| WHI.2 |
The student will demonstrate knowledge of early development of humankind from the Paleolithic Era to the agricultural revolution by |
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a) |
explaining the impact of geographic environment on hunter-gatherer societies; |
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b) |
listing characteristics of hunter-gatherer societies, including their use of tools and fire; |
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c) |
describing technological and social advancements that gave rise to stable communities; |
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d) |
explaining how archaeological discoveries are changing present-day knowledge of early peoples. |
Explain that the life of early hunter-gatherer societies was shaped by their physical environment.
Explain that Homo sapiens emerged in Africa between 100,000 and 400,000 years ago.
Explain that Homo sapiens migrated from Africa to Eurasia, Australia, and the Americas.
Explain that early humans were hunters and gatherers whose survival depended on the availability of wild plants and animals.
Explain that early human societies, through the development of culture, began the process of overcoming the limits set by the physical environment.
Describe the hunter-gatherer societies during the Paleolithic Era (Old Stone Age), using the following information as a guide:
• Were nomadic (migrated in search of food, water, shelter)
• Invented the first tools, including simple weapons
• Learned how to make fire
• Lived in clans
• Developed oral language
• Created “cave art”
Explain that the beginning of settled agriculture (including permanent settlements) was a major step in the advance of civilization.
Identify the activities of societies during the Neolithic Era (New Stone Age):
• Developed agriculture
• Domesticated animals
• Used advanced tools
• Made pottery
• Developed weaving skills
Explain that archaeologists continue to find and interpret evidence of early humans and their lives.
Explain that archaeologists study past cultures by locating and analyzing human remains, fossils, and artifacts.
Explain that archaeologists apply scientific tests such as carbon dating to analyze fossils and artifacts.
Identify Stonehenge as an example of an archaeological site in England that was begun during the Neolithic and completed during the Bronze Age.
Below is an annotated list of Internet resources for this organizing topic. Copyright restrictions may exist for the material on some Web sites. Please note and abide by any such restrictions.
“Neolithic Era (The Stone Age).” North Georgia College and State University. <http://radar.ngcsu.edu/~jtwynn/neolithic.htm>. This site provides information on the Neolithic Era.
“Paleolithic Era.” North Georgia College and State University. <http://radar.ngcsu.edu/~jtwynn/paleolithic.htm>. This site provides information on the Paleolithic Era.
“Under Paleolithic France.” Beloit College. Logan Museum. <http://www.beloit.edu/~museum/logan/paleoexhibit/upperpaleo.htm>. This site provides a timeline of Upper Paleolithic France, as well as pictures of artifacts from the period.
Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments for the 2001 History and Social Science Standards of Learning: History and Social Science Released Items for WorldHistoryI.Virginia Department of Education 2003/04. <http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Assessment/Release2003/History/VA-RIBs_g11wh1-1.pdf>.
Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments for the 2001 History and Social Science Standards of Learning. World History and Geography: 1500 a.d. to the Present. Test Blueprint. Virginia Department of Education, 2003/04. <http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Assessment/HistoryBlueprints03/2002Blueprint7WHI.pdf>. This site provides assessment information for World History and Geography to 1500 a.d. |
