The Process...
Ancient Mesopotamia (the Greek word for "land between the rivers") is the region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It was in this area that civilization first developed. It is from this area that
we get our first written records of history, in the form of cuneiform. Around 5500 BC, people learned to divert the Euphrates River for irrigating their farmland. This method of farming created an overabundance of agricultural products and allowed those farmers to become a dominant class. These people came to be known as the Sumerians. The area was later inhabited by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Akkadians.
This area is now known as Iraq. Artifacts and written records left behind by these artistic, intelligent people are evidence of their rich culture. You must use these remains to develop a presentation for the Smithsonian Museum that includes the following...
we get our first written records of history, in the form of cuneiform. Around 5500 BC, people learned to divert the Euphrates River for irrigating their farmland. This method of farming created an overabundance of agricultural products and allowed those farmers to become a dominant class. These people came to be known as the Sumerians. The area was later inhabited by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Akkadians.
This area is now known as Iraq. Artifacts and written records left behind by these artistic, intelligent people are evidence of their rich culture. You must use these remains to develop a presentation for the Smithsonian Museum that includes the following...
- A well written summary that includes information about your group of people,
while answering the 4 essential questions. - At least three pictures, photos, or visuals representing your group of people.
- A timeline, including all major dates and events of the people.
- A map, outlining the geography of the area.
- A crossword puzzle, which includes key terms and vocabulary about your people group.
Step 1
In order to get started with your presentation to the board, you and your colleagues will address the following questions about your group of people...
Mesopotamia Ancient Mesopotamia Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia Dig into History Cuneiform
Sumerians TheAssyrians The Akkadians
The Babylonians The Akkadians The Akkadians
Use this Information Sheet to keep track of what you dig up.
- How did they came to live in the area known as the Fertile Crescent?
- Who was their leader and how were the people affected by this leader?
- How was their lifestyle affected by the area?
- Discuss the advancements of your people group and how they were affected by these
advancements.
Mesopotamia Ancient Mesopotamia Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia Dig into History Cuneiform
Sumerians TheAssyrians The Akkadians
The Babylonians The Akkadians The Akkadians
Use this Information Sheet to keep track of what you dig up.
Step 2
Develop a timeline, including 8 major dates and events that led to the rise and fall of your civilization group. First, log into Padlet and access the Ancient Mesopotamia Timeline wall. On the wall, use the timeline template to organize and keep track of your information. Post by clicking on the wall and posting each date and event associated with that date. After you compile the 8 dates and events, get onto the computer and open this Timeline Template to create your professional timeline. Make sure to save, print this out, and take a photo of it with your iPad for use in your iMovie presentation.
Step 3
Now you and your colleagues must help identify the geographical elements that make up the area known as the Fertile Crescent. Using Google Earth, locate the area where your group of people inhabited. In addition to including a screenshot of a map of this area, include the relative and absolute location of this area on Earth. Also, what physical and human characteristics helped define this place, and make it suitable for civilizations to flourish? Include 3-5 of these specific physical and human characteristics in your presentation. Fill in the Geographic Elements Organizer with your facts.
Step 4
Key terms and vocabulary are an essential aspect of any civilization, especially in Mesopotamia. You must first identify 10 vocabulary terms that relate directly to your group of people. Next, come up with hints for each one of these terms. After you compile your vocabulary terms and hints using the Vocabulary Sheet, use them to create a crossword puzzle. If you make your crossword puzzle on the iPad, take a snapshot of it for your presentation. If you make your crossword puzzle on the computer, print it out and take a photo of it with your iPad for the presentation.
Step 5
The pressure is on.... it is now time to compile all of your research into a visual presentation using the iMovie presentation tool on your group iPad device . Remember, you and your colleagues will present this presentation to the board of directors at the Smithsonian Museum, in hopes of gaining more funding for an exhibit on Ancient Mesopotamia.
The elements of your presentation must include....
The elements of your presentation must include....
- The research and answers to your essential questions.
- At least three visual elements (graphs, photos, maps...etc.), which most accurately represent your group of people.
- The Google Earth Map that includes the geographical elements of the area.
- The timeline, outlining the 10 major dates and events of your group of people.
- The crossword puzzle, detailing the 10 key vocabulary terms and hints related to your people.