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(Self-Paced) Homeschool Ancient World History: Early Civilizations

Is getting your learner to dive into history harder than taming a woolly mammoth? This self-paced course is here to make history engaging, exciting, and unforgettable. Here, they won’t just study history—they’ll experience it!
Janelle Hopkins M.Ed - World History
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(364)
Star Educator
Popular
Class

What's included

10 pre-recorded lessons
average 14 mins per video
10 weeks
of teacher support
2 hrs 23 mins
total video learning hours
1 year access
to the content
Homework
2-4 hours per week. As learners are exploring the various key events in the early modern world, homework will be assigned that is specific to the topic that was covered in class. Learners can generally expect to spend about an hour or two a week on homework (in addition to watching the videos and completing optional activities), some assignments will require less of the learner. Some learners may be eager to spend more than that on their 'Create A Civilization' Project but it is not required or expected. All assignments and activities are focused on supplementing the learner's understanding of the various events and are broken down into specific, manageable tasks. It's important to note that students have varying speeds and styles of learning, and this may reflect in the time taken to complete tasks.
Assessment
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.
Letter Grade
included
Progress Report
included

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
Is getting your learner excited about ancient history harder than taming a woolly mammoth? This course is here to change that. Or if they already love history, they’re in for an unforgettable adventure! Here, learners aren’t just students—they’re tribal leaders, pharaohs, and adventurers. Over fourteen action-packed weeks, they won’t just study history—they’ll experience it.

From guiding early humans through survival challenges to ruling Egypt’s Three Kingdoms and vacationing in Minoan and Mycenaean ruins, learners step into history through immersive simulations. They’ll uncover the cultural legacies of ancient China, India, Israel, and more, making connections between the past and today.

What’s Included:
- Immersive Simulations – Step into history as a tribal leader, ruler, or ancient innovator.
- Hands-On Activities – Create, design, and build with projects like the Ancient Civilizations Theme Park.
- Critical Thinking & Discussion – Explore history through engaging activities that spark curiosity and deeper understanding.

By the end, your learner won’t just understand history’s impact—they’ll see it, experience it, and maybe even love it.

This isn’t just a history class—it’s a journey of creativity, problem-solving, and connection that makes the ancient world come alive!

**Ancient Civilizations Theme Park Project: To showcase their comprehension of classical civilizations, learners will undertake the exciting task of designing an Ancient Civilizations Theme Park. Each learner will create a section of their theme park dedicated to four of the civilizations: Mesopotamia, Indus Valley, Egyptian, Chinese, Israel, Phoenicia, Minoan or Mycenaean. Learners will creatively craft rides, restaurants, attractions, and concession stands that authentically capture the spirit and essence of the respective civilization.

Please note: The specific requirements and guidelines for both projects will be provided in class.

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This class is also offered as a live class, you can view that class here: https://outschool.com/classes/homeschool-middle-school-ancient-world-history-4tPHY1F7

While my courses can be taken in any order based on individual preferences and needs, I would highly recommend taking them in chronological order. This sequencing allows for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and enhances the learning experience. Therefore, I suggest following this chronological order for optimal learning:

(Self-Paced) Homeschool Ancient World History: Early Civilizations
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Ancient World History: Classical Era
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Medieval World History: Europe, Asia & the Islamic World
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Early Modern World History: Renaissance to Revolutions
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Modern World History: Industry to World Wars
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Modern World History: Cold War Era & Beyond 

By following this chronological order, learners can gradually build upon their knowledge and develop a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. They can trace the evolution of ideas, events, and societies over time, which fosters a more coherent and interconnected understanding of the subject.

However, I understand that individual circumstances and preferences may influence the order in which courses are taken. Ultimately, it is important to choose the sequencing that aligns best with your learning goals and interests.

Learning Goals

Investigate early human tool creation, societal evolution, and the impacts of the agricultural revolution. 
Chart early human migrations and adaptations, outlining the geographical origins of early humans.
Explore Mesopotamia's geography, civilizations, and the GRAPES framework. 
Investigate Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian achievements, and Mesopotamian legal systems.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards
10 Lessons
over 10 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Paleolithic Societies: Early Humans
 Interpret timelines, identify key dates and events, and analyze the sequence and duration of historical periods using both 'BCE/CE' and 'BC/AD' dating systems. 
Describe the cultural evolution of early humans, including the creation and impact of early tools on societal development and investigate how these tools facilitated significant changes in lifestyle and social structures. 
Chart the initial migrations of early humans, their environmental adaptations, and global dispersal. 
2 assignments
10 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Neolithic Societies: Tribes to Villages
 Compare and contrast characteristics of early humans during the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras.
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 civilizations. 
2 assignments
21 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Mesopotamian Civilizations: Villages to Civilizations
 Investigate the GRAPES framework, which incorporates geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.
Analyze the geography of Mesopotamia, including cities, civilizations, and geographic features.
Investigate and outline Sumerian, Akkadian and Babylonian achievements.
Examine the purpose of laws in Mesopotamia and compare them to modern-day legal systems. 
2 assignments
8 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Ancient Egypt
 Examine 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. 
26 mins of video lessons

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The study of world history deals with some sensitive topics in history such as war, slavery, racism, religion and genocide. Religion will only be discussed in a historical context. Learners will be introduced to multiple perspectives using peer-reviewed and scholarly sources. Learners will be encouraged to engage in critical and reflective thinking on matters pertaining to the history of ancient conflicts, security issues, religion and economics. Discussion posts will be moderated, encouraged and closely monitored by the teacher from an unbiased and secular standpoint. When applicable, viewpoints from marginalized groups will be explored. I take great care to present the content in an age appropriate manner.
Supply List
Paper: 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.

For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section where a list of recommended third-party websites will be provided.

Make sure to have these supplies ready to fully participate in the course activities and projects.
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
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.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
364reviews
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Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree in Education from University of Montevallo
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.

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Self-Paced Course
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$15

weekly
10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 13 learners
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Ages: 12-16

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