More on Prehistory

Last week we took a look at the migration patterns of early humans and began to study maps.  Students were also introduced to five vocabulary words (three of which were review).  Those words were:

1. Geography:  The study of the Earth's surfaces and the processes that shape it.
2. History:  Written and other recorded events of history.
3. Prehistory:  The time before writing was invented.
4. Oral Traditions:  Stories passed down by word of mouth.
5. Archaeologist:  A scientist who examine objects to learn about the human past.

My honors classes had three additional terms which will be employed in the upcoming debates:

1. Proposition:  A proposition is a statement which is contested in a debate.
2. Affirmation:  The affirmation agrees, and seeks to prove valid, the proposition in debate.
3. Opposition:  The opposition disagrees, and seeks to disprove the proposition in debate.

The proposition topics, for my honors classes, are:

1. Prehistory is irrelevant.
2. Geography is the most important field of social studies.
3. Social Classes are necessary in the United States today.
4. The United States should not be involved in solving conflict abroad.
5. The government shut-down is good for America.

In the upcoming week, we will continue to focus on the study of prehistory. Students will be introduced to the Stone Age and the beginnings of civilization. It looks like we will be ready for a test in approximately two weeks, but we will have a vocabulary quiz in the upcoming week (probably Thursday). Students in the honors class will have some time to prepare during the week (in class) but will also be assigned reading for homework. The debates will be held on Friday. General classes should prepare for the current events assignment which is due Friday.

Upcoming vocabulary words for all classes include:  irrigation, surplus, artisan, civilization, hominid, Stone Age, nomad, domesticate and social classes. I will define them, on the blog, as they are introduced.