Students are introduced to the geography and earliest civilizations of the Americas by looking at a map. They learn how the Americas were originally populated and where the earliest civilizations developed. Then, they focus on the Olmec civilization—the earliest civilization in the Americas. Finally, they compare the emergence of civilizations in the Americas with those in the four early river valley civilizations.
Students are introduced to the experience and its objectives, then examine a map of the Americas. Using a drawing tool, they label countries and major bodies of water they can identify. After viewing a labeled map of the Americas, they revisit their own maps to add or correct details. Students then contribute to a class table by listing what they already know about the geography and early civilizations of the Americas, and add questions they have about these topics to a second class table.
Teacher MovesPresent the overall purpose of the experience and review the objectives. Facilitate discussion of what students were able to label on their maps, and later discuss their lists of prior knowledge, noting likely misconceptions without fully correcting them yet. Highlight accurate facts and prompt students to look for confirming or contradicting evidence as they learn. Use students’ posted questions to guide emphasis and discussion throughout the rest of the experience.
Students view an image of the Bering Strait today and are introduced to how the earliest humans reached the Americas. They watch the video Pre-Contact Americas (through 3:39) and take notes directly on a map as they watch, recording information about migration routes and early populations. They then answer multiple-choice questions about where most experts believe the earliest humans in the Americas originated and how they migrated, whether the Americas were sparsely populated at the time of European colonization, and which major civilizations existed before Columbus.
Teacher MovesReview and discuss students’ annotated maps and quiz responses to ensure they understand the migration of early peoples into the Americas, the population levels before European arrival, and examples of pre-contact civilizations before moving on.
Students examine an image of an Olmec colossal head and learn that the Olmec civilization developed in what is now Mexico before the Maya, Aztec, and Inca. They read The Olmec to learn about key aspects of Olmec society, including trade, village life, religion, art, colossal heads, and the end of the civilization. As they read, they complete a graphic organizer by taking notes under each of these headings. Then, in a written response posted to a class wall, they explain how they think Olmec society was organized and what it valued, using evidence from Olmec art and the stone head structures to support their ideas.
Teacher MovesReview students’ written explanations and share an interesting or exemplary response with the class to prompt discussion about Olmec social organization and values.
Students view an image of an Olmec mask temple and are prompted to compare patterns in early civilizations around the world. They read selected sections of The Origins of Civilization (“In the river valleys,” “Spring floods in dry climates,” “Conflict and co-operation,” and “Kings, officials and overseers”) to learn about the four early river valley civilizations (Nile, Tigris–Euphrates, Yellow/Huang, and Indus). Drawing on this reading and what they have learned about early civilizations in the Americas, they post a comparison on a class wall that explains similarities and differences in how these civilizations emerged. Finally, they review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or a positive comment.
Teacher MovesConsider having students work in pairs or small groups to think through the comparison (while still posting individual responses), and encourage them to use a Venn diagram or similar organizer as they plan their comparisons. Remind students that the student pack includes additional background information on the four early river valley civilizations in Ancient River Valley Civilizations that they can consult as needed.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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