Homeschool Middle School Ancient World History
Class experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Learners will take a deep dive into ancient history (approx. the dawn of civilization to 300-200 BCE), tracing human progress from the nomadic Paleolithic era through the transformative agricultural revolution of the Neolithic period. This journey will cover the foundational societies of Mesopotamia, highlighting their evolution into city-states and their remarkable accomplishments. The course will then explore the wonders of ancient Egypt, from pyramid-building to the Nile's role in...
14 lessons//14 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Early Humans, Paleolithic & Neolithic SocietiesInvestigate the creation and use of early human tools and their impact on societal evolution, describe the social organization of hunter-gatherer societies, and evaluate the effects of the agricultural revolution on early human settlement development. Chart the initial migrations of early humans, their environmental adaptations, and global dispersal. Outline the origins and defining characteristics of early humans, from Australopithecus to Homo sapiens.Week 2Lesson 2Villages to City-StatesAnalyze the geography of Mesopotamia, including cities, civilizations, and geographic features. Understand the concept of civilization and its defining characteristics. Introduce the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. Learn about different dating systems, including BCE and CE, as well as BC and AD, and the reasons behind their usage.Week 3Lesson 3Mesopotamian CivilizationsInvestigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. Investigate and outline Sumerian, Akkadian and Babylonian achievements.Week 4Lesson 4Mesopotamian CivilizationsInvestigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. Investigate and outline Sumerian, Akkadian and Babylonian achievements. Examine the purpose of laws in Mesopotamia and compare them to modern-day legal systems.Week 5Lesson 5Ancient EgyptExamine the geography of ancient Egypt, focusing on the Nile River's influence on Egyptian civilization, and assess how this geography facilitated interactions and trade with the Kush kingdom. Investigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of every ancient Egypt.Week 6Lesson 6Ancient EgyptExamine the role and significance of Egyptian Pharaohs in ancient Egyptian society, including their political, religious, and cultural influence, and analyze how they shaped the development and governance of the civilization. Investigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of every ancient Egypt.Week 7Lesson 7Ancient EgyptExamine the reasons for Egypt's decline and its historical significance. Investigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of every ancient Egypt.Week 8Lesson 8Indus Valley CivilizationsIdentify and describe the geography of the Indus Valley, including cities, civilizations, and geographic features. Investigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of the Indus Valley Civilizations.Week 9Lesson 9Indus Valley CivilizationsEvaluate theories regarding the fate of the Harappans and Mohenjo-Daro. Explore the key beliefs, texts, and major deities of Hinduism. Investigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of the Indus Valley Civilizations.Week 10Lesson 10Ancient ChinaExplore Ancient China’s geography, cities, and civilizations and assess their influences on Chinese society and culture. Study Ancient China’s Dynastic Cycle and key dynasties: Xin, Shang, and Zhou. Investigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of ancient China.Week 11Lesson 11Ancient ChinaInvestigate the military and political strategies of the Warring States Period, including understanding the strategic importance of the Great Wall in these contexts. Analyze Ancient China’s philosophical schools: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Investigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of ancient China.Week 12Lesson 12Ancient Phoenicia & IsraelExamine the Phoenicians as prominent Mediterranean traders, focusing on their maritime skills, trade networks, and economic impact. Analyze the development and significance of the Phoenician alphabet, and its cultural impact on other civilizations. Explore the key beliefs, texts, and major deities of Judaism. Investigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of ancient Phoenicia & Israel.Week 13Lesson 13Ancient PersiaInvestigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of ancient Persia. Assess Persia's contributions to art, governance, and infrastructure, including the Royal Road. Evaluate the governance styles of Cyrus the Great, Darius I, and Xerxes. Understand Ancient Persian society, from daily life to social structures.Week 14Lesson 14Learner Projects: Will Your Civilization Survive?Zombie Apocalypse: Constructing a Civilization with Ancient Elements In this unique and engaging project, learners will confront the challenge of surviving a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, using the best elements from ancient civilizations. Drawing on their studies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, Persia, Phoenicia, and Israel, learners will creatively select the most effective aspects of these societies to design a resilient and thriving civilization.
Investigate early human tool creation, societal evolution, and the impacts of the agricultural revolution. Chart early human migrations and adaptations, outlining the origins of Homo sapiens. Explore Mesopotamia's geography, civilizations, and the GRAPES framework. Investigate Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian achievements, and Mesopotamian legal systems. Examine ancient Egypt's Nile River influence and its decline. Evaluate theories on the fate of Harappans and explore Hinduism's beliefs. Study Ancient China's geography, dynasties, and philosophical schools. Analyze the Phoenicians' trade skills and the development of their alphabet. Investigate ancient Persia's governance, infrastructure, and society. Explore the GRAPES framework for ancient civilizations.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Comparative Politics. My academic journey included a wide range of courses focusing on various political and historical aspects of civilizations from different time periods and regions around the world. This comprehensive study allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the complexities of past and present societies. Furthermore, I pursued a Master of Education degree specializing in Secondary Social Sciences, which provided me with advanced knowledge in teaching history, political science, and related subjects. I obtained certification from the state of Alabama, qualifying me to teach social sciences to students in grades 7-12. Over the course of my teaching career, I have gained extensive experience instructing students in US and World history; dedicated to delivering engaging and informative lessons in these subjects. Additionally, I have conducted extensive research in both history and politics for over 20+ years, allowing me to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in these fields. My educational background, teaching experience, and research expertise have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. I am committed to fostering a deeper understanding of historical events and political dynamics while encouraging critical thinking and a passion for learning in my learners.
Homework Offered
Weekly materials will be posted in the classroom, with most being digital-friendly and a select few requiring printing. For those who prefer not to print, PDFs will be available to view on your device. Brief, independent assignments will often extend outside classroom time due to our packed agenda. Every learner will get at least one week to complete assignments and will receive advanced notice for larger projects. Homework, necessary for a deeper understanding, will be light—expect about 30 to 60 minutes per week. It's important to note that learners have varying speeds and styles of learning, and this may reflect in the time taken to complete tasks. Completing these assignments diligently on one's own time will not only reinforce the material discussed in class but will also prepare learners for more engaging and productive class experience. For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Upon request and prior to the start of the course, assessments can be conducted throughout the course to evaluate learner progress and understanding. These assessments may include quizzes, tests, projects, feedback and/or other forms of evaluation (i.e. letter grade). Parents and learners are encouraged to discuss their grading preferences with the teacher. The purpose of assessments and grades is to provide feedback on student learning and measure their achievement. It is important for learners to actively participate in assessments and seek feedback to gauge their progress and areas of improvement. Furthermore, a detailed rubric will be provided specifically for the project. This rubric will serve as a guideline to assess and evaluate the quality and creativity of the learners' project. It will outline the criteria and expectations, ensuring transparency and fairness in the assessment process. Learners will have a clear understanding of the criteria by which their projects will be evaluated, allowing them to strive for excellence in their projects.Grades Offered
Upon request learners can opt to receive grades and/or feedback. In the absence of a specific request for grades, only feedback will be provided.
1 file available upon enrollmentPaper: It is recommended to have both construction or colored paper for creative projects and regular paper for written assignments. Pen/Pencil: Essential tools for note-taking, completing assignments, and engaging in activities. Crayons/Markers/Colored Pencils: These coloring tools will be useful for visual projects and adding creativity to assignments. Printer: Access to a printer is required for printing out resources provided by the teacher or accessing digital documents. Note: If using hard copy printouts, it is strongly suggested to have a folder or binder for organization. Dice: A physical set of dice, an app that allows for dice rolls, or access to a virtual dice roller online will be used for specific activities and simulations. For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed. Additionally, for the Zombie Apocalypse Project, you MAY need the following supplies: Learners should use their lesson handouts from class, the internet and print sources to research their chosen classical civilizations. For the project, you can use poster board, construction paper, art materials, printed pictures, colored pencils and markers, scissors and glue. 3D & digital presentations are also allowed. Please ensure that you have these supplies available to fully participate in our engaging activities and projects.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
The study of world history encompasses a wide range of topics, including those that are sensitive in nature, such as war, slavery, racism, religion, and genocide. It is important to note that discussions on religion will solely focus on its historical context. Throughout the course, learners will be exposed to diverse perspectives using reputable sources that have been peer-reviewed and are of scholarly nature. Students will be actively encouraged to engage in critical thinking and reflection, particularly when it comes to topics related to ancient conflicts, religion, and economics. To ensure a fair and impartial environment, discussions will be moderated by the teacher, who will adopt an unbiased and secular standpoint. Where applicable, the course will strive to explore viewpoints from marginalized groups, shedding light on often underrepresented perspectives and narratives. It is important to clarify that this course does not seek to endorse or promote any specific dating system. Instead, it aims to cultivate an appreciation for the various approaches and interpretations of time measurement and chronology. As an educator, I am dedicated to presenting the course content in an age-appropriate manner, taking into consideration the sensitivity and maturity levels of the students. The utmost care will be taken to deliver the material in a manner that is respectful, inclusive, and conducive to the learning experience.
Marr, Andrew. A History of the World Boum, Aomar and Arthur Goldschmidt, Jr. A Concise history of the Middle East, 11th ed. Khaldûn, Ibn Ibn. The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History - Abridged Edition. Lewis, Bernard. The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2000 Years. Richardson, Hazel. Life in the Ancient Indus River Valley (Peoples of the Ancient World). Bauer, Susan. The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome. Primary and secondary texts, writings and works of various early religious scholars.
Hey y'all! I'm Janelle, your not-so-average History teacher. I believe in making learning hands-on and engaging for my middle school students. Why is hands-on learning important for middle schoolers, you ask? Well, the simple answer is that middle...
Group Class
$242
for 14 classes1x per week, 14 weeks
60 min
Completed by 15 learners
Live video meetings
Ages 11-14
4-8 learners per class