Early Civilization Assessment Activities
BIG IDEAS:
1. Early people domesticated plants and animals as they stopped being nomads and began living in
civilizations.
2. Archaeologists study early culture.
3. Early peoples settled in certain areas because of food source and climate.
4. Large agricultural settlements developed specific social, cultural, and economic hierarchies.
5. Civilizations must meet certain criteria and are different from other social organizations.
6. The development of civilizations in Egypt, Southwest Asia, India, and China was a decisive
transformation in history.
7. Early civilizations had social hierarchies which included religious institutions and governmental
systems.
8. In both Egypt and China, there was a relationship between the state and aristocracy. Taxation and
coerced labor were important parts of the economy.
ACTIVITIES
1. Hammurabi Obituary
Imagine that Hammurabi has just passed away. It is your job to write his obituary for the local
newspaper. Write an obituary worthy of this influential man. Be sure to include his most
notable accomplishments. Remember that obituaries are typically very succinct. Write this
assignment in the format of a real newspaper obituary.
2. Letter from the past
You are living during the Neolithic revolution. Write a letter to fellow teenagers in the year
2006. Explain to them what your life is like and describe the changes happening in your world.
3. Choice Activity (30 points)
a. Settlement Map
Imagine that you have moved to a new home in the wilderness. There are mountains,
trees, rivers, and caves. Draw a map of the region. On the map, note where you chose to
settle. Beneath the map, write one paragraph explaining why you chose to settle in the
area and how you will meet your basic needs (shelter, food, water).
OR
b. Civilization Illustration
Choose one of the following civilizations: Egypt, China, or Sumer. You should draw a
picture illustrating the civilization and focusing on its achievements. In one paragraph,
explain why the civilization you chose was important to world history and how it impacts our
lives today.
Early Civilizations Agenda Folder
1. Hammurabi Obituary
Proper format
Accurate
Thorough
spelling (-1 per error)
neatness
2. Letter from the Past
Proper format
Accurate
Thorough
spelling (-1 per error)
neatness
NAME:________________________
__________ 3 possible
__________ 7 possible
__________ 7 possible
__________ 5 possible
__________ 3 possible
Activity total (25)__________
__________ 2 possible
__________ 10 possible
__________ 10 possible
__________ 5 possible
__________ 3 possible
Activity total (30)__________
1. Choice Activity:
a. Rural Settlement
Map:
Neatness
Detail
Paragraph:
Completeness of answer
Grammar/spelling (-1 per error)
Neatness
b. Civilization Illustration
Illustration
Neatness
Detail
Creativity
Paragraph
Completeness of answer
Grammar/spelling (-1 per error)
neatness
________ 10 possible
________ 10 possible
__________ 10 possible
__________ 3 possible
__________ 2 possible
________ 5 possible
________ 10 possible
________ 5 possible
__________ 10 possible
__________ 3 possible
___________ 2 possible
Activity total (35)__________
FOLDER TOTAL ___________/90
NOTES___________________/10