Grade 6 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 1, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
A Message of Ancient Days

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 1, Lesson 2: Building on the Past (pp. 12-15)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Culture The achievements of many different cultures are present in our lives today.

Discuss with students how new technologies or ways of doing things can change people's lives. Share the example of ancient cultures learning to farm. Before farming, people moved from place to place, hunting and gathering for food. New farming techniques were then passed down through the generations, allowing people to stay in one place and build permanent settlements. Challenge students to find other examples of how old ideas are still present in our lives.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Have students write a paragraph about how beliefs and customs from the past are still part of our lives today.
Have students make picture charts showing the different technologies that have impacted homes, schools, and transportation. Under each heading, students should draw pictures of technologies they feel have changed people's lives. Encourage students to share their charts with the class.

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