American Museum of Natural History
What's This?: Early Humans
Early humans crafted shelters out of whatever materials they could find. A one-question quiz asks learners to identify the type of bones used to construct the hut pictured in a display.
Curated OER
The Earliest Humans
Study the wonder and science that leads us to our human past. From Darwin and Huxley's assertions regarding the origin of the species to the discoveries at Oldivi Gorge, this PowerPoint is sure to interest your class. They'll learn about...
Curated OER
The Origin of Humans
Where did human beings come from? How did they settle into communities and civilizations? Your class will find the answers in this fascinating presentation, which takes the viewer through the stages of mankind, from the primitive...
Curated OER
Primate Evolution
For this primate evolution worksheet, students will compare 3 characteristics that all primates share. Then students will compare the traits of current primates to early man by completing 5 short answer questions.
Curated OER
International Institute of Archaeology an Anthropology
Learners research early humans and their cultures. They conduct Internet research, discuss their findings with their group, evaluate the information provided by artifacts, and create a report to present to a simulated archaeology institute.
Time Warp Trio
The Caveman Catastrophe
Young archaeologists study the development of human history, and work in groups to create a timeline that traces the development of humans. Additionally, the groups utilize a very clever graphic organizer embedded in the plan in order to...
Curated OER
Early Humans
Eighth graders work together in groups to examine the earliest civilizations. After reading two stories, they compare and contrast the facts with those stories with other ones they have read. They discuss the different hypothesis on...
Curated OER
Neolithic Agricultural Revolution
Lessons about agriculture during the Neolithic period can provide activities to help student understand this important time.
Curated OER
Primate Evolution
In this evolution worksheet, students review 9 terms associated with the evolution of primates. Students place 6 terms into a crossword puzzle and 3 terms into fill in the blank statements.
A&E Television
History.com: What Prehistoric Cave Paintings Reveal About Early Human Life
Some of the oldest known art may hint at the beginning of language development, while later examples portray narratives with human and animal figures. What does the oldest known art in the world tell us about the people who created it?...
Seeker
Seeker: Week of 8 25 14: Neanderthals, Humans Overlapped for 5,400 Years
Learn why recent discoveries are causing scientists to rewrite the timeline of modern humans and Neanderthals.
Other
Becoming Human: Evolution and Human Uniqueness
This is Chapter One from "Becoming Human: Evolution and Human Uniqueness," by Ian Tattersall. This chapter presents recent findings about the art and artifacts of early humans, and what those artifacts tell us about the intellectual...
Bagheera
Bagheera.com: Extinct in the Wild Neanderthals
This is quite a thought provoking article putting neanderthals in the category of extinct animals. Most of us have not thought of early human ancestors in this way, but this article and the thought questions at the end provide some good...
BBC
Bbc: Science and Nature: Ice People 200,000 Years Ago
A look at Neanderthals, including their appearance, their life during the Ice Age, and their extinction. Follow suggested BBC and non-BBC links for further reading.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Origins of Modern Humans: Multiregional or Out of Africa
Two migration theories are on the table for consideration. Weigh the evidence of each one in this article by Donald Johanson of Lucy fame.
Curated OER
Smithsonian Nmnh: What Does It Mean to Be Human, Human Evolution Evidence
What does it mean to become human? This brilliant and detailed resource examines early man's behavior, including information on stone tools he used, burial, clothing, and shelter. Find information on genetics including human skin color...
Read Works
Read Works: Survivor
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the life of Cro-Magnon people. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Curated OER
Unesco: Israel: Sites of Human Evolution at Mount Carmel
Situated on the western slopes of the Mount Carmel range, the site includes the caves of Tabun, Jamal, el-Wad and Skhul. Ninety years of archaeological research have revealed a cultural sequence of unparalleled duration, providing an...