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Movers & Shapers: Early Western Civilizations Spread People, Products, and Ideas

In this engaging lesson, students explore how political, environmental, social, and economic factors influenced movement in the early Western Hemisphere and how cultural diffusion shaped civilizations.
Rick Hudgel, B.S., M.S., M.Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(39)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours
Mastery Evaluation
Evidence of Mastery
Grading
Evidence of Mastery

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner Level
What will be taught?
Students will learn about the political, environmental, social, and economic factors that influenced the movement of people, products, and ideas in the early Western Hemisphere before European colonization. They will explore how these migrations contributed to cultural diversity and the development of early civilizations.

What topics will you cover?

The reasons behind migration in early civilizations
Political factors: Tribal alliances, leadership changes, and conflicts
Environmental factors: Natural disasters, climate change, and resource scarcity
Social factors: Religious freedom, cultural blending, and discrimination
Economic factors: Trade networks, job opportunities, and resource distribution
The impact of migration on cultural diffusion and societal development
How is your class structured?
The class will be structured around interactive components, including a video lesson, guided notes, discussion questions, hands-on activities, an assignment, and an Evidence of Mastery assessment. Students will engage in a mix of lecture-based content, collaborative learning, and independent projects to reinforce their understanding.

How will you teach?
I will use a combination of storytelling, historical examples, and humor to make learning engaging and memorable. The lesson will include a structured video script that breaks down key concepts in an easy-to-follow format. Additionally, students will engage in interactive activities such as mapping migration routes, analyzing primary sources, and creating personal narratives to deepen their understanding.

What's your teaching style?
My teaching style is interactive, engaging, and student-centered. I incorporate humor, relatable analogies, and real-world connections to make historical content more accessible. I encourage students to think critically, participate in discussions, and apply their learning through hands-on activities.

How much will learners get to interact with you?
Students will have multiple opportunities to interact with me and each other through:

Lecture & Guided Notes: Engaging explanations with fill-in-the-blank exercises
Discussion Questions: Thought-provoking, leveled questions that encourage critical thinking
Interactive Activities: Hands-on projects such as migration mapping and cultural diffusion exhibits
Personalized Feedback: Individual guidance on assignments and the Evidence of Mastery project
Video Clips & Visual Aids: Historical imagery and maps to support comprehension
Class Discussions: Opportunities to share insights and connect ideas with real-world experiences

Learning Goals

Explain political, environmental, social, and economic factors that cause the movement of people, products, and ideas in the Western Hemisphere.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
This class can accommodate most learning needs using technological interventions.
Parental Guidance
As always, parents are welcome to view the materials and provide feedback to the instructor if necessary.
Supply List
Writing utensil. Elements to draw and/or create. Handouts posted.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Diamond, J. (1997). Guns, germs, and steel: The fates of human societies. W.W. Norton & Company. Mann, C. C. (2005). 1491: New revelations of the Americas before Columbus. Vintage Books. Milner, G. R. (2004). The Moundbuilders: Ancient peoples of eastern North America. Thames & Hudson. National Geographic Society. (n.d.). Ancient migrations and cultural diffusion. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/ Smithsonian Institution. (n.d.). Inca, Maya, and Aztec trade networks. Retrieved from https://www.si.edu/ Library of Congress. (n.d.). Pre-Colonial societies and indigenous migrations. Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/ Weatherford, J. (2010). Indian givers: How Native Americans transformed the world. Crown Publishing.
Joined August, 2024
5.0
39reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Ohio Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Ohio Teaching Certificate
Bachelor's degree in Integrated Social Studies
Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$15

per class

Meets once
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-18 learners per class

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