Neolithic Agricultural Revolution

The Neolithic Agricultural Revolution was a crucial era in man’s history. Once man learned how to domesticate animals, settle in permanent communities and grow his own food, his potential for development and productivity increased dramatically. Man learned how to use animals not only for their hide, milk and meat, but they also learned how to use animals for labor. They developed the necessary skills and tools for irrigation of crops which allowed them to remain sedentary and to sustain a larger population. Developing these skills, and taming fire, were two of the most pivotal events in human history.

One way to help students understand the differences between nomadic and sedentary people is to have them create side by side dioramas which depict these two ways of life. Students will enjoy using twigs, grass, action figures and the like to create their scenes.

It can be difficult for students to imagine a world without the ubiquitous technology we enjoy today. Give students different scenarios (build a structure for a dry climate or a rainy climate, irrigate crops, etc . . .), and have them make tools out of basic materials such as toothpicks, straws, sticks, etc . . . They will be amazed at what a challenge this can pose and how creative they will need to be.

Have students create a skit in which they depict the different ages of early man. The first act should illustrate the daily life of early fire users, the second act should show Neanderthals (early community builders) and the final act should depict Cro-Magnons (“modern” humans). Another way to have students master an understanding of this pre-history is to have them create cave paintings on large pieces of butcher paper. They should show the progression of man and technology through these eras in their artwork. What follows are more lesson plans about the Neolithic period.

Neolithic Agricultural Revolution:

Early Humans
This lesson focuses on developing students’ understanding of prehistory as well as helping them to understand the different groups of early humans. Students will become familiar with the Paleolithic, Ice, Neolithic and Bronze ages as well as with the characteristics that define a civilization.

The Evolution from Paleolithic to Neolithic
This lesson gives students practice with classifying groups of people in terms of their traits. Students will compare and contrast the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic people in terms of physical characteristics, tools, technology, culture and daily life.

Cave Painting
Students will create their own cave painting in the style of early man. They will learn about how the content of cave paintings can lead to a deeper historical understanding of Paleolithic and Neolithic peoples.