Activity Overview
This activity can be used as a preview or a post assessment. It can also be used as a differentiated activity to students GRAPES charts for students that need more support.
As a pre-assessment, this can be an engaging discovery quest. Students will look at the different images and guess in which categories they belong. In this way, they can think critically about the significance and function of each object. Teachers should encourage students to give reasons for why they chose each category. There should be time allotted for discussion and analysis before delving into reading or research about Mesopotamia to confirm their answers.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Place the ancient Mesopotamian objects in the correct category.
Student Instructions:
- Drag each image to the category where you think it belongs. What do you think is the function or significance of each object? Be prepared to share your ideas!
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RH/9-10/3] Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.
- [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/1] Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
- [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/7] Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
- [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/9] Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
- [ELA-LITERACY/WHST/6-8/2/B] Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
How To Compare Ancient Mesopotamia with Other Old Civilizations
Select Another Civilization
Begin the lecture by introducing and studying Ancient Mesopotamia in detail. Teachers can use all the provided activities (e.g. G.R.A.P.E.S chart, vocabulary, biography poster, etc) to get the students more familiar with all the aspects of the civilization. After the students are done with all the activities, ask them to select another old civilization to make comparisons.
Study Time Periods
Once the students have selected another civilization they want to compare with Mesopotamia, ask them to study the periods of both civilizations. This will help the students understand all the other concepts and aspects of a civilization. For instance, scientific advancements, cultural and societal views, etc can all be analyzed with the help of time periods.
Discuss Rise and Fall
Another point of comparison that students can use is the rise and fall of civilizations. Ask the students to perform research on how the Mesopotamian civilization was formed and how it declined all the factors involved in the rise and fall of this civilization can be compared with the factors involved in the rise and fall of another civilization. For instance, internal conflicts or political disputes can be some common factors.
Compare Geographical Locations
Evaluate each civilization's physical characteristics, taking into account climate, natural resource availability, and river systems. Talk about how each civilization's growth and sustainability were impacted by its geographic location. Students can also compare the impacts of geography on the economy and politics of the civilization.
Conclude and Reflect
Ask the students to write a summary of their research and make judgments on the general importance, parallels, and divergences between each culture. Students can gain important insights from these comparisons and learn to back their points with the help of logic and facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preview or Post-Assessment Activities for Ancient Mesopotamia
What kinds of pre-reading exercises work best for Ancient Mesopotamia?
Students can explore maps, watch a little film that introduces the area, or have a conversation about what they already know and would like to learn about Mesopotamia. This can spark curiosity and lay the groundwork for further education. Teachers can also hold general discussions about previous civilizations and modern civilizations to build the lecture.
Can technology be used in innovative post-assessment activities?
Certainly. Teachers can utilize technology and foster creativity using many tools and software present online. To demonstrate their knowledge of ancient Mesopotamia, students might produce podcasts, digital timelines, or multimedia presentations. Besides the match-up discovery quest, there are many other interesting and engaging games that students can play to reinforce learning and even gain new knowledge.
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