Summary of Unit / InquiryThis social studies course traces the development of ancient civilizations and their influence on modern times. Unit 1 of Grade 7 Ancient Civilizations focuses on the development of cultures and their influential contributions in government, language, religion, science, and technology. While the entire course is designed to provide students with an appreciation of the intercultural aspects of our global society, unit 1 lays the foundation for all future learning by addressing the seven main characteristics of civilization (social structure, government and laws, religion, language, arts and literature, economics, and customs/traditions) and how they all comprise what humanity considers to be "civilization." The first part of the unit will lay the groundwork for the study of history by familiarizing students with how archaeologists and scientists learn about the time before written records (prehistory), teaching them how to make observations of historical artifacts which can then be combined with our prior knowledge to form interpretations. The second part of the unit will transition to how early humans were able to adapt to their environments and migrate in order to meet their needs, culminating in the world's first major civilizations. The culminating unit key assignment will be one in which students create their own unique civilizations using the characteristics of civilization as their framework. |
Essential Question(s) |
How does one characterize a civilization?
How does prehistory differ from history? Why are ancient cultures considered civilizations? |
Enduring Understandings
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Academic Specific: (examples: analyze, trace, identify) Differentiate Compare Contrast Examine Domain (Content) Specific: (examples: drama, characterization, theme) Civilization Prehistoric Anthropology Archeology Code of Law |