History Quest 1: The Dawn of Civilization (Full Curriculum Grades 4-6)
This 9-week course uses story-telling and hands-on activities to bring the story of humankind alive, starting with pre-history through one of the very first civilizations. (Part 1 of a year-long social studies course for grades 4-6)
Kim Musolff
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(227)
What's included
27 live meetings
20 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
History Quest: Early Times is an engaging curriculum that uses story-telling and hands-on activities to bring to life the story of humankind. I have been using story-telling for over 20 years to spark the imaginations of children. Through this curriculum, students hear the story of our past from the beginning, and are able to watch as society builds itself--how one event leads to another. Each week students progress through the read-aloud chapter book of early times. Class is supplemented with interactive slideshows, videos, or stories related to the chapter. Throughout the class students keep a notebook to keep track of questions they wonder about, things they’d like to learn more about, and summaries of the things they’ve learned. In addition, each chapter also includes a History Hop, where we time travel back to an important part of history, meeting notable people or seeing what life was like. Finally, we wrap up each chapter with a hands-on activity (like cooking, art, or writing) and a story or two. Stories might be a biography, a myth, epic tale, or an engaging non-fiction text. The most exciting part of teaching history is helping students realize the connection between the events of the past and themselves, knowing that everything led up to the way things are today, or understanding that people of long ago had the same fears and joys that we do today. As we progress through the chapters, I encourage students to ask questions, imagine, and wonder about things. Students always do at least one research project in each class. While they work on and present these projects, I use the opportunity to tell stories related to the period of history we are studying. The projects stem from the questions they have been keeping track of throughout the unit, making it a personalized and meaningful experience for each student. PLEASE NOTE: The EVOLUTION OF HUMANS is touched upon in WEEK 1. *********** PROJECT *********** This class includes one research project. In WEEK 6 students will be researching an ancient civilization of their choice. They may present their project in WEEK 7 in the form of a poster, Google Slide, or essay. ****************** SUMMER 2022 ***************** WEEK 1 (Aug 1): Introduction to Prehistory & the Evolution of Man -Label a map of the world -Read: First Drawing WEEK 2 (Aug 8): Paleolithic Times -History Hop to the life of a nomad -Create a cave painting -Read: Discovery in a Cave WEEK 3 (Aug 15): Neolithic Times -History Hop to visit stone toolmakers -Grind flour & bake bread* -Read: The First Dog *Students will be preparing the dough in class. Baking will need to be done outside of class with a parent's help. WEEK 4 (Aug 22): Civilization Begins -History Hop to visit scribes of ancient times -Make a cuneiform tablet -Read: You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Writing WEEK 5 (Aug 29): Sumer -Create a history notebook -History Hop to meet one of the world's first authors -Make a model ziggurat -Read: You Wouldn't Want to Be a Sumerian Slave WEEK 6 (Sep 5): Research Project -Choose an ancient civilization to research -Read: Gilgamesh the King, Revenge of Ishtar, The Last Quest of Gilgamesh, Discovery in the Cave WEEK 7 (Sep 12): Presentations -Students present their findings on an ancient civilization -Read: A Street Through Time WEEK 8 (Sep 19): Egypt -History Hop to the chief embalmer -Make an apple mummy -Read: Temple Cat WEEK 9 (Sep 26): Egypt -History Hop to visit a pharaoh -Make your own cartouche -Read: Seeker of Knowledge ***************** Class Schedule ***************** This class meets 3 days per week. Activities generally follow this schedule: DAY 1: Discussion of the History Quest chapter students read for homework. Interactive slideshow including maps, primary sources exploration, and engaging videos of the topic being studied. DAY 2: History Hop to a specific place and time in history related to our studies. Students fill out a "travel log" and share any interests or questions related to our topic. DAY 3: Hands-on activity related to our topic. Literature connection to our topic. ******************** Course Schedule ******************** This course is part of a 4-part series of classes. There are NO PRE-REQUISITES for taking the class, meaning any student may take ANY CLASS, IN ANY ORDER, or even as a STAND-ALONE class. However, when all classes are taken sequentially, it creates a full-year course, lasting 36 weeks. Part 1 (THIS CLASS): The Dawn of Civilization (Pre-history through the first civilizations)- 9 weeks Part 2: Meso-America & Mesopotamia -9 weeks Part 3: The Indus Valley, Africa, and Ancient China-9 weeks Part 4: Ancient Greeks, Rome, Ancient Arabia & the Silk Route- 9 weeks *************************************** Note About Historical Perspective *************************************** History has many circumstances where we can question the perspective of the events. For example, one group of people “conquers” another group, or a group of people form a religion around a certain set of beliefs. I make every effort to include multiple perspectives or ask questions that encourage students to think about different viewpoints. I explain to students often that there are multiple ways to construct history, because there are so many people involved in any one part of it. That’s what makes it so interesting! Students are always free to ask questions and state opinions in a respectable way. If controversial topics arise, my practice is to point out that not everyone believes the same thing, and it’s our job to try to see things from everyone’s point of view if we are to create a fair picture of what happened in the past.
Learning Goals
Upon completing this class, students will have an understanding of
-pre-history vs. history
-how humans progressed from nomadic lives to creating civilizations
Other Details
Parental Guidance
History has many circumstances where we can question the perspective of the events. For example, one group of people “conquers” another group, or a group of people form a religion around a certain set of beliefs. I make every effort to include multiple perspectives or ask questions that encourage students to think about different viewpoints. I explain to students often that there are multiple ways to construct history, because there are so many people involved in any one part of it. That’s what makes it so interesting! Students are always free to ask questions and state opinions in a respectable way. If controversial topics arise, my practice is to point out that not everyone believes the same thing, and it’s our job to try to see things from everyone’s point of view if we are to create a fair picture of what happened in the past.
Additionally, history is not always pretty. Death, mistreatment, and other uncomfortable concepts may disturb sensitive students. I will make every effort to give parents a heads-up to any sensitive topics like this, and welcome any parent to reach out with questions or concerns they may have about their student.
During week 1, we discuss evolution of animals and the evolution of humans. You are welcome to skip this week if you don't feel comfortable with these ideas.
The activity for week 3 is a bread-making activity. Please be aware that if your student has an allergy to wheat you may skip the activity or substitute for another flour of your choice.
Supply List
Students will be required to keep a notebook for this class. This can be any 3-ring binder where they can add and remove pages as needed. Students will also need to purchase the History Quest chapter book and the History Quest Study Guide (see below). The study guide includes pages needed for notebooking throughout the entire year. Due to copyright laws, I am unable to provide copies to students. However, when you purchase the Study Guide, you can use it for all other classes in this series. History Quest Study Guide, available in print or as a digital copy for about $30. Used for the entire year: https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-early-times-study-guide/ History Quest Chapter Book, available in print ($22), digitally ($16) or as an audio book ($30). Used for the entire year: Audio Book: https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-early-times-audiobook/ Print Book or ebook: https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-early-times/ Additionally, students will need supplies for hands-on projects. A detailed list of supplies will be provided upon enrollment. Most of the supplies needed are common things you will find around your home. These include things like, paper, colored pencils, tape, flour, mixing bowls, etc.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
History Quest curriculum
https://www.pandiapress.com/history-quest/
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Books used in this class
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"History Quest: Early Times" Chapter Book
-This book was written with the intention of offering an unbiased story-telling approach to history. The author explains that "for me, it was very important that History Quest refuse to promote a predetermined agenda. Most people understand that scientific work is best done when scientists approach data without preconceptions so that the data can determine conclusions. The same can be said about historical work. The abuse of history to advance a political ideological, or religious agenda disturbs me greatly. But despite my devotion to an accurate and unbiased presentation, I, like all history writers, have my own inevitable subjective perspective. I do try hard to mitigate that, and I worked in tandem with a wonderful publisher and editor, whose perspectives challenged and complemented my own.”
“Discovery in the Cave” by Mark Dubowski
-a Step-Into-Reading book about the discovery of ancient cave drawings found in France
“First Drawing” by Mordicai Gerstein
-a fictional story about what it might have been like in prehistoric times when the first cave drawing was made
“The First Dog” by Jan Brett
-A fictional account of how a boy living during the Stone Age might have befriended a young wolf.
“You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Writing”
-Though these books are written with a sense of humor, they offer historically accurate information In class we use the books as a discussion starter and will differentiate the facts from the fiction.
“Gilgamesh the King,” “Return of Ishtar,” and “The Last Quest of Gilgamesh” are 3 books by Ludmila Zemen that tell the epic tale of Gilgamesh. The books are used to show students some of the stories used at this time in history. As the author of the History Quest chapter book notes, “History should be much more than descriptions of conflicts and battle. Art, inquiry, ideas, and invention also shaped the past dramatically and are treated as vital topics.”
“A Street Though Time” by Steve Noon and DK
--a wonderful picture book that displays the progression of a fictional Roman city from the Stone Age to today. The pictures depict what life may have looked like in various time periods. It is a wonderful way to look at history from a variety of perspectives as we see how the very same place can look so differently, depending on the people that live there and the things that have happened (like invasions, battles, sickness, and prosperity).
Joined April, 2020
4.9
227reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I am a Colorado-certified teacher with over 20 years experience teaching children in grades K-8. I have taught in many settings, including public schools, private schools, and homeschool environments. Reviews
Live Group Class
$325
for 27 classes3x per week, 9 weeks
45 min
Completed by 14 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
4-10 learners per class
