collaborative groups of seventh graders research and then create and share online newspapers reporting on the early development, geographical features, political issues, and family...
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Ancient Greece: Athens as a City State
Sixth graders find Greece on the map and recognize how the geography of Greece was important in its development. In this ancient Greece lesson plan, 6th graders research Greece and compare to the civilization of ancient Egypt. Students...
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An Ancient Greek and Roman Festival
Third graders label a map of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and do a written report on one element of these two cultures. They participate in discussions of food, farming, daily life and government (among others). Students use the...
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Hammurabi's Code of Laws
Young scholars explore why the need arose for laws to govern society, comparing and contrasting hunter/gatherer societies vs. agrarian societies. They write letters to the editor of the Babylonian Times, discussing their opinion of...
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social studies: Life in Colonial America
Students explore the trials and tribulations early colonial life and note its successes. Through literature, Internet research, and interactive software, they engage in various activities to evaluate early social and cultural development.
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The Rise of the City States in Greece
Sixth graders examine Ancient Greece and its development of democracy. For this Greek History lesson, 6th graders explore the rise of city-states in Greece and its overall effect on the development of democracy. The class continues with...
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Ancient Rome
In these ancient Rome worksheets, students read a passage about the gods and goddesses of ancient Rome and then underline key words from the passage. Students use the words to complete the myth about Ceres, goddess of agriculture.