EQ: How can I recreate an ancient Mesopotamian society using cultural innovations?

Definitions we need to know: Innovation- a new method, idea or product to make life better Examples= architecture (temples, buildings, & statues), writing, better weapons, better tools Culture- a way a group of people do certain things; a shared belief of customs and ideas Example: Beliefs in Gods & Goddesses,

Ancient Mesopotamians were the first people who had the luxury of looking outside and saying, “Mom, I’m bored. What is there to do?” Due to advances in technology, they had enough food, water and shelter to survive without having to farm all day. Through relaxing, culture was born!

Directions for today’s activity: Working in your group, you will learn about the societies of Ancient Mesopotamia. Using your society’s natural resources (in bucket), you will compete to invent, design and create laws and a temple, establish a written language, and trade with neighboring societies.

Trade Circle Because each group speaks a different language, you will have to complete and present your written language to me before you can trade. (NO TALKING IN TRADE CIRCLE/ONLY 1 GROUP MEMBER MAY ENTER).

TOP SECRET INVENTION Each group has a bucket of natural resources (your materials) and an envelope containing blueprints for a top secret invention. Before you can open your envelope to get the plans, you will have to gather by trade all the materials listed on the front of the envelope. You will have to trade to get everything you need!

Folder Directions All the directions you need are included on the outside of your envelopes. Do all your work on the blank,white paper provided. The packets are for you examples. Voice level 2 (except Trade Circle) 30 minutes to work Have fun!!

Clean-up Please set up your station the way you found it for the next class. Thanks! The Management

Ticket Out The Door On your sheet of paper, answer the following: 1. Describe what you personally did during the activity. 2. How did your group decide what each person did? 3. What was your biggest accomplishment as a civilization ? 4. What was your weakest point as a civilization? 5. If you could do the activity again, what would you and your group do differently? Explain.