1. Unit 2 Lesson #4 Day 2 Mesopotamia

2. Agenda
Aim: How did achievements in writing, literature, math and technology help strengthen Mesopotamian civilization?
Do Now: Picture analysis
Mini-lesson: Analyzing Pictures, Vocabulary, Turn & Talk
Work Period: Use close reading strategies to analyze an article on Mesopotamian achievements. Complete “Life in Mesopotamia: Think-Tac-Toe
Closing: Exit Slip Question

3. Lesson #4 Mesopotamia Day 1
Aim: How did achievements in writing, math, literature and technology help strengthen Mesopotamian civilization?
Do Now: Picture analysis - What can you infer about life in ancient Mesopotamia based on the picture?

4. Picture Analysis Do Now: What do you see in this picture?
What can you infer about life in ancient Mesopotamia based on the picture?

5. Tier 2 Vocabulary Words
characteristic - a feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it.
decorative - serving to make something look more attractive; ornamental.
technological relating to or using technology.

6. Achievements in Writing
A) By 3200 BCE Sumerians invented cuneiform, a true writing system. They marked clay tablets with a stylus (sharp pointed tool).

7. Achievements in Math
C) The Sumerians developed the earliest known number system. They divided space and time by units of 6. D) Like the Egyptians, Sumerians studied astronomy, and created a 12 month calendar.
*We still use Sumerian math!
60 degrees in a circle
60 seconds in a minute
60 minutes in an hour
Below is a Sumerian star chart
The Sumerians also gave us the 12 signs of the Zodiac! Unlike astronomy, astrology is not science. Rather, astrology is the belief that the positions of the stars affect our lives.

8. Achievements in Literature
E) The Epic of Gilgamesh may be the oldest written story on earth!
Written in cuneiform
About a Sumerian King
It contains a story of a great flood, eerily similar to the story of Noah and the Ark!
F) Irrigation canals, dykes & dams

9. Turn & Talk
Technology has more of a negative affect on society than positive.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Reflect * Write your answer * Share with your partner.

10. Work Period Activity
Use close reading strategies to analyze an article on Mesopotamian achievements. Complete “Life in Mesopotamia: Think-Tac-Toe”

11. Closing
Exit Question: How did achievements in writing, literature math and technology help strengthen Mesopotamian civilization?
Homework: #4 on the Unit 2 Outline