Unforgettable Middle School World History
The Human Story: Early People and Ancient Civilization
Since the dawn of history, people have responded to changing community needs in increasingly complex ways. In this Inquiry, students examine human history from Paleolithic beginnings through the development of civilizations to investigate the stories of early humans. Eras and topics include:
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Stone Age to Bronze Age
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Ancient Mesopotamia, China, Indus Valley, Andean/Supe Valley, MesoAmerica
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Development of agriculture
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Written and oral communication
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Migration of early humans
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Urbanization and the growth of cities
Influence: Second Wave Civilizations
The influence of second-wave civilizations on art, innovation, and culture continues to be a source of wonder for many. In this Inquiry, students explore the factors that allowed these societies to gain and spread influence, and how they continue to influence our world today. Eras and topics include:
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Rise and fall of Greece. Persia, China, India, and Rome
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Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism
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Geographic, political, and cultural characteristics of civilizations
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Role of technology and innovation as driver of changes in society
What's Inside Each World History Inquiry Unit?
Spotlight on Content and Source Providers
ONE OF A KIND STORY
Podcast: Live from Mt. Olympus
"Live from Mount Olympus," by the Onassis Foundation and PRX, brings Greek myths to life, helping students explore timeless tales relevant to today’s challenges.
MULTIMODAL KNOWLEGE-BUILDER
Infographic: Out of Africa from DK
DK’s rich educational resources, featuring informative texts and stunning graphics, help students build knowledge and gather evidence during their investigations.
Made for the Middle School Brain
Why are units semester-long & thematic?
Activity in the prefrontal cortex suggests that middle schoolers learn best from integrated learning that occurs over longer periods of time.
Why do students set goals, reflect, and self-assess?
Middle school brains grow most in regions that control executive functioning, goal setting, and decision-making.
Why so much discussion & collaboration in lessons?
During middle school, changes in brain activity create a “social reorientation” that increases the importance of learning from peers.
Why so many hands-on & experiential projects?
Increased neuroplasticity in middle school brains enhances learning from hands-on experience and exploration.
* Dahl RE, et al. Importance of investing in adolescence. Nature. 2018 Feb 21.
*Jansen K, Kiefer SM. Understanding brain development. Middle School Journal. 2020.
How Do Students Level-Up Their Literacy Skills?
DEVELOPING RESEARCH
SKILLS
PRACTICING SOURCE ANALYSIS
GIVING AND RECEIVING FEEDBACK
ANALYZING DOCUMENT-BASED QUESTIONS
CONNECTING CLAIMS, EVIDENCE, AND REASONING
EXAMINING COMPLEX
TEXTS
MADE TO BUILD
MIDDLE SCHOOL
LITERACY SKILLS
INDUS VALLEY
MESO-AMERICA
ANCIENT CHINA
MESOPOTAMIA
