The Paleolithic Era

Introduction

Todays lesson will help you to understand the Paleolithic Era and how civilization began and progressed from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural communities.

Task
  • Examine: Working in groups visit  both the Smithsonian Human Origins and Becoming Human websites taking note of the characteristics of the society.
  • Analyze: With the information that you have found you will create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting life in the Paleolithic Era with today.
  • Assess: Answer 2 questions in a paragraph.
Process

 

  1. Visit the Smithsonian Human Origins Museum http://humanorigins.si.edu/ and the Becoming Human Museum http://www.becominghuman.org/ 
  2. On a piece of paper take notes about the characteristics of: hunter-gatherer lifestyles, tools and their use, migration patterns, and social organizations.
  3. After gathering information use your notes to create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting life during the Paleolithic Era to life today. Take into account the diverse environmental and social challenges that were faced by these early human civilizations.
  4. Complete a "3-2-1 Summary." Using an index card write list three key facts that you learned about Paleolithic life, two things that surprised you and one question that you still have.
Evaluation

Answer the following Questions in a Paragraph:

           1. How did the rise of agriculture contribute to the shift in culture?

            2. What challenges or advantages might this transitional community have faced?

Conclusion

By visiting the Smithsonian Human Origins and Becoming Human websites you will be able to see how civilizations changed from hunter-gatherer societies to city dwellers.

Credits
Teacher Page

SWBAT describe the characteristics of the Paleolithic Era by analyzing online resources and identifying key differences between hunter-gatherer societies and later agricultural communities.