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The Agricultural Revolution

Was the Agricultural Revolution a huge mistake? Encourage your students to examine how the introduction of agriculture transformed every region of the world in this lesson set.

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Agricultural Revolution

Three Agricultural Revolution Lesson Plans

Beginning about 12,000 years ago, human groups around the world independently and gradually started developing methods of domesticating plants and animals. Students will learn about why some humans started farming and some of the consequences for our world. Finally, they’ll develop an argument as they ask: Was farming a good idea? Or was it a terrible mistake?

THE RISE OF FARMING
In this introductory lesson on the origins of agriculture, students will explore the causes of the Agricultural Revolution.
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HOW AGRICULTURE CHANGED HUMANS
This lesson helps students examine some of the consequences of the transition to agriculture as they are introduced to the similarities and differences of early agrarian societies.
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FARMING: OOPS?
Students use what they learned in the first two lessons as they evaluate two comics about the Agricultural Revolution. Was farming a good idea for humanity? It’s up to students to decide and convince their peers!
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Take a closer look

Agricultural Revolution Teaching Resources

Looking for more materials to teach the Agricultural Revolution? Check out the materials below for activities suitable for middle and high school classrooms, then head to our Agricultural Revolution topic page to see everything we have to offer.

Read: The First Farmers in Africa, the Cradle of Humanity
PDF / 3 MB External link
Read: The Transition to Farming: Differing Perspectives
PDF / 7 MB External link
Activity: Comparison – Life in the Neolithic and Today
PDF / 725 KB External link
Activity: Making Claims – Foraging vs. Farming
PDF / 166 KB External link
Graphic Biography: The Eloquent Peasant
PDF / 6 MB External link

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