• Ms. McLure's Social Studies Page

• Mr. Willoughby's Social Studies Page

Origins Project Overview 

Innovation in History: Impact and Change

Timeline: Ancient History, from 1.5 million years ago through approximately 300 BCE

Summary:

In the Origins Project, you will study the origins of modern human beings by analyzing the findings of archeologists from around the world.  After exploring the similarities and differences between different early hominids, you will examine the characteristics of hunter-gatherer societies of the Paleolithic age, and create a prehistoric tool to solve a problem of early hunter-gatherers.  Next, you will design a museum exhibit in which you will explain how advances in metallurgy and agriculture triggered a chain reaction of events which led to the development of the first civilizations.

          Through your exploration of Mesopotamia, you will develop a series of postcards which highlight key achievements of the civilization.  Next you will study Egypt, a more advanced civilization.  You will explore political, social, religious, and artistic aspects of life in Egypt.  Finally you will review advances in writing and record keeping across different early cultures. You will conclude their unit with a special opportunity to participate in the National History Day Project by creating an independent project based on the essential question: How do innovations impact and change societies? 

Major Units/Assessments

• Human Roots in Africa – Early Humans (Quiz)
• Hunter Gatherers- “Pre-historic Tool Making” (rubric)
• Beginnings of Civilization – Museum Exhibit (rubric)
• Mesopotamia: The Fertile Crescent – Postcards (rubric)
• Egyptian Political & Social Life – Test
• History Day Presentation (rubric)

Field Trip:  We will visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston to view and analyze the Egyptian and Mesopotamian art collections on October 30^th.