A Middle School Journey Through Ancient Civilizations

In the Grade 5 History curriculum, students embark on a detailed study of the ancient world, beginning with an in-depth examination of maps to develop critical map-reading skills. This foundational work sets the stage for their exploration of four key ancient civilizations: Sumer, Egypt, China, and Greece. Throughout the unit, students are tasked with gathering, categorizing, and analyzing historical information through a variety of activities.

One of the central themes in their study of Sumer focuses on the geographical and environmental factors that shaped the development of city-states. Students are challenged to consider key questions: Why did the Sumerian city-states form along rivers? How did the invention of irrigation revolutionize Sumerian society? These inquiries prompt students to explore the importance of river systems in supporting agriculture and urban growth, as well as the social and political changes that irrigation brought about.

Utilizing Google Docs on their Chromebooks, students engage in organized note-taking and research, synthesizing information from primary and secondary sources. This process is supplemented by writing exercises, where students craft structured paragraphs about varied aspects of life in Sumerian life, from trading practices to burial rites. These creative writing assignments allow students to contextualize historical challenges and solutions, such as the Sumerians’ development of levees and canals to manage water and prevent flooding.

The integration of art further enhances their understanding of Sumerian culture. Students create artistic representations of Sumerian artifacts, including ziggurats and cuneiform tablets, which they display in a gallery-style exhibition. This display serves as both a visual and educational experience, as students present their work and explain the historical significance of their projects to peers and visitors.

Through a combination of research, creative projects, and oral presentations, students not only learn about the complexities of ancient civilizations but also develop critical thinking skills by drawing inferences from historical evidence. Their exploration of Sumer highlights the ingenuity of early societies in overcoming environmental challenges and adapting to their surroundings, providing a rich foundation for further study of the ancient world.