Activity Overview
Using a G.R.A.P.E.S. Chart to organize information about ancient Civilizations is a useful tool to enhance students' analysis of the characteristics and contributions of a society. Going further and including visuals helps students to better retain the details of each category.
When learning about ancient Civilizations, students may need teachers to provide a variety of resources. The use of diverse resources such as primary sources, videos, songs, readings from textbooks, encyclopedias and literature can be helpful for students to gain an accurate and complete picture of the time period. Students can use graphic organizers to write notes about the different categories as they learn.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
GRAPES Chart
Students will then create a spider map focusing on Economy or Jobs of Ancient Mesopotamia using the template in Storyboard That and creating illustrations and descriptions to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
By focusing on just one category, students are encouraged to include more information and should complete at least three cells. Students can come together after they’ve created their storyboards to share what they’ve learned. The full G.R.A.P.E.S. Chart can be used as a post assessment after students have presented.Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map focusing on the different characteristics of the Economy or Jobs of ancient Mesopotamia.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write a title for each cell and a 1-3 sentence description.
- Create an illustration that represents each category using appropriate scenes, characters, and items. Type “Mesopotamia” to find images that relate to ancient Mesopotamia.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Minimum of 3-6 cells showcasing different characteristics of the Economy of ancient Mesopotamia. Appropriate scenes to illustrate each cell. 1-3 sentence description for each cell demonstrating your understanding.
Lesson Plan Reference
How To Discuss the Trade System of Ancient Mesopotamia in Class
Talk About Trade Systems
Begin the lecture by introducing the concept of trade systems. Teachers can start by discussing the components of the trade systems individually and then move towards discussing the system by connecting all components. For instance, students can focus on how the trade started and the concept behind the establishment of this system.
Discuss Routes and Maps
One important component of the trade system is the trade route and the mode of transportation. Ask the students to analyze what mode of transport was more dominant in this era and what sort of trade was executed. Students can perform research on topics such as the development of the first ship for sea transportation, or domestic and international trade and the relevance of old concepts for modern trade systems.
Examine the Goods Traded
Ask the students to analyze the major goods that were part of the trade system in Ancient Mesopotamia. Explain how the trade of these goods contributed towards the economic system of the civilization. Students can also perform an activity where they can give a small presentation on these goods and if possible present some goods in physical form as well.
Analyze Contributions Toward the Economy
Analyze the impact of commerce on Mesopotamian city-states' economic development, taking into account the rise of urban centers and the accumulation of wealth. Students can also discuss what makes an economic system and what contributes toward the development of these systems.
Compare and Contrast
To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of historical trade networks, compare Mesopotamia's system with that of other ancient civilizations, including Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China. Students can also make a connection between the ancient Mesopotamian trade networks and the contemporary global trade networks to discuss modern relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ancient Mesopotamia Economy
What components contributed to the economic structure of Ancient Mesopotamia?
Ancient Mesopotamia's economy was mostly agricultural, with a concentration on agriculture. Trade and other economic activity inside city-states served as supplements. Mesopotamia's topography, which is defined by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, made it possible for agriculture to flourish and had an impact on the growth of an agrarian economy.
What role did commerce and trade play in the Mesopotamian economy?
Mesopotamia was connected to its neighbors by trade networks, which made it easier to interchange things such as agricultural products, metals, and textiles.
How was the economy regulated by the government in Ancient Mesopotamia?
In order to preserve stability in the economy, the government oversaw irrigation systems, collected taxes, and controlled commerce. Students can reflect on how these regulations helped in the development of the economy and compare these systems of regulations with those of other civilizations.
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Ancient Mesopotamia
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