Curated OER
Trade in the Ancient Mediterranean
Students begin the lesson by locating cities and other points of interest in the ancient world. In groups, they use the internet to research the types of ships used during this time period and discuss the reasons why trade was used. ...
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Enduring Influence: Rome, Greece, and Byzantium
Students explore ancient cultures. In this ancient history lesson, students view programs that depict the ancient Roman, Greek, and Byzantine cultures. Students consider how archaeologists, geologists, and scientists have uncovered the...
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Digging Deep
Students investigate the job description for archeologists and share their findings with the class. They research a current archeological dig and present their material to the class.
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Stone Tool Scavenger Hunt
Students use the internet to research the various types of stone tools used by natives. Using this information, they create a chart describing each tool and its usage. In groups, they share their charts with others and answer...
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The Empires of Early Africa
Students view the video "Empires of Early Africa." They are asked: Who was Nefertiti? They review the facts about Akhenaten and Nefertiti. Students discuss how archaeologists looked for clues to determine the identity of the mummy...
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Kincaid Creatures
Students brainstorm a list of nocturnal and diurnal wild animals they see in their community and discuss how the animals would be different if they were living during the Ice Age. Using a handout, they discover how archeologists record...
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What Lies Beneath
Students conduct Internet research on the history and archaeological excavations at historical Jamestown. They explore various websites, and develop a Powerpoint presentation to present to the class.
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The Atlatl System
Fifth graders are introduced to the atlatl system and how to test and control variables. In groups, they use the Internet to research how the system has changed over time. They test various variables and record their results in a graph...
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Pre-European Cultures of the Upper Mississippi River Valley
Fifth graders locate the Mississippi River Valley on a map. In groups, they use the internet to research the prehistoric periods of this area. They also examine artifacts and pictures and place them into chronological order. They...
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The Institutions of Government: The Judiciary
Learners explain the difference between tribal, state and federal sovereignty. Using the internet, they read Supreme Court cases that focus on Native American law. They compare and contrast the view of the case from the Native...
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Mound Math
Students examine the many different burial mounds in Wisconsin. In groups, they use the internet to discover how long it took to build a specific mound. They must calculate the measurements of the mound to make a scale model.
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Stratigraphy -- Layers of Time in the Earth
Students are introduced to the process of stratification. Using the internet, they read about the Richard Beene archeological site near San Antonio. Using a map, they color code the different layers present at this site and answer...
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Pottery, Porcelain, And Posterity
Students research and discuss the various ceramic techniques foudn throughout China's history using primary source documents and internet resources. This lesson plan emphasizes small learning groups.
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Archeological Finds
Learners explore archeology and it contributions to human history. They write a magazine article describing the discovery of a dig.
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...
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Replacing Missing Links in the Evolutionary Chain
Examine the evolution of various species of hominids from their earliest existence approximately 4.5 million years ago to today. In small groups, learners research one of the ten stages of hominid evolution and then create a poster and...
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Stone Tools of Texas Indians
Provide background information regarding the use of stone tools from the paleoindian through the late prehistoric periods. Learners can read this informational passage to gain insight on how and why we study these amazing artifacts from...
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Introduction to the Maya Civilization
Students investigate the Maya civilization. In this Maya civilization lesson plan, students view a PowerPoint presentation and record notes. Students explore several important landmarks, such as the "Magician's Palace" at Uxmal.
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Stonehenge: Solving Ancient Mysteries
Students investigate the mystery of Stonehenge. In this Stonehenge activity, students participate in a classroom activity that requires them to research information about Stonehenge as well as information regarding archeology and...
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Preserve is the Word
Students investigate a list of archaeological ethical questions. They select a question/issue and design a 3-minute (maximum) PSA to persuade the public to agree with their idea. They conduct research or interviews with experts to be...
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Effigy Mound Activity
Students research effigy mounds of Native people in Wisconsin. They create large models of effigy mounds in a given area based on factual information from their studies and research.
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The House at 97 Orchard Street
Students examine the living quarters and belongings of immigrant families living in one tenement building spanning the years from 1830 to 1940. They explain how the national background of immigrants added to the "melting pot" of American...
PBS
Taking a Field Trip
Students examine the importance of taking a field trip. They make predictions and practice making environmentally sound decisions. They watch a video clip about enhancing historical experiences.
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A City Lost and Found
Students hypothesize about the origins of the Incan lost city of Machu Picchu. They examine archaeological methodologies used by researchers to piece together the history of the site and create an audio tour of the location for visitors...