From Passive to Active Learners–Building Critical Thinking Skills with History Alive!


	#### “I really see their critical thinking skills skyrocket during the ancient Sumerians activity and throughout the school year.” Stacy Whittemore

Grade: 6th
Subject: Social Studies
Program: History Alive! The Ancient World
District: Live Oak School District, Santa Cruz, CA
Years Teaching TCI: 16 years

The Rise of Sumerian City-States

Students take on the roles of ancient Mesopotamians facing a series of problems. For each problem, students learn about the issue, propose a solution, and then read to find out how Mesopotamians responded to the problem.

This activity leverages the Response Group teaching strategy, which challenges students to discuss complex issues in small groups.

Ancient Sumer

Students learn about the characteristics of civilization and determine whether ancient Sumer had each characteristic of civilization by analyzing and drawing conclusions from artifacts unearthed by archaeologists.

This activity leverages the Social Studies Skill Builder teaching strategy, which turns the traditional, rote tasks usually associated with skill-based worksheets into more dynamic, interactive activities.

Lesson Review Games

Each lesson in TCI’s programs comes with a Lesson Review Game covering the main ideas. Students answer the questions in the game and see their results instantly.