Journey Through Prehistory: Exploring the Different Periods of Our Ancient Past

• Social Studies
• 6-8 Grade

Journey Through Prehistory: Exploring the Different Periods of Our Ancient Past

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify the different periods of the prehistoric era.

Introduce the learning objective and explain how it will be achieved through the course of the lesson.

What do you already know
about prehistoric era?

What is Prehistory?

Prehistory is the period of human history that occurred before the advent of written records. It covers more than 99% of the human experience on Earth.

Explain what prehistory is and why it is important. Discuss the limitations of studying prehistory due to the lack of written records.

The Stone Age

The Stone Age is the first and longest period of prehistory, lasting from around 3.4 million years ago until 3300 BCE. It is divided into three parts: the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic.

Introduce the Stone Age and its three subdivisions. Discuss the major characteristics of each subdivision.

The Paleolithic Period

The Paleolithic period, also known as the Old Stone Age, lasted from around 3.4 million years ago to about 10,000 BCE. It is characterized by the use of stone tools and the development of early human societies.

Discuss the major developments and innovations of the Paleolithic period. Explain how early humans adapted to their environment.

The Mesolithic Period

The Mesolithic period, also known as the Middle Stone Age, lasted from about 10,000 BCE to 8000 BCE. It is characterized by the development of more advanced stone tools and the beginning of agriculture.

Discuss the major developments and innovations of the Mesolithic period. Explain how early humans transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a more settled lifestyle.

The Neolithic Period

The Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, lasted from about 8000 BCE until the advent of written records. It is characterized by the development of agriculture, the domestication of animals, and the rise of civilizations.

Discuss the major developments and innovations of the Neolithic period. Explain how early humans transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled and organized civilization.

The Bronze Age

The Bronze Age followed the Stone Age and lasted from around 3300 BCE to 1200 BCE. It is characterized by the use of bronze tools and weapons and the development of early writing systems.

Introduce the Bronze Age and its major characteristics.

The Iron Age

The Iron Age followed the Bronze Age and lasted from around 1200 BCE to the advent of written records. It is characterized by the use of iron tools and the rise of empires.

Introduce the Iron Age and its major characteristics.

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Quiz Time!

It's time to test your knowledge! You will be presented with 7 multiple choice questions and 3 open-ended questions to show what you've learned about the prehistoric era.

Explain the format of the quiz and give instructions for students to complete it. Encourage them to use their notes and ask questions if they need clarification.

What was the major innovation of the Paleolithic period?

1. Agriculture
2. Development of stone tools
3. Discovery of fire
4. Invention of the wheel

What is the name of the third period of prehistory?

1. Neolithic
2. Mesolithic
3. Bronze Age
4. Paleolithic

What is the name of the second period of prehistory?

1. Bronze Age
2. Mesolithic
3. Neolithic
4. Paleolithic

What is the name of the first period of prehistory?

1. Bronze Age
2. Neolithic
3. Mesolithic
4. Paleolithic

Which period of prehistory is the longest?

1. Bronze Age
2. Neolithic
3. Mesolithic
4. Paleolithic

Which period saw the development of microliths for hunting tools?

1. Mesolithic period
2. Neolithic period
3. Bronze Age
4. Paleolithic period

What was the major innovation of the Neolithic period?

1. Development of agriculture and domestication of plants and animals
2. Discovery of electricity
3. Invention of the printing press
4. Development of the steam engine

What was the major innovation of the Mesolithic period?

1. Development of irrigation systems
2. Invention of the wheel
3. Development of microliths for hunting tools
4. Discovery of fire

What is one limitation of studying prehistory?

Write down 1 thing you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.