Enduring Cultures

 

 

Ancient Civilizations 

 

PRINT RESOURCES: NON-FICTION

          General Books on Ancient World

500 Things to Know About the Ancient World, Carolyn Howitt

http://www.amazon.com/Things-Know-About-Ancient-World/dp/0764138634/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268283291&sr=1-1

What a fun book! Tidbits such as how the Greeks whitened their teeth, menus for a Roman meal and the finer details of Egyptian mummification rituals will perk even the most reluctant history student's interest.   

 

The Kingfisher Atlas of the Ancient World

http://www.amazon.com/Kingfisher-Atlas-Ancient-World/dp/0753459140/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268144712&sr=1-2

A pictoral atlas with beautiful layout and lots of visual appeal for kids.  Solid information on ancient civilizations from 10,000B.C.E. to 1000A.C.E.

 

Usborne Book of the Ancient World, Jane Chisholm 

http://tinyurl.com/ydsmsyx

An overview book with wonderful illustrations.  It begins with Ancient Civilizations and continues with Egypt, Greece, Rome and China.   

 

 

          Book Series

Art and Culture series, Rosen Publishing

http://www.rosenpublishing.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=24925&category_id=298&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

This series is hot off the press for 2010.  Highly illustrated, each 40 page book in this series is geared for the 6th grade reader.  Titles on Ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt mesh with the scope of your study.  

 

Cutural Atlas for Young People

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1268932993/ref=a9_sc_1?ie=UTF8&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=cultural%20atlas%20for%20young%20people

This series is most appropriate for your higher-end readers.  Each book is written by an expert in the field, giving them heft and depth that is often missing in books for this age-group.  The series also moves beyong the scope of most atlases. For example, in Ancient Greece, Powell, a historian from Wales, incorporates information on the people, culture, and geography of Ancient Greece.  Books in this series includes Ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt, Rome and China. 

 

History News

A newspaper-style, chatty, condensed history are package in sub-topics such as "Girl Talk" and "eyewitness accounts".  Funny ads (Scribes Needed!) and it's whimsical format invite browsing and a good model for making your own hstorical "newspaper."

     The Egyptian News, Scott Steedman

     http://www.amazon.com/History-News-Egyptian-Scott-Steedman/dp/0763641987/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264773996&sr=8-5 

     The Greek News, Anton Powell 

     http://www.amazon.com/History-News-Greek-Anton-Powell/dp/0763641979/ref=pd_sim_b_31

     The Roman News, Andrew Langley

     http://www.amazon.com/History-News-Roman-Andrew-Langley/dp/0763641995/ref=pd_sim_b_1

 

If I Were A Kid in...series, Cobblestone Publishing

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=if+I+were+a+kid+series

If I were a kid, I'd pick up this book just based on the cover graphics.  Inside, the graphics are not quite as eye-catching, but good information on ancient civilizations.  

 

Life in Ancient Civilizations series

Brief chapters, conversational tone and comic-book style illustrations make this book accessible to kids.  Reviewers like the series in general, and though "short on specifics, this series is sure to sustain readers' interest while introducing them to historical concepts with which they may be unfamiliar." (SLJR) 

     The Babylonians: Life in Ancient Babylon, Martha E. H. Rustad

     http://www.amazon.com/Babylonians-Life-Ancient-Babylon-Civilizations/dp/0822586827/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268934912&sr=1-12

     The Egyptians: Life in Ancient Egypt, Liz Sonneborn

     http://www.amazon.com/Egyptians-Life-Ancient-Egypt-Civilizations/dp/0822586835/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268934835&sr=1-1#noop

     The Greeks: Life in Ancient Greece, Michelle Levine

     http://www.amazon.com/Greeks-Life-Ancient-Greece-Civilizations/dp/0822586800/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b 

 

You Wouldn't Want to Be series 

This is such a fun series for teaching World History. Great illustrations provide a sometimes humorous, though informative, and unquestionably kid-friendly format.  Highly recommened with sturdy reviews. Gr 4-6.

     You Wouldn't Want to Be a Sumerian Slave!: A Life of Hard Labor You'd Rather Avoid, Jacqueline Morley

     http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Sumerian-Slave/dp/053118921X/ref=pd_sim_b_16

     You Wouldn't Want to Be an Assyrian Soldier! 

     http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Assyrian-Soldier/dp/0531189228/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268280719&sr=1-13

     You Wouldn't Want to Be a Pyramid Builder: A Hazardous Job You'd Rather Not Have, Jacqueline Morley

     http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Pyramid-Builder/dp/0531163962/ref=pd_sim_b_11

     You Wouldn't Want to Be an Egyptian Mummy!, David Stewart

     http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Egyptian-Mummy/dp/0531162060/ref=pd_sim_b_8

     You Wouldn't Want To Be In Alexander The Great's Army!

     http://www.amazon.com/Wouldnt-Want-Alexander-Greats-Army/dp/0531123901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268848415&sr=1-1      

     You Wouldn't Want to Be a Roman Gladiator!, John Malam

     http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Roman-Gladiator/dp/0531162044/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264483641&sr=1-3

     You Wouldn't Want to Be a Roman Soldier!: Barbarians You'd Rather Not Meet, David Stewart

     http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Roman-Soldier/dp/0531124487/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268848320&sr=8-1

      http://www.amazon.com/Wouldnt-Want-Slave-Ancient-Greece/dp/0531162036/ref=pd_sim_b_6 

     You Wouldn't Want to Be a Greek Athlete: Races You'd Rather Not Run, Michael Ford

     http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Greek-Athlete/dp/0531163946/ref=pd_sim_b_5

     You Wouldn't Want to Be a Slave in Ancient Greece!, Fiona MacDonald

     http://www.amazon.com/Wouldnt-Want-Slave-Ancient-Greece/dp/0531162036/ref=pd_sim_b_6  

     You Wouldn't Want to Be a Greek Athlete: Races You'd Rather Not Run, Michael Ford

     http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Greek-Athlete/dp/0531163946/ref=pd_sim_b_5 

        You Wouldn't Want to Work on the Great Wall of China!

     http://www.amazon.com/Wouldnt-Want-Work-Great-China/dp/0531124495/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268280595&sr=1-9 

     You Wouldn't Want to Be in the Forbidden City!

     http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Forbidden-City/dp/0531169014/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268280550&sr=1-10

 

People of the Ancient World series

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dus-stripbooks-tree&field-keywords=people+of+the+ancient+world

This looks like a wonderful series that covers each of the civilizations you are studying, including Ancient China and India.  Reviewer from School Library Journal states that "these titles offer useful information that would help report writers and would also engage interested readers." This series will be on the higher-end of your reading spectrum.  Some of your struggling readers will need help with reading the text, however it will challenge and provide depth of information for your better readers.

 

          Mesopotamia 

Mesopotamia (DK Eyewitness Book), Philip Steele

http://www.amazon.com/Mesopotamia-Eyewitness-Books-Philip-Steele/dp/0756629721/ref=pd_sim_b_27 

The familiar and effective DK Eyewitness format on all things Mesopotamia.  

 

Mesopotamia, Jane Shuter

http://tinyurl.com/ybazj42

A basic overview book with the expected sub-topics of science, religion and culture.  Horn Book reviewer notes that this book stands out because its "...thoughtful design successfully presents a bounty of information on science, religion, and culture without overwhelming..."

 

Mesopotamia, Sunita Apite

http://www.amazon.com/Mesopotamia-True-Books-Sunita-Apte/dp/0531241114/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1267801273&sr=1-1-fkmr2

This is from Scholastic's True Book series, this series is written for the grades 3-4 reading level and is good for lower-end readers.  Newly published in 2010, there are other titles in this series that might interest you as well including Ancient China, Greece and Rome. 

 

Mesopotamia: Creating and Solving Word Problems, Bonnie Coulter Leech

http://tinyurl.com/yj9ca59

This book approaches the teaching of Ancient Mesopotamia through realistic math problems.   The idea to integrate math and social studies is so rare that I thought this book would be a good one for you to use as a springboard.   Mathematical problems include multiplication, division, percentages, and determining area and volume. Sumerian and Babylonian number systems, including cuneiforms and the base 10 number systems, are compared.  School Library Review voted it as a "Best Books For Middle And Junior High Readers: Grades 6-9" for 2009.  High praise.

 

 

          Ancient Egypt  

Ancient Egypt, George Hart

http://tinyurl.com/yfzb956

A DK Eyewitness book that is hard to beat.  Everything Ancient Egypt from architecture to religion in two-page spreads. 

 

Ancient Egypt, Andrew Langley

http://tinyurl.com/ykkn8wp

"They introduce not a history of art, but rather a history through art" is how School Library Journal Review explains this unique book.  Well organized, primary source information will help your students become historians themselves as they delve into the art of the era and make their own theories and conclusions. Gr 5-8

 

Ancient Egypt, Lois Markam

http://tinyurl.com/yg8huzh

From Kids Discover Magazine, published in 2001.

 

Pharaoh's Boat, David Weitzman 

http://tinyurl.com/yl3nqrs

Thanks goodness for a book that writes about Egypt without focusing on mummies and pyramids!  This book wins high praise from reviewers who note "in precise yet at times almost poetic language, Weitzman explains the whys of building a vessel for the pharaoh.."  (Horn Book) 

 

Voices of Ancient Egypt, Kay Winters

http://www.amazon.com/Voices-Ancient-Egypt-Kay-Winters/dp/1426304005/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268934531&sr=1-1

Using first-person, free verse poems, Winters brings to life people from various occupations in Ancient Egypt.  This might be great as a "readers theater" by having kids read aloud the poems and then extend by writing their own response or letter to one of the characters.  Very strong reviews. 

 

Your Travel Guide to Ancient Egypt, Nancy Day

http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Guide-Ancient-Passport-History/dp/0822530759/ref=pd_sim_b_6

Borrowing the format of a travel guide, the author takes kids on a "tour" of ancient cities.  Readers delve into the world in a sort of 'chose your own adventure' while learning about the Ancient World.  While not a book you would use for a full-scope, it does have lots of fun tidbits, maps, illustrations, boxed information and a whimsical style that is sure to appeal.  Strong reviews.  More in this "Passport to the World" series on your topic.

 

 

          Ancient Greece 

Ancient Greece, Anne Pearson

http://tinyurl.com/ye6xb6r

These DK books are hard to beat.  They have beautiful illustrations, lots of information without being too "word-heavy" for students.  Covers lots of ground without sacrificing students' attention. Grades 4-8

 

Ancient Greece, Andrew Langley

http://tinyurl.com/yb5syor

"They introduce not a history of art, but rather a history through art" is how School Library Journal Review explains this unique book.  Well organized, primary source information will help your students become historians themselves as they delve into the art of the era and make their own theories and conclusions. Gr 5-8 

 

Ancient Greece, Sandra Newman

http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Greece-Books-Sandra-Newman/dp/0531241076/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268937049&sr=8-1-spell

From Scholastic's True Book series which has had favorable reviews. Library Media Connection review states that "children would benefit from this historic series that offers fun facts of how people lived and how we can learn from them."  More books on your topic in this series.

 

You Are In Ancient Greece, Ivan Minnis 

http://tinyurl.com/yca79fb

Social history written in a second-person, present-tense voice brings Ancient Greece to life.  Learn about the busy streets, how people dressed, what they ate and what life was like for children. There is a whole series of these books that fit your topic (one on Egypt and Rome) and could be really great for getting kids excited and connected to this period of history, especially lower-end readers as this is written for grades 3-6. 

 

Your Travel Guide to Ancient Greece, Nancy Day

http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Ancient-Greece-Passport-History/dp/0822530767/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265137399&sr=1-5

Borrowing the format of a travel guide, the author takes kids on a "tour" of ancient cities.  Readers delve into the world in a sort of 'chose your own adventure' while learning about the Ancient World.  While not a book you would use for a full-scope, it does have lots of fun tidbits, maps, illustrations, boxed information and a whimsical style that is sure to appeal.  Strong reviews.  More in this "Passport to the World" series on your topic.

 

 

       Ancient Rome  

The Ancient Romans, Allison Lassieur

http://tinyurl.com/ykrhjjq

High praise for this series from School Library Journal Review who state that "even libraries that have plenty of material on the topic may want to consider this volume..."  Lots of solid and interesting information that goes beyond the standard, looking into topics such as laws that prevented women from owning land and wealth.  For grades 6-8. 

 

Eyewitness Ancient Rome, Simon James

http://tinyurl.com/yg2hgmn

The Eyewitness book have lots of illustrations and pictures that can provide some of the primary source artifacts you requested. 

 

Roman Empire, Linda Scher

http://tinyurl.com/ykdaexh

From Kids Discover magazine, published in 2009.  

 

Rome Antics, David MacCaulay

http://www.amazon.com/Rome-Antics-David-Macaulay/dp/0395822793/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268937254&sr=1-11

I think you may have this book at Skyline, but you don't they make a great pairing with the "Rome City" PBS DVD listed below.  Another good choice is

     City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction, David Macaulay

     http://www.amazon.com/City-Story-Roman-Planning-Construction/dp/0395349222/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

 

Staying Alive in Ancient Rome: Life in Ancient Rome, Brian Williams

http://www.amazon.com/Staying-Alive-Ancient-Rome-Raintree/dp/141092890X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264602765&sr=1-1

How can you pass up this title without looking further?  Reviewers from Horn Book note that the book "tends to oversimplify the complexities of ancient life, the plentiful illustrations and graphics and the range of topics make these books useful."  Grades 4-6.

 

Your Travel Guide to Ancient Rome, Rita J. Markel

http://tinyurl.com/ygftc6z

Borrowing the format of a travel guide, the author takes kids on a "tour" of ancient cities.  Readers delve into the world in a sort of 'chose your own adventure' while learning about the Ancient World.  While not a book you would use for a full-scope, it does have lots of fun tidbits, maps, illustrations, boxed information and a whimsical style that is sure to appeal.  Strong reviews.  More in this "Passport to the World" series on your topic.

 

 

     Ancient China & India

Ancient China, Jane Shuter

http://tinyurl.com/yf635bo

From the "Time Travelers" series, find out "what to eat" and "where to stay" in this adventure-packed study of Ancient China.  These texts can tend to oversimplify the topic, according to SLJ reviewer, but are very engaging.

 

Ancient China,  Arthur Cotterell

http://tinyurl.com/yhynd9y

Another DK Eyewitness book, always a popular book to browse with lots of pictures and informative text.

 

Ancient China, Linda Scher

http://tinyurl.com/yg9u9hp

From Kids Discover magazine; older publishing date (1997) - there is probably one that is newer out on the market. 

 

Ancient India, Lois Markam

http://tinyurl.com/yzmouqz

A Kids Discover magazine that covers topics such as the Indo-European migration and roots of Hinduism.  

 

Ancient India, Daud Ali

http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-India-Passport-Past-Daud/dp/1435851692/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268282217&sr=1-1

This is from the Passports to the Past series and one worth checking out.  I'll give you the whole School Library Journal review as it was a bit difficult to find and information on Amazon and other popular sites is lacking. "Readers are immersed in ancient cultures through kaleidoscopic viewings of relevant peoples, buildings, religions, clothes, languages, and means of sustenance. Spreads cover a subtopic each and generally contain a couple of paragraphs in addition to numerous bright, captioned photographs and reproductions, and, on the bottom, time lines and crafts. The images are set against just the right amount of white space, helping to make this series attractive and youth friendly. Sources are not cited, but each volume is written by an expert in the field. There is enough substance here for reports." 

 

Exploring the Life, Myth, and Art of Ancient China (Civilizations of the World), Edward Shaughnessy

http://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Ancient-China-Civilizations-World/dp/1435856171/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264601106&sr=1-1 

These books are written by experts in their field, which give them a lively intensity and go much deeper than others in its class.  Photos, illustrations accompany text.  I like that they start with the culture's mythology to give readers a sense of how the cultures thinks of themselves.  Though written for 7 and up audience, it might be just fine for some of your more motivated students. 

 

India, Sunita Apte

http://www.amazon.com/India-True-Books-Sunita-Apte/dp/0531213579/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268281537&sr=1-2-spell

From the True Books series, this is at the grade 3/4 reading level and might suit some of your lower-end readers. 

 

Life In The Ancient Indus River Valley, Hazel Richardson

http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Indus-River-Valley-Peoples/dp/0778720705/ref=pd_sim_b_5

This looks like a book that will suit your needs.  Two to four page spreads are well laid out and cover a large range of topics from social structure, culture, government and more without being too dry.  Strong reviews state that it is suitable for grades 4-7. 

 

National Geographic Investigates: Ancient China,  Jacqueline Ball and Richard Levey

http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Investigates-Ancient-Archaeology/dp/079227783X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264602407&sr=1-1

Fantastic photographs accompany all the books in this series.  Check out the others for Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece.  Focuses on archeology of the region and what finds have taught us about the society.  Might not mesh well with your topic, but high reviews make it worth a look.

 

Taj Mahal, Shawndra Shofner

http://www.amazon.com/Taj-Mahal-Ancient-Wonders-World/dp/1583413618/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268281885&sr=1-1

Documents the history of the building and its importance historically using well placed photographs and some text.  School Library Journal states that the "large, colorful photographs enhance each text while side boxes hold interesting, complementary facts."

 

 

PRINT RESOURCES: FICTION

Adventures in Ancient China, Linda Bailey

http://tinyurl.com/ylo6wuv

Adventures of three siblings whose curiosity magically transports them into Ancient China.  One of the siblings is taken to the Emperor's palace and the others go to rescue her.  The book incorporates many topics about Ancient China including farming, the Great Wall and paper.  For grades 3-5, this might be a good, independent read for some students.  Other titles in this series includes: Adventures in Ancient Greece , Adventures in Ancient Egypt, all by Linda Bailey. 

 

Ancient Greece: An Interactive History Adventure, William Caper

http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Greece-Interactive-Adventure-Historical/dp/1429648643/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268933435&sr=8-1

From the You Choose Historical series, this book is for your lower-end readers (3-4th grade reading level.)  There are lots of titles in this series covering the civilizations you are studying.   

 

The Golden Goblet, Elosie Jarvis McGraw

http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Goblet-Newbery-Library-Puffin/dp/0140303359/ref=pd_sim_b_27

This book might make a wonderful read-aloud for your class.  A suspense-filled mystery that takes place in Ancient Egypt, but it will take some of your help with vocabulary to get them through the book. 

 

Roman Diary : the journal of Iliona of Mytilini, who was captured by pirates and sold as a slave in Rome, A.D. 107, Richard Platt

http://tinyurl.com/yfn7d88

Iliona's life is changed when the ship she is travelling on is boarded by pirates and she becomes a slave.  True to history and colorful cartoon illustrations along with a slick moving plot will engage kids.

 

 

 

DVD/CD-ROM RESOURCES

Ancient Civilizations for Children DVD Series

http://tinyurl.com/qb74mz

Strong reviews for these productions for their fast-pace yet informative look at the Ancient World.  Booklist lauds the videos as "...solid, polished productions."  The series excells in making connections between ancient cultures and our world today.  There are 10 videos in the series and you can purchase Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome and China individually.

 

Roman City, PBS

http://www.amazon.com/Roman-City-David-MacAulay/dp/B000EOTEK4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1265141271&sr=8-2

This video combines a very easily understandable explanation of how a Roman city was built and then intersperces a parallel animated story-line.  Kids really like it and stay engaged throughout.  Produced by PBS, there are three others in this series, including one called Pyramid. 

 

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

     Premium Digital Resources (must have WCLS card to access) 

elibrary

http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/elibweb/elib/do/search

Be sure to check out this fantastic resource available to you through the WCLS website for free.  Just type in your library card number and then start searching for full text magazine articles, photos, videos and much more on any given topic.  I didn't have time to research this in depth, however , just by plugging in "Ancient Rome" in the search box, I got this result:

     Ancient Rome: http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/elibweb/elib/do/results?set=search&source=&maxresultsperpage=0&start=1&secondaryNav=

 

 

     Other Digitial Resources (do not need WCLS card to access)  

Best of History Web Sites, EdTech Teacher

http://www.besthistorysites.net/AncientBiblical_Egypt.shtml

Portal for lots of quality, reviewed websites on teaching history.  Links you to primary source materials, lesson plans, and much more.  A wealth of information on teaching world history.

 

British Museum

http://www.britishmuseum.org/

One could spend all day here just roaming through their online offerings.  Here are a few choice ones that suit your topic and age level. 

     Mesopotamia: http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/menu.html

     Ancient Greece http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/menu.html

     Click on any topic and it opens up lots more to explore.  One interesting one is Daily Life which will allow you to study the daily life in Ancient Greece through motifs on pots.  

 

Mr. Donn's

http://www.mrdonn.org/

Who is this magical Mr. Donn?  I'm not sure, but clearly a Mrs. Donn is also part of the teaching duo. An amazing website from the Corkran (Maryland) Middle School teacher.  Check at the bottom of the home page -even has free powerpoint presentations. 

 

Life in Mesopotamia,  Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago

http://mesopotamia.lib.uchicago.edu/

An extensive website filled with lesson plans for K-12 all on Mesopotamia.  One lesson plan has kids break a vase and recreate what archeologists do by trying to glue it back together.  The "Learning Connections" section allow you to zoom in on a primary source and have a closer look.  The "Interactive" link allows students to come up with theories about various artifacts such as in this ancient pull-toy interactive:    

     Pull Toy Interactive

     http://mesopotamia.lib.uchicago.edu/interactives/pulltoy.html 

 

World History Lesson Plans, EDSITEment

 http://edsitement.neh.gov/tab_lesson.asp?subjectArea=3&subcategory=32

Take a seat and start clicking - this website has some great stuff.  Lots of high quality lesson plans organized by grade level, subject and on so many topics it is a bit overwhelming.  All have links to primary source material incorportated into the lessons. 

     Cuniform Writing Lesson Plan

     http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=622

     Life in Old Babylonia: The Importance of Trade

     http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=644 

 

 

Curriculum Resources

Ancient History Simulations

http://www.socialstudies.com/c/product.html?nocache@21+s@KSZJRNTeogkgE+record@TF21806

These 45 minute simulations are similar to the Interact model, but don't take nearly as much time.  The simulations get kids to problem-solve together and investigate specifics of a historical era. For example, Akbar's Dilemma, which you can click on and review, has students engage in an activity around Mesopotamian religion that included aspects of fortune-telling.

 

National Geographic Lesson Plans, National Geographic

I like these lesson plans as they provide primary and secondary sources, are activity-based and always give a "younger student" version if you need to simplify it for your students  Here are a few samples on your topic: 

      Ancient Greece

      http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/17/greece.html

     Greek and Roman Land Use: What was the difference?

      http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/17/g68/landuse.html

     Rivers: Lifelines of the Land

     http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g68/tgrivers.html

     An extension of what you are studying, but might be a nice bridge that connects your study of geography, rivers, and human interaction in the past with today. 

     Unwrapping Mummies

     http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/17/mummies.html

     Xpeditions Atlas: Maps made for printing and copying

     http://www.nationalgeographic.com/resources/ngo/education/xpeditions/atlas/index.html?Parent=world&Rootmap=&Mode=d&SubMode=w

     A source for outline maps or country/continent maps.

 

World Book Online: Early Peoples

http://www.worldbookonline.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/digitallibraries/earlypeoples/home

A "premium resource" so you'll have to input your library card to get onto this site.  Once there, however, you'll find lots of good stuff for your kids and class.  An online textbook that aligns with Washington State Learning Standards, this is a good place to go to for basic information as well as primary source photos and classroom activities.