What is "Mesopotamia" ? A pre-test for you...

Otzi's Death: 4 Possible Theories!

Okay, before you all think I'm a total dork, let me explain the video. I am taking a class for my master's right now and one of the assignments was to make an instructional video about something I teach. It is due tonight at 11:59 p.m. (due date ring any bells for you?) so I kind of waited to the last minute to do my homework (not what you should do). Anyway, I thought Otzi would be a fun topic for my homework assignment. I also thought I might as well put it on WSG so you could all laugh, I mean, learn/review Otzi's death theories.

Introducing the one and only "Blueman"

I would like you to meet the Blueman. He is an awkward, crabby, not so smart friend of mine. He has a lot of problems with his "Frenemy" (friend/enemy) Mustache. These two guys always seem to be arguing about something. Blueman, though he doesn't know it, helps us learn about a variety of things when it comes to the ancient world. Can you pick out the Stone Age information from this comic? Enjoy getting to know the Blueman, but be careful, don't get on his bad side!

Stone Age Test 2013: The Essay

Stone Age Test 2013 Essay:

Summarize the story “I Discover Fire.” 

For your essay, you need to summarize the story "I Discover Fire." Your summary should be between 5-6 sentences. Be sure to cover the main idea by discussing what Johnny's task is, how he figures out how to accomplish it and why it is helpful for the tribe. 

A Stone Age "Tackk"

Today in class we will be creating a website about the Stone Age. We will be doing this to show what we know and then be able to share that knowledge with our classmates (and the world!). So why a stone age website? Because creating a website/working with the internet is a life skill that we all need to be able to do. The world is not slowing down and the internet is not going away. We need to be confident working on the Internet and creating. Also, creating a website, as opposed to a poster, gives us many more options to truly show what we know and create a dynamic sharing creation. Who can draw a picture of Otzi? Not very many of us. But we can show Otzi by uploading a picture of him so we can actually see what he looks like, not try to decipher some below average drawing. We can add links to further our learning of the Stone Age. We can post interactive games, flashcards, videos. We can share these websites with each other and look at them anywhere, on any device, as long as there's internet (which is basically everywhere). 
Why a website? Because it's dynamic learning.

Task: Create a website about the Stone Age using the web tool Tackk.  
On your website, include the following:
-title
-your first name and period number
-Topics: Show as many topics as you have time for. For each topic you show, include the topic name, information about the topic and perhaps a picture. We are starting with the basics for this project. (Topics to think about: Otzi, I Discover Fire, Neanderthals, Cro-Magnon, Cave Art, vocabulary words, hunting, information article)
Share: After you have completed your website, you will share the "link" by posting it to the class spreadsheet. Click here to Share Your Website.

In-Class activity. Preparing for the future when we have our own account. 

Question of the Day: What does the Fox say?

Just because it's a funny video. Do you know what the fox says? I don't either....

Cave Art of the Stone Age

Virtual Tour of the Cave of Lascaux

Archaeologists have discovered some amazing artwork done by the prehistoric people. This art has been found in caves throughout Europe. This "Cave Art" is a major piece of evidence in trying to figure out what things were like in the Stone Age. From the artwork, we can see what was important to the people. In most of the drawings, animals are the major focus. By seeing so much focus on animals, we can conclude that animals were a major part of their life. Meat to eat, bones for tools, and hide for clothing, the animal was extremely important for the Stone Age people. Also, in many of the pieces of art, it appears the people are hunting. The Cave art of the Stone Age showed what's important to the people of the Stone Age. What would your Cave Art show? What's important to you?

Deadliest Warrior: Cro-Magnon vs. Neanderthal (Extra Credit)

During the Stone Age time period, neanderthals and cro-magnon co-existed for many years. Eventually, the Neanderthal's died out and the Cro-Magnon (human beings) took over and controlled the world. So we have these two types of human species. How do they compare with each other? Just because the neanderthals died out and became extinct, doesn't mean that the neanderthals had no positive characteristics. Just because the Cro-Magnon took over the world, doesn't mean the cro-magnon doesn't have any negative characteristics. Let's take a look at these two types of species and compare them. 
The Powerpoint above will take you through some of the characteristics of the Neanderthal and the Cro-Magnon. You will also be given a list of "scenarios" for you to figure out. Based on the characteristics you have learned, what would happen in each scenario? 
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY
In Social Studies, extra credit is a very rare thing, so when the opportunity comes up, be sure to take advantage of it. For this blog post, in order to receive 10 points extra credit, post your own scenario of the neanderthal's vs. cro-magnon. Do NOT say who would win. Let us figure it out on our own. In order to receive the extra credit, the scenario must be written in complete sentences and can be figured out based on the characteristics we learned about. 

The Mysterious Death of Otzi the Iceman

Otzi the Iceman frozen in ice

Otzi the Iceman has taught us a lot about certain things from 5,500 years ago. From Otzi and the fact that he was preserved in the ice, we can learn what people during that time period wore, ate, lived, and did. Otzi was 5'2" and about 45 years old. He had worn down teeth from eating tough grain and bread. He was wearing all homemade clothing designed to keep him warm. One aspect of the Otzi story is his death. How exactly did he die? It may seem like "no big deal," that he just died. But certain clues on Otzi's body suggest that there might be a mystery here. Based on clues archaeologists have uncovered, there are four possible theories on how Otzi died. 
Mysteries of Otzi PowerPoint from class
The Four Theories:
1. Suffered Hypothermia
2. Was robbed
3. Assassinated
4. Died in battle

Task: Read through each Theory and tell me what you think happened. It could not have been all four, only one of them happened, but which one? The debate rages on...
Example Comment: 
Opinion: I think it was......(state which theory you think it was and support your opinion with 3 supporting details.

DUE: Sunday, September 22nd at 11:59 p.m.
Points: 20

Ancient Quest Chapter 2: I Discover Fire

Johnny has accepted his ancient quest and is now ready to begin. He finds himself in the Stone Age for his first task, but as Johnny enters this dangerous and uncivilized place, he has no idea what his task actually is. Last time he was here, he saw some weird looking animals and some strange looking people, but as far as actually doing something here, Johnny has no idea. Can Johnny figure out what his task is and actually complete it? Or will this ancient quest end in the first world? Johnny is in the Stone Age. He's ready. Are you? 

Read: Ancient Quest Chapter 2: I Discover Fire

The Discovery of Otzi

It is time to search for Otzi. Today, you will be joining me as I enter the Alps in search for Otzi the Iceman. Otzi, who happens to be the oldest body ever found, is an extremely important "artifact" because he can teach us so much about what life was like when he roamed the Earth. We can study his weapons, tools, and clothing. We can also study his bones to get an idea of what people looked like. Otzi is truely an amazing discovery. However, today, you will watch as I search for Otzi and discover all the artifacts that were found with his body. The story of Otzi doesn't end there, however, because Otzi the Iceman did not die of natural causes. Was he murdered? Did he die in battle? Was he sick? You will read the evidence and try to solve the oldest mystery in the world.

Task #1: Using the Otzi PowerPoint, fill out your guided notes in your Otzi Packet. This will be done together, but you can follow along on your own screen.

Task #2: Watch the Video "Discoverying Otzi" and watch as the body and artifacts are discovered. In your Otzi packet, record all the artifacts found and why they are important.

Task #3: Sketch a scene of the area in which Otzi was discovered in. Try to place the items in the correct spot based on where they were found.

Infographic: Otzi the Iceman

easel.ly
An infographic is just that: information and graphics. An infographic allows us to learn some information with words and pictures. Here is an infographic of Otzi that I made to help us discuss what he was possibly wearing and doing at the time of his death. Use the infographic to answer the following questions.
Character Profile: Otzi the Iceman
1. What type of climate do you think he was in at the time of his death? Why do you think that? 
2. What did he carry in his birch canister? 
3. If someone was going to rob Otzi, what do you think they would go after? 
4. How do we know Otzi was not prepared for a fight or battle? 
5. What did Otzi mainly use to make his clothing? 

Surviving the Stone Age

The Stone Age is an uncivilized place. It is a place of wild beasts, neanderthals  and danger. Today we will be time traveling back to the Stone Age with one goal: to survive. In order to survive the Stone Age, you must make decisions, good decisions. As you experience living in the Stone Age, you will be faced with decisions that you must make. Each decision will have consequences, either good or bad. Each good decision will earn you points. Each bad decision will take points away. It is your goal to make it to the end of your Stone Age experience with a positive amount of points. If you do this, you have survived and conquered the Stone Age. If you end the game with negative points, well, then the Stone Age was too tough. 
Good luck to you as you experience your first time traveling adventure!
Task: Play the game Stone Age: You Are There. Keep track of your progress on your score sheet. You must track decisions made, consequences, and your points. You MUST use COMPLETE SENTENCES.
Answer these Questions in a Comment Box:
1. List 3 animals from this game.
2. What is found in caves that helps us learn about the Stone Age?
3. What is the best method of hunting the Irish Elk?
4. What tool is most effective in cutting through rough animal hide?
5. Describe a neanderthal. (3 things).
To answer these questions, you may have to go back through the game and find the information. 

When did these Ancient Worlds Happen? (Crazy Izzy)

Watch this video to see when these ancient worlds happened. Be sure to check out the "deleted Scenes" at the end to see how crazy Izzy truly is.

Our Ancient Quest Begins...

It is time to begin our Ancient Quest. Three years ago, I wanted to find a novel that my students could read that would be entertaining, exciting, but yet still teach them about the ancient worlds we study. I could not find such book, so I decided to write my own. I created Johnny Rawten, who is the main character in my books. In book 1, called "Johnny Rawten," he is a 6th grader who discovers that he has the ability to time travel to the ancient world. Throughout 6th grade, he has amazing adventures. At the end of 6th grade, he is faced with a choice: time travel again or go to the spring dance with his girlfriend. He chooses the dance, which he regrets immediately for he lost he chance at another adventure. Johnny spends the next 5 years desperately searching for another time warp portal. No matter how hard he tries, he can not find another time warp portal to go back to the ancient world, that is, however, until he is presented with, the Ancient Quest....
Accept the Quest and enter the Ancient Quest Official Website

Prologue: Johnny Rawten Returns
Chapter 1: I am Challenged

Entering the Ancient World

Our mini-geography unit is over so now it is time to enter the Ancient World. This week, we will be getting an introduction to the 8 ancient civilizations we will be studying by looking at a brief summary of each. We will also begin reading the book Ancient Quest, so we know what is going on with that story. Ancient Quest is a book that will help us learn and visualize the ancient world more so than a textbook. Once you enter the Ancient World, your life will never be the same...
Task: Using the Ancient World Link, read about each ancient civilization we will be studying. Post a COMMENT telling me ONE thing about EACH ancient world. You must use COMPLETE sentences. You can post a comment or write your assignment on a piece of paper. 
DUE: Sunday, September 8th, 2013. 11:59 p.m.
Points: 20. (2 points for each ancient world (16) and 4 points for getting it done on time.)

An Ancient Recipe

We study 8 ancient civilizations in 6th grade social studies. This week, we are getting a little bit of an overview of these ancient worlds. One thing that I want to do is to help you get to know the names of all these places. So, I decided to put together a video that will help you remember some of these names in a different way. It is a cooking show. I am going to make my favorite type of hamburger and in the process, introduce you to all 8 names of the ancient world. So, watch the video, see the most delicious hamburger ever created and begin to learn these names!