Lesson plan based on Model Boat
Explore and compare the function of the Nile in Ancient Egypt to your city’s or state’s natural resources.
Skills and Focus: Cultural Comparisons, Geography, Writing
Subject Area: Social Science
Thematic Connection: Geography, Comparing Cultures
Grade Level: Elementary School
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Objective
• Explain how natural resources and climate influence the ways people live and work in a region.
Instructional Materials Needed
Story: Boats in Ancient Egypt
Activity
Step 1: The Nile River flows the length of Egypt. Ancient towns were always built near the river, and boats were the most important means of transportation. Given these facts, have students think about the role the Nile played in the everyday life of ancient Egyptians.
Critical Thinking Ask students to
• describe the role the Nile played in transportation.
• explain how the Nile helped the ancient Egyptians grow food and raise livestock.
• indicate how the Nile helped the ancient Egyptians trade with other cultures.
• describe the role the Nile played in establishing and building cities and monuments.
Step 2: Ask students to name several important natural resources in their city or state. Such resources might include lakes, rivers, prairie, and the like. Then ask students to explain how these resources affect the transportation, agriculture, commerce, and urban expansion of their community.
Goals
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 16: Understand and analyze events, trends, individuals, and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States, and other nations.
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 17: Demonstrate a knowledge of world geography, as well as an understanding of the effects of geography on society, with an emphasis on the United States.
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