Ancient Cultures for Middle School
Journey through the Ancient World and build critical thinking and communication skills through primary and secondary sources such as important documents, videos and images.
Jennifer E Sumis
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(249)
What's included
16 live meetings
14 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
Homework is optional and links will be posted in the Outschool classroom. I don't require students to complete homework, but if a grade on a particular activity is requested, I will give that activity a grade for that student.Assessment
As mentioned above, records of grades are not kept or shared unless requested prior to class starting. However, to check understanding, we do various online quiz games, such as Kahoot and Blooket. Each class will also have a virtual "exit ticket" students will complete before exiting the class.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
In this class, students will be learning about Ancient World Civilizations, starting with early humans up until African Empires and civilizations. Students will engage in class discussions, class activities, online review games and a culminating project. This is a full semester class. We meet 1 time per week. All materials needed for class will be shared via the Outschool online classroom prior to class. I use Google Classroom folders and will be sharing through that platform. All activities and handouts can be accessed digitally, but if paper versions are requested, I am happy to provide that format as well. Some students prefer paper and pencil handouts. The topics covered will be as follows: Week of August 18: Pre-history: Early Man and migration Week of August 21: Pre-history: Paleo and Neolithic Human Societies Week of August 28: Ancient World: Mesopotamia Week of September 4: Ancient World: Egypt Week of September 11:: Ancient World: Egypt Mythology Week of September 18: Indus River Valley Civilizations Week of September 25: Ancient World: China Week of October 2: Ancient World: Greece Week of October 9: Ancient World: Greek Mythology Week of October 16: Ancient World: Rome Week of October 23: The Byzantine Empire Week of October 30: African Empires Week of November 6: Early American Civilizations Week of November 13: Student Choice Week of November 27 and December 4: Projects - Students will plan a trip around the world, visiting the civilizations that we talked about in class. Projects will be done via Google Slides and will include mapping their travel route, taking "selfies" with popular landmarks and ancient ruin sites, and sending postcards to family and friends. Students will be presenting their projects the week of December 11. Materials needed: Students will need a notebook, pen or pencil, and if a handout is requested instead of a digital handout. All materials and handouts needed will be posted in Google Classroom every Sunday before the week starts so students are aware what they will need for that particular class.
Learning Goals
Objective 1: Learn basic facts and a build a basic foundation of Ancient Civilizations and how they helped shape the world today
Objective 2: Practice critical-thinking skills through engaging activities
Objective 3: Build communication skills with class discussions
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some of the topics covered in history deal with controversial and sensitive topics, such as slavery. All class discussions and activities are prepared at age-appropriate levels. No graphic content is shared in class.
Supply List
Notebook Pen/Pencil Colored Pencils/Markers Access to online platforms
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2020
4.9
249reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been teaching Middle School students for 13 years. I've taught ELA, World History, Geography, and Civics. I am currently teaching 7th and 8th grade American History and Civics in Chicago. I hold a BA in Secondary Education. I majored in History and minored in English. I am certified for secondary teaching in the state of IL with endorsements in World History, American History, English, ELA and Geography. I have had extensive training on sensitive topics, such as women's rights, slavery and racism through programs with Facing History and Ourselves and Street Law. Both programs are based in Chicago. Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly or $320 for 16 classes1x per week, 16 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-10 learners per class
