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Subject

Social Studies (NYS K-12 Framework Common Core)

Anticipatory Set

We have learned that farming began during the Neolithic Period. This marked the period when civilizations developed around bodies of water. The three civilizations had many characteristics in common. Today we will begin comparing and contrasting these features.

Description

Circa 3500 B.C.E.- A.D. 320 was a period when three civilizations flourished: Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. They all developed around bodies of water. The intent of this lesson is to show the similarities and differences of these cultures.

Background

Students are expected to bring prior knowledge to this lesson. Units were taught on all three civilizations. Students have been evaluated through weekly assessments, as well as through quarterly tests on Mesopotamia, Egypt and India. Nonetheless, students still need assistance in making the connection between the three cultures.

Objective

To compare and contrast the geography, economics, and cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India.

Duration

Three 42-minute periods.

Materials

Timeliner (Computer software)

Journals (Students keep their notes)

Pencil and paper,

SMART Board setup,

Comparing and contrasting three civilizations.note

Procedure

Teacher will:
• set the stage for this lesson by going to the computer lab and making a timeline on the three civilizations taught thus far.
• discuss the relationship between the three cultures and the historical periods in which they flourished. Page two on the SMART Board is an example of the timeline, modeled for the students.
Day One:
• Students will make a three column graphic organizer on a blank sheet of paper. They should list everything they have learned on these three civilizations.
• Students will participate in the first interactive activity on the SMART Board.
• Students will sort geographic features of each civilization. Refer to page three of the SMART Board.
• Students will participate in a question and answer activity developed on the SMART Board. Refer to pages five and six of the SMART Board lesson.
Day Two:
• Students will participate in SMART Board activities related to the culture of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India.
• Students will compare and contrast the writing systems of the three cultures.
• Students will match the writing with each particular civilization. Refer to page seven of the SMART Board lesson.
• Students will identify three forms of writing. Refer to page nine of the SMART Board lesson.
• Students will compare and contrast another aspect of culture-religion.
• Students will label the country that each graphic represents. Refer to page eleven of the SMART Board lesson.
Day Three:
• Students will engage in a discussion related to the economy of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India.
• Students will recognize that the three civilizations based their economy on farming. Therefore, the need to develop their lives around the natural resource of water.
• Refer to page thirteen of the SMART Board lesson.
• Students will show that they mastered the lesson by completing the graphic organizer on page fifteen of the SMART Board lesson.
• Students will make their own organizer on a blank sheet of paper.

Related Academic Standards

New York State

SS.6.2 THE FIRST HUMANS THROUGH THE NEOLITHIC REVOLUTION IN THE EASTERN HEMISPHERE: The first humans modified their physical environment as well as adapted to their environment.

SS.6.3 EARLY RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS IN THE EASTERN HEMISPHERE (ca. 3500 B.C.E. – ca. 500 B.C.E.): Complex societies and civilizations developed in the Eastern Hemisphere. Although these complex societies and civilizations have certain defining characteristics in common, each is also known for unique cultural achievements and contributions. Early human communities in the Eastern Hemisphere adapted to and modified the physical environment.

SS.6.3.b Complex societies and civilizations share the common characteristics of religion, job specialization, cities, government, language/record keeping system, technology, and social hierarchy. People in Mesopotamia, Yellow River valley, Indus River valley, and Nile River valley developed complex societies and civilizations.

SS.6.3.b.1 Students will explore at least two river valley societies and civilizations: one in the Middle East (Mesopotamia or Nile river valley), one in South Asia (Indus river valley), or one in East Asia (Yellow river valley) by examining archaeological and historical evidence to compare and contrast characteristics of these complex societies and civilizations.

SS.6.3.c Mesopotamia, Yellow River valley, Indus River valley, and Nile River valley complex societies and civilizations adapted to and modified their environment to meet the needs of their population.

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