Early Humans
Roughly 300,000 years ago, anatomically modern humans emerged in Africa and gradually displaced the other remaining members of the genus Homo. Guide your students through a timeline of early humans and shine a light on the most mysterious epoch in our history, an era that holds the keys to understanding human nature.
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Featured Materials
Human Evolution: Our Many Ancestors
Article
Human Evolution: Our Many Ancestors
Walking on two feet, communicating with language, and learning collectively are all factors that led to increased complexity.
When Did Humans Get to the Americas?
Activity
When Did Humans Get to the Americas?
This activity asks you to evaluate several theories about when humans first migrated to the Americas. As you evaluate these theories, you will see that there’s lots we still don’t know about the history of early humans.
Written in Stone: Petroglyphs
Video
Written in Stone: Petroglyphs
Ancestral Puebloans left behind hundreds of thousands of petroglyphs. These rock carvings communicate ceremonial, practical, and astronomical knowledge.
Lessons
Lesson 4.2
Human Ancestors
How did life transform from a simple single-celled organism to our own species, one that creates, communicates, loves, and hates? Explore humanity’s place in the great history of life.
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Lesson 2.2
Migration and Art
Why did early humans move to new places and create art during this period? Dig into 80,000-year-old evidence to answer this question.
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Materials
Geography: Migration and Climate
Activity
Geography: Migration and Climate
What factors pushed or pulled early humans to migrate to certain regions of the world?
Human Communities Populate the Earth
Article
Human Communities Populate the Earth
Homo sapiens emerged in East Africa alongside other human species. Eventually, our ancestors migrated to new regions, setting the stage for larger communities and expanded networks.
Foraging Simulation
Activity
Foraging Simulation
Foraging for food could get challenging when environments changed and resources were drained. In this activity, you’ll step into the role of a forager looking for solutions.
Teaching This Topic
Historical Thinking Skills Guide
Help your students develop the skills needed to think like a historian.
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