This lesson from World History: Great Civilizations introduces students to the five essential traits that define a civilization. Through engaging discussion, visual analysis, and hands-on group work, students examine how elements like record keeping, specialized labor, and complex institutions contributed to the development of early societies.

 This lesson explores how the independent city-states of ancient Sumer laid the foundation for the first civilization in Southwest Asia. Students examine how geographic conditions, food surpluses, and trade networks influenced the rise of complex societies in Mesopotamia.

This engaging lesson guides students through the rise of feudalism in Japan and the central role played by samurai warriors. Through visual analysis, historical comparison, and interactive activities, students explore the structure of Japanese society and the values of loyalty, honor, and service that defined the samurai code of bushido.

Bring the Civil War to life through the authentic voices of those who lived it. This powerful lesson invites students to explore firsthand accounts, photographs, and personal reflections that reveal the daily hardships and emotional toll of war on both soldiers and civilians.