Introduction / The Quest / Process
Archaeological Explorations #1 / #2 / #3 / #4 / #5
Evaluation / Conclusion
Introduction:
The first great civilization, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was developed in 5000 B.C. Archaeologists and historians discovered this "cradle of civilization" buried under sandy mounds of the vast plain which were the remains of Ancient Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia is derived from the Greek words, mesos meaning "middle," and potamos meaning "river," which became known as the "land between two rivers." Mesopotamia no longer exists today. It is now known as all the land in northern Syria, southern Turkey, and most of Iraq. Researchers believe the peoples of Mesopotamia influenced the development of the human race in many ways.
The Quest:
Recently, you have been hired by the Archaeologist Association to create an article for their publication to inform the public about the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. Prepare yourself for this adventure by researching the contributions the peoples of Mesopotamia have given to the existence of modern day society.
Process:
As a journalist for the Archaeologist Association you must research various online resources to collect background information regarding the great civilization of Mesopotamia. Through your experiences you will gain vital data about the major contributions this civilization gave to the world. Record your findings (answers to questions) in your Archaeologist Association (AA) journal that is provided to you.
To develop your understanding of Mesopotamia you will visit the following web site to collect informational facts:
http://www.ed.psu.edu/k-12/edpgs/su96/meso/mesopotamia.html
When the web site is downloaded follow the steps below.
Ancient Mesopotamia Web Hunt
1. Scroll down to STUDENT AREA
2. Click on Important Vocabulary.
3. Write the definitions of the following vocabulary words.
a. Tigris and Euphrates
b. Mesopotamia
c. Sumer
d. City-State
4. Click on the Back Button.
5. In the STUDENT AREA click on Geography.
6. Read the passage and answer the following questions:
a. What does "Mesopotamia" mean?
b. Where was Mesopotamia located?
c. What present day country would Mesopotamia
be located in?
7. Click on the Back Button.
8. In the STUDENT AREA click on The Sumerian City-State.
9. Read the passage and answer the following questions:
a. What people established the first civilization?
b. What was at the center of each city-state?
c. Describe the people that lived in the city-state.
10. Click on the Back Button.
11. In the STUDENT AREA click on The Ziggurat.
12. Read the passage and answer the following questions:
a. The ____________________ was the first major
building structure of the Sumerians.
b. Who was housed in the ziggurat?
13. Click on the Back Button.
14. In the STUDENT AREA click on Cuneiform.
15. Read the passage and answer the following questions:
a. What is the name of the world's first writing
system?
b. What did the Sumerians write on?
c. Did the Sumerians have the same writing we have
today?
16. Click on the Back Button.
17. In the STUDENT AREA click on Contributions.
18. Read the passage and answer the following question:
a. Describe four contributions that the Sumerians
made.
19. Close web page when completed.
Write the answers to the following questions in your journalist notebook to further your knowledge on Mesopotamia's writing system known as Cuneiform. Visit the site below to gather the facts. You will find the information about Cuneiform uner the ACHIEVEMENTS section.
Mesopotamia's Writing System
1. Why did the Sumerians need to create a writing system?
2. What was the best thing the Sumerians wrote down?
3. When did the earliest forms of writing begin?
4. Why is Cuneiform not easy to read?
After collecting your data discover your name in cuneiform. Go to the following site, complete the steps, and print the product.
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To Print:
Highlight your name in cuneiform and then copy the picture.
Open a Word document and paste the picture in.
Print this page.
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Mesopotamia was a civilization full of many creations. The people of Mesopotamia developed a mathematical system based on the number 60. Other accomplishments included the creation of the first calendar and the worlds first clock: the sundial. Evidence of their mathematical systems can still be found today such as the Arabic decimal system, 60 minute hour, and 360 degrees that make up a circle.
After reading the passage above click on the following web site to help in the completion of these ancient mathematical word problems. RECORD all work in your Journalist Notebook.
Ancient Mathematical Word Problems
1. Mesopotamia's king sent his slaves to buy 19 apples and 30 oranges but the slaves became very hungry. They ate 5 apples and 10 oranges. How much fruit did the slaves bring back to the king? Using cuneiform symbols SHOW ALL WORK. Explain how you found your answer.
2. The scribes made 12 clay tablets a day. How many clay tablets will they have in 5 days? HINT: Use another method than addition. Using cuneiform symbols SHOW ALL WORK. Explain how you found your answer.
3. The priest decided they wanted to have a feast in honor of the lugal or "king". They invited 50 guests. They set up 10 tables. How many guests could sit at each table? Using cuneiform symbols SHOW ALL WORK. Explain how you found your answer.
The first civilization, Mesopotamia, made many discoveries and achieved many "firsts" in history, such as city-states and law, mathematical number system based on 60, the first written language, Cuneiform, and the invention of the wheel. TELL and EXPLAIN the achievements Mesopotamia has given our world today.
1. Construct a web of Mesopotamia's achievements with the article below and the partial web given to you in your archaeology journal..
Mesopotamian Achievements article
Archaeology Exploration #5: Checkers
Did you know that the board game checkers were invented in the city-state of Ur?
Read the following article on the webpage and answer the following questions and record them in your AA journal
1. What is another name for checkers?
2. In what year do the believe checkers originated (started)?
3. From what country was the man who played checkers on a chess board?
4. In what year was the first world championship in checkers awarded?
5. Does moving first give you an advantange?
6. What is the most common method for figuring out who goes first? Be sure to explain your answer.
7. What are two types of moves?
8. Describe a strategy used in checkers?
9. Where would you go to get more strategies for checkers (Be Specific!!)
10. List the 5 different contents of the site listed in the index.
Play a game of Checkers!!! (only 1 game) :(
In your AA journal tell me who wins.
Attached you find the rubric that will be used to grade your AA journal. Please look this over to make sure you have completed all parts of this project.
Mesopotamia, the first civilization, was were it all began. While researching Mesopotamia the students have discovered many achievements and contributions that they have given to the world today. Students will further develop their knowledge about Ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece.
Adapted from page created by Keri Steitz and Holly Quaratella
