PREHISTORY GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY 6 th grade Social

PREHISTORY GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY 6 th grade Social Studies

Key Terms n n History – recorded events of people Prehistory – before history; period of time in the past before writing was invented Archaeologists – examine objects to learn about past people and cultures Oral Traditions – stories passed down by word of mouth

Solving a Mystery n How can we learn about the people who lived before written history? (prehistory) Archaeologists

How are Archaeologists able to determine what time period an object is from? Radiocarbon Dating

Radiocarbon Dating All plants and animals have tiny amounts of a substance called radiocarbon in their bodies. After they die, the radiocarbon changes into another substance. Scientists know how long this change takes. They have tests that measure how much radiocarbon is left in ancient wood, grass, cloth, and flesh. Scientists can then calculate the age of the material.

The Ice Man n n Lived about 5, 000 years ago (3, 000 B. C. ) Clothes made of finely stitched animal skins Proved that Ice Man came from community with people skilled at sewing Skilled outdoorsman: wood frame pack, a bow, a flint dagger Copper ax: Copper first used 4, 000 B. C.

Oral Traditions n n Important for historians to know so they can figure out what kind values were important in particular societies Family History Heroes Past Events

Linking Geography and History n n n We need to understand WHY historic events took place How does Geography affect History? For example: Ancient Egypt was able to be successful because of the Nile River

ANCIENT EGYPT Nile River

Geography and History Example: Terrace farming in China Example: Griots from Mali in Africa Griots only job is oral storytelling (singing)

Activity (Homework) You may know stories that have been passed on by oral tradition. Ask a family member or teacher to share a story with you. The story should be about an important event in the person’s life. Moving to a new country or home, the birth of a baby, or a move to a new school are all events that people share stories about. Write the words down. Try to write so the story sounds as if someone is speaking.

Activity (Homework) n n n Due Tuesday, September 11 th You can write your story or you can type your story and print it out Your story should be a minimum of 10 sentences

n n n Get out a piece of paper Write your name at the top (first and last) Number each question

Question #1 Explain the difference between history and prehistory.

Question #2 What does an Archaeologist do?

Question #3 Why is the Ice Man important to us?

Question #4 Describe how Geography can affect history?

Question #5 What clue about the Ice Man was a determining factor to calculate his age?