When Did Humans Get to the Americas?
WORLD HISTORY PROJECTORIGINS / LESSON 2.2ACTIVITYWHEN DID HUMANS GET TO THE AMERICAS?Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “When Did Humans Get to the Americas?”, OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/1PurposeThis activity asks you to evaluate theories about when humans first migrated to the Americas. The story of early human history is one that’s filled with unanswered questions and requires research from multiple disciplines to uncover answers—you’ll see herethat it’s a lot like being a detective in a mystery.Key informationIn the 1960s, scholars thought they had solved the mystery of when humans arrived in the Americas. But new evidence emerged in the past few decades that challenged the accepted theory of these early human migrations.Process1.Review Migration Mystery Theoriestoanalyze fourtheories about when humans (Homo sapiens) first arrived in the Americas. Complete the worksheet on the next page as you review the theories. Your teacher might have you work in a group.2.After you’ve completed the worksheet and ranked each theory, write a claim about the most credible theory.
WORLD HISTORY PROJECT ORIGINS / LESSON 2.2ACTIVITYWHEN DID HUMANS GET TO THE AMERICAS?2TheoryWhen was the theory proposed?What types of qualifications do each of the proponents of these theories have?What types of evidence are used to support each of the theories?Rank how credible each theory is1 = Least 4= Most BeringiaCoastal migration/kelp highwaySolutrean hypothesisCerutti mastodon
WORLD HISTORY PROJECT ORIGINS / LESSON 2.2ACTIVITYWHEN DID HUMANS GET TO THE AMERICAS?3Winning theoryEvidence that supports why this theory is most credibleEvidence that supports why the other theories were not as credible Write a claim that answers this question: What is the most convincing theory about when humans first arrived in the Americas?Support your claim with evidence. Your response should be three to five sentences.