1. Sumerian Contributions to civilization
Students will read a source document and list the various technological advances attributed to Sumer and create a cause and effect diagram.

2. Recall and explain: What does it mean to have supreme power?
Warm Up:

3. Read pages 143-147 define the 6 key terms.
Homework

4. Blame the Sumerians Turn and talk: Why is writing important?
Cuneiform: The world’s first system of writing
Blame the Sumerians

5. Even though most people could read and write they weren’t all skilled
Even though most people could read and write they weren’t all skilled. Scribes were skilled readers and writers hired to keep track of items such as. . .
How to do something
Laws
Items traded or sold
Business records
A good scribe could help move them and their family into a better social class
Be thankful

6. Before there were movies
As we learned arts is one of the needed parts of a successful civilization. Epics were long, detailed and exciting stories about heroes saving the world, completing a dangerous mission and or something else exciting. These were read as ways of entertainment.
Before there were movies

7. Stuff we take from granted
Sumerians also invented everyday items such as
The wheel
Sewers
Makeup
Jewelry
Metal weapons and tools
Stuff we take from granted

8. Religious people need a place to worship
Ziggurats: large temples for worship
These could be as high as 180 feet tall
Turn and Talk: How do you think Sumerians built these without cranes and machines?
A Ziggurat in present day Iraq formerly Ur
Religious people need a place to worship

9. Work Time: Group A Group B Group C
Sumerians created cuneiform. What were some of the effects that it had on society?
What was an Ox-plow?
What was a cylinder seal made out of?
Sumerians created pictographs. What were some of the effects that it had on society?
Why do you think becoming a scribe was a way to move social classes?
Why do you think epics were called epics?
Sumerians created Ziggurats. What were some of the effects that it had on society?
How do you think the invention of the wheel greatly impacted Sumer? Explain why.
Work Time: