Planning for your next activity on ancient Israel, but not sure where to start? Check out this assortment of activities to help get the ball rolling. It includes a range of ideas on topics, such as Greek and Egyptian mythology,...

Where did the Olympic Summer Games originate? The class takes a look at ancient origins of modern Olympic games. They research the Olympics and write a compare and contrast essay that describes how the Olympic Games have changed since...

Ninth graders use captions to determine an artifact's function and to list the features of a civilization. They classify artifacts according to the 8 Features of Civilization and for each Feature of Civilization they locate one artifact...

What do BC and AD mean on a timeline? What is the difference between a decade and a century? Here is a nice handout that offers all the foundational knowledge your young historians will need on how to look at historical timelines.

Coming up on the Olympics? Be sure your middle schoolers understand the dynamic and ancient history of this global tradition. They begin by recalling traditions parents have passed down, considering their relevance and ways they might be...

Sixth graders investigate ancient civilizations by creating a research project.  In this world history lesson, 6th graders investigate historic civilizations developed close to important rivers of the near East.  Students...

What role does geography play in the development of a culture? How does ancient Greek culture still influence civilization today? These and other questions are explored in a unit study of Ancient Greece. The overview of the unit provided...

Students access a variety of Internet resources regarding Ancient Egyptian culture, society, and geography. They view photos and timelines, take a virtual tour of the Nile, play interactive games,and watch video clips about modern Egypt.

Review myths and the characters therein, connecting them to vocabulary words in the English language today. Begin by searching online for myths and character names. With at least ten names that are familiar English words, young scholars...

Young scholars research the earliest Americans. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students investigate the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas. Young scholars examine artifacts used in the cultures and then determine what the artifacts were...

Students explore irrigation in the Great Plains throughout history. In this irrigation lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture on the history of irrigation in the world and on the Great Plains. Students conduct...

Students read and research about Alexandria's Great Lighthouse. In this Greek architecture lesson, students create a timeline of events in Alexandria, and design a lighthouse. Students research lighthouses online and write a report.

Sixth graders plan a trip to China and prepare yourself for the Banpo excavation site competition by studying prehistoric and ancient Chinese history.

Learners using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast the modern and ancient Olympic games. They write essays and construct timelines about the games. Students, using various items, create tools for a new Olympic game and write the...

Students explore architectural elements of ancient buildings. In groups, they research famous structures. Students write an opinion paper examining the debate over whether or not ancient monuments should be maintained or rebuilt after a...

Students explore an ancient wonder of the world. In this Mausoleum at Halicarnassus lesson, students read about the history of the Mausoleum, create Mausoleum timelines, and research the sculptors whose work is featured in the Mausoleum.

Students discover the accomplishments of Pope John Paul II. For this world history lesson, students research selected websites about the history of Poland, the accomplishments of Pope John Paul II, and...

Sixth graders use word-processing software to create a newspaper, as if they were Roman citizens, using information gathered during research.

Tenth graders compare and contrast how changes in technology impacted the growth of ancient civilizations and modern cities. Using internet research, they identify the positive and negative aspects of technology society. At the...

Learners examine the role and importance of timelines, and the method for ordering events. They order events and create a timeline of significant technology achievements and scientific discoveries in order from earliest to the most recent.

Sixth graders identify the ancient "cradles of civilization." They compare cultures from different parts of the Eastern Hemisphere. Students describe various ways leaders are elected, appointed, or acquire power. They discuss ways...

Seventh graders research East Asian countries. In groups, pupils are assigned to research China, Japan or Korea. Using the internet and other resources, classmates create a multiple tier time line. They consider aspects such as...

Pupils examine the influence of interaction with other cultures and the environment in relation to calendars. They also look at the origins of the calendar we use every day.

Historical fiction novels give readers a chance to step into someone else's shoes. An educator's guide from Penguin Common Core Lesson Plans provides resources to accompany three historical fiction novels written by Ruta Sepetys: Between...