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Here's Why These Six Ancient Civilizations Mysteriously Collapsed - History.com
Grades
6 to 12
The History.com article 6 Civilizations That Mysteriously Collapsed examines the sudden and often unexplained declines of six ancient civilizations: the Maya, Indus Valley, Ancestral...more
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The History.com article 6 Civilizations That Mysteriously Collapsed examines the sudden and often unexplained declines of six ancient civilizations: the Maya, Indus Valley, Ancestral Puebloans, Cahokia, Easter Island, and Greenland's Norse settlements. The article explores contributing factors such as drought, deforestation, resource depletion, social upheaval, and climate change, providing insights into how these societies thrived before facing challenges that led to their downfall. This resource is ideal for educators teaching history, geography, or anthropology, as it encourages students to analyze the interplay between human activity and environmental factors. Teachers can use it to promote critical thinking through discussions, research projects, or comparative studies on the rise and fall of civilizations throughout history.
tag(s): india (32), mayans (23), mexico (37), native americans (109), vikings (10)
In the Classroom
Students can work in teams to design a hypothetical civilization that could thrive while addressing challenges faced by the ancient ones. Teams present their civilization plans as a poster, model, or digital presentation such as Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here. Using an online tool such as Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here, students could create a collaborative timeline showing when and how each civilization flourished and eventually declined. Students research a modern society facing similar challenges, including climate change and resource depletion, and compare it to one of the ancient civilizations discussed.PBS's East Meets West: The Impact of Trade on Europe and China - PBS's East Meets West: The Impact of Trade on Europe and China
Grades
6 to 12PBS's East Meets West: The Impact of Trade on Europe and China shares five resources on how the East meets the West. The resources include The Silk Road and Ancient ...more
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PBS's East Meets West: The Impact of Trade on Europe and China shares five resources on how the East meets the West. The resources include The Silk Road and Ancient Trade, Columbus, de Gama, and Zheng He! 15th Century Mariners, Marco Polo, Transporting Chinese Ceramics, the 15th Century and Christopher Columbus Landing at San Salvadore, and 19th Century Painting. The two videos that are shared are under eleven minutes. PBS also offers quick background information, handouts, and discussion questions. The resources can be linked to Google Classroom. Read the Caution area to ensure your students are mature enough to view the videos.
tag(s): china (81)
In the Classroom
Students can create a trade timeline from Ancient China to the Western World by using Timeline Maker, reviewed here. Students can create a 3D diorama of the trade route from east to west. Students can research all the items that were traded, who created them, and who purchased them.PBS's Influence of Buddhism (Cultural Diffusion) | The Story of China - PBS's Influence of Buddhism (Cultural Diffusion) | The Story of
Grades
3 to 12PBS's Influence of Buddhism (Cultural Diffusion) - The Story of China is a four-minute video explaining the influence of Buddhism. PBS also offers quick background information and discussion...more
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PBS's Influence of Buddhism (Cultural Diffusion) - The Story of China is a four-minute video explaining the influence of Buddhism. PBS also offers quick background information and discussion questions. You can link the video to Google Classroom.
In the Classroom
Students can compare Buddhism to another religion using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can research the impact of Buddhism in Ancient China. Finally, students can create a timeline of how religion changed over time using Timelinely, reviewed here.PBS Islam in China in Qing | The Story of China - PBS Islam in China in Qing | The Story of China
Grades
3 to 12PBS's Islam in China in Qing | The Story of China is a three-minute video explaining how the Islamic religion came to China. PBS also offers quick background information and ...more
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PBS's Islam in China in Qing | The Story of China is a three-minute video explaining how the Islamic religion came to China. PBS also offers quick background information and discussion questions. The video can be linked to Google Classroom.
In the Classroom
Students can compare Islam to another religion using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can research the impact of Islam in Ancient China. Students can create a timeline of how religion changed using History in Motion, reviewed here.PBS Learning Media: Inventions and Science: Movable Type | The Story of China - PBS Learning Media: Inventions and Science: Movable Type | The
Grades
3 to 12PBS's Inventions and Science: Movable Type | The Story of China is a three-minute video showcasing printing in Ancient China. PBS also offers quick background information and discussion...more
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PBS's Inventions and Science: Movable Type | The Story of China is a three-minute video showcasing printing in Ancient China. PBS also offers quick background information and discussion questions. The video can be linked to Google Classroom.
tag(s): china (81)
In the Classroom
Students can continue researching more about printing in ancient times. Students can compare and contrast printing from Ancient China to other civilizations. Have students compare by creating a Venn diagram using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Finally, students can create a timeline of how printing has changed using History in Motion, reviewed here.PBS's Silk Roads and Trade: The Story of China - PBS's Silk Roads and Trade: The Story of China
Grades
3 to 12PBS's Silk Roads and Trade: The Story of China is a three-minute video showcasing the global trade network in Ancient China. PBS also offers quick background information and discussion...more
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PBS's Silk Roads and Trade: The Story of China is a three-minute video showcasing the global trade network in Ancient China. PBS also offers quick background information and discussion questions. The video can be linked to Google Classroom.
tag(s): china (81)
In the Classroom
Students can continue researching the Silk Road, create a 3D diorama on the Silk Road Trade route, and investigate more about the materials that were traded during this time by studying the material itself, who created it, and to whom it was sold.FlyOver Zone - FlyOver Zone
Grades
6 to 12FlyOver Zone offers free 3D modeling of various world heritage sites and monuments. FlyOver Zone tours visit the Acropolis, Baalbek Reborn temple, Tenochtitlan, Basilica of Maxentius,...more
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FlyOver Zone offers free 3D modeling of various world heritage sites and monuments. FlyOver Zone tours visit the Acropolis, Baalbek Reborn temple, Tenochtitlan, Basilica of Maxentius, Casino (or Villa) Aurora, and many more. You must create a free account to access the 3D reconstructions and the tour itself. Each site and/or monument will give a brief description, and some offer lesson plans.
tag(s): architecture (75), art history (103), virtual field trips (128)
In the Classroom
Have your students do more research on the site or monument that they visited. Students can research the construction and remodeling of the site and/or monument by creating a timeline using Timeline, reviewed here. Another idea, challenge your students to create their 3D model of the site and/or monument.Indians - A Brief History of a Civilization: Ep 1 - The Harappans - Harappa.com
Grades
6 to 8"Indians: A Brief History of a Civilization - Episode 1: The Harappans" introduces the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, also called the Harappan Civilization. This video explains...more
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"Indians: A Brief History of a Civilization - Episode 1: The Harappans" introduces the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, also called the Harappan Civilization. This video explains how the Harappans built well-planned cities with excellent water systems and had a unique society without prominent temples or palaces. It also explores daily life, trade, and the artifacts they left behind. The video visits sites like Dholavira to show how advanced the Harappans were and discusses possible reasons why their civilization declined. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Students create an interactive timeline of key events and features of the Harappan Civilization using tools like Class Tools, reviewed here or Timelinely, . Use printed maps and photos of archaeological sites for students to analyze in small groups. Students design their own Harappan artifacts, such as seals, pottery, or jewelry, using modeling clay or paper. Students create a digital storyboard or comic strip showing the daily life of a Harappan child using tools like Canva, < a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">reviewed here.Khan's Ancient Indus Valley Civilization - Khan's Ancient Indus Valley Civilization
Grades
4 to 10Khan's Ancient Indus Valley Civilization is a site that has information on the Ancient Indus Valley. The site includes an 11 minute video and then details geography, urban infrastructure,...more
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Khan's Ancient Indus Valley Civilization is a site that has information on the Ancient Indus Valley. The site includes an 11 minute video and then details geography, urban infrastructure, architecture, innovation, religion, language, hierarchies, and its decline. There are questions at the end for students to answer/think about and a short quiz. The activities from Khan Academy can be posted to Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams.
tag(s): architecture (75), inventors and inventions (80), religions (95)
In the Classroom
In the classroom, students can answer the questions and take the quiz that is provided from the website. Students can create a clay model of the Indus Valley artifacts, architecture, or the civilization itself. Students can create a timeline using Book Creator (reviewed here). Figjam (reviewed here) , or Google Drawing (reviewed here.). Finally, students can create a pamphlet highlighting important aspects of the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization.Expeditions Pro - Singleton Technology Limited
Grades
3 to 12ExpeditionsPro is a platform designed to help educators and leaders create and manage virtual and in-person field trips. The website provides tools to plan immersive experiences to...more
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ExpeditionsPro is a platform designed to help educators and leaders create and manage virtual and in-person field trips. The website provides tools to plan immersive experiences to enhance student learning and engagement, whether in local environments or through global connections. Teachers can use the platform to customize itineraries, track trip details, and even incorporate augmented reality or virtual reality elements for a modern, interactive approach to exploration. ExpeditionsPro emphasizes making educational trips accessible and organized, offering opportunities to bring the world into the classroom or take learning beyond its walls.
tag(s): augmented reality (9), virtual field trips (128)
In the Classroom
Begin a unit with a virtual field trip using ExpeditionsPro to introduce students to a topic like ancient Egypt, space exploration, or marine biology. Allow students to explore immersive environments using AR/VR features and discuss their first impressions. Students work in small groups to design a virtual field trip based on a topic they're studying (ex., famous landmarks, ecosystems, or historical events). Using ExpeditionsPro, they add images, videos, and descriptions to create an engaging tour. Teachers can design a virtual scavenger hunt within a tour. For example, students could look for specific artifacts in a museum tour or identify types of plants in a rainforest tour.Khan Academy Ancient Indus Valley Civilization - Khan Academy Ancient Indus Valley Civilization
Grades
4 to 10Khan's Ancient Indus Valley Civilization is a free 11-minute video on the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The video highlights its geography, the structures created with precise...more
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Khan's Ancient Indus Valley Civilization is a free 11-minute video on the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The video highlights its geography, the structures created with precise units of measurement, artifacts, jewelry, writing, religion, decline, and more.
tag(s): cultures (180), egypt (56), mesopotamia (32)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to create a video using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here with information from each topic from the video and/or all the ancient civilizations. Students can compare and contrast the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization with other civilizations from the same time. Finally, students can debate which civilization impacted society most significantly. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here.Ancient Indus Valley Civilization - Learni History for Kids
Grades
4 to 10History for Kids: Ancient Indus Valley Civilization is a free 10-minute video on the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The video highlights the geography, climate, farming, trade,...more
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History for Kids: Ancient Indus Valley Civilization is a free 10-minute video on the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The video highlights the geography, climate, farming, trade, cities, the creation of standard measurement, the mysterious disappearance, and more. It also lists links to Amazon books, images, World History Encyclopedia, and Kids Britannica.
tag(s): cultures (180), egypt (56), mesopotamia (32)
In the Classroom
Students could create a book using Elementari, reviewed here utilizing the information from each of the topics from the video. Students can compare and contrast the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization with other civilizations from the same time. Finally, students can debate which civilization impacted society most significantly.The Rise and Fall of History's First Empire - TED-Ed
Grades
6 to 12Step into the world of ancient history with "The Rise and Fall of History's First Empire." This video tells the fascinating story of Sumer, the first empire in Mesopotamia. You'll ...more
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Step into the world of ancient history with "The Rise and Fall of History's First Empire." This video tells the fascinating story of Sumer, the first empire in Mesopotamia. You'll learn how the Sumerians built the earliest cities, invented writing, and transformed farming to shape human civilization. It also explores their innovative governments and the challenges that led to their decline. Perfect for sparking curiosity about the beginnings of history! It's recommended to check if YouTube is accessible on school networks if you are planning to use this resource in the classroom.
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tag(s): asia (116), cultures (180), mesopotamia (32)
In the Classroom
Assign students to research another ancient empire (ex., Egypt, Indus Valley, or China). In a short presentation, they can compare its achievements, government, and eventual decline with Sumer. The presentation can be made using Google Slides, reviewed here, or they can make a webpage using a tool such as Webnode, reviewed here. Have students make maps of Mesopotamia in Google My Maps, reviewed here, and locate key cities like Ur and Uruk. Discuss how geography (rivers, fertile land) influenced Sumer's development and why these features were vital to survival. Students could also use Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here to create a visual timeline of key events from Sumer's history based on the video. Include the development of cities, cuneiform writing, and other milestones.Duckster's Ancient China - Duckster's Ancient China
Grades
3 to 10Duckster's Ancient China website shares short facts on the different dynasties in Ancient China. Students can listen to the site by clicking on the site recording. There is a ten-question...more
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Duckster's Ancient China website shares short facts on the different dynasties in Ancient China. Students can listen to the site by clicking on the site recording. There is a ten-question quiz on facts from the site. Don't miss Duckster's list of additional content (with links) at the bottom of the page!
In the Classroom
Have students read the website and take the ten-question quiz. Students can pick a dynasty to learn about and share the information via a video (using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here), Google Slides (reviewed here), a podcast (using Adobe Podcast reviewed here), or a digital story using Sway, reviewed here. Finally, students can debate the impact of each dynasty and which was the most influential on modern history.Coffee House Historian's The Silk Road - Coffee House Historian's The Silk Road
Grades
8 to 12Coffee House Historian's The Silk Road uses primary sources to teach about the Silk Roads. Students engage in activities, including a map project, an Ibn Battuta Post Card, a gallery...more
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Coffee House Historian's The Silk Road uses primary sources to teach about the Silk Roads. Students engage in activities, including a map project, an Ibn Battuta Post Card, a gallery walk, and additional sites for research. The site is very detailed in teaching the unit, with links to activities, explanations, and a rubric.
In the Classroom
Students can follow the unit provided to learn more about the Silk Roads. Students can create a video diary sharing the information they have learned as they complete the activities. Use a video tool like Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here. Finally, students can flip the classroom by teaching others about topics they explored.Indus Folklore: An Unknown Story on Some Harappan Objects - Harappa.com
Grades
6 to 10Indus Folklore: An Unknown Story on Some Harappan Objects shares slides, essays, articles, books, and videos from the Ancient Indus Civilization. The site highlights the Indus in 90...more
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Indus Folklore: An Unknown Story on Some Harappan Objects shares slides, essays, articles, books, and videos from the Ancient Indus Civilization. The site highlights the Indus in 90 slides, terracotta figurines, the trade network, diseases, the discovery of the civilization, where artifacts can be found, and more.
tag(s): art history (103), asia (116), middle east (50)
In the Classroom
Flip the classroom by having students choose a topic from the website and share the information using a diorama, Google Slides, reviewed here, a video, or book using Book Creator, reviewed here. Students can reach out to Indus scholars to host a virtual Q&A. Finally, students can compare and contrast the Indus civilization with others around the same time. Compare the civilizations using a tool such as ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. You can click on the right side to choose between a two or three-circle Venn diagram.Britannica Kids Silk Road - Britannica Kids Silk Road
Grades
3 to 10Britannica Kids Silk Road shares information on the route, trade along the road, the Silk Road's decline, a lasting legacy, and more. Under the "Images and Videos" tab is a ...more
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Britannica Kids Silk Road shares information on the route, trade along the road, the Silk Road's decline, a lasting legacy, and more. Under the "Images and Videos" tab is a short (two-minute) video, interactive map, paintings, and artifacts.
tag(s): china (81)
In the Classroom
Students can read the information to learn about the Silk Road. Students can research the cities along the Silk Road and how the Silk Road created their existence. Students can investigate more about the UNESCO World Heritage sites or Silk Road created by Yo-Yo Ma. Finally, students can debate the impact of the Silk Road then and now.OER Project's The Silk Roads - OER Project's The Silk Roads
Grades
6 to 10Explore this site, which offers two articles, a video, and an activity. The nine-minute video allows you to pause at key points to discuss. In the simulation activity, you will ...more
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Explore this site, which offers two articles, a video, and an activity. The nine-minute video allows you to pause at key points to discuss. In the simulation activity, you will become a merchant who engages in the flow of goods and services across the region. Discover why individuals took financial and personal risks to make a profit and how the Silk Road affected communities.
In the Classroom
Students can watch the video, read the articles, and complete the stimulation activity. Students can video record themselves doing the stimulation activity, showing others how the Silk Roads goods and services traveled. Students can share their experiences and debate the value of the Silk Road to trade. Finally, students can compare the Silk Road to other ancient civilizations' trade.EdYouToo's Ancient China - EdYouToo's Ancient China
Grades
3 to 10EdYouToo's Ancient China Part One video on Ancient China highlights the Bronze Age until the Han Dynasty in a twenty minute video. The Dynasties highlighted in the video include Xia,...more
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EdYouToo's Ancient China Part One video on Ancient China highlights the Bronze Age until the Han Dynasty in a twenty minute video. The Dynasties highlighted in the video include Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han. Each video section on a dynasty shares accomplishments or important facts.
In the Classroom
Students could pick one of the dynasties to research more about and create a Google Slide presentation or a podcast using RedCircle reviewed here. Students can compare and contrast each of the dynasties. Finally, students can debate which dynasty was the most influential. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here.Ancient China - Kids Discover
Grades
3 to 8The Kids Discover Online unit on Ancient China provides a comprehensive exploration of Chinese dynasties, focusing on their history, achievements, and cultural impact. There are seven...more
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The Kids Discover Online unit on Ancient China provides a comprehensive exploration of Chinese dynasties, focusing on their history, achievements, and cultural impact. There are seven topics to explore. The resource is designed for engaging classroom use, featuring vibrant visuals, accessible text, and interactive elements that bring ancient Chinese history to life. The "Chinese Dynasties" topic covers significant eras, such as the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties, highlighting their contributions to governance, technology, and art. You must register for a free account to access this unit.