Tuesday, December 4, 2012

But What Happened the Day Before THAT?

Starting tomorrow, we're going to look at ancient civilizations.

Here's a memory exercise we did today in class: think about what you did yesterday.  The go to the day before that.  Now, go back to the day before.  Continue on until you start getting confused about what day events took place.  How far back could you go?

Here is an overwhelming thought: 10 years.  100 years.  500 years.  1000 years.  2000 years.

For real.

Here is an overwhelming thought: 7 billion people.  S.e.v.e.n. b....i.....l.....l.....i.....o....n. Every person is an individual, thinking their own thoughts.  Each person has his own problems.  Dreams.  And the same has been true for the past.

These thoughts overwhelms me.  I think about them every time I'm stuck in traffic.  "Man, there are a lot of people, and there's a lot of time."

So, we're going back in time.  Way back.  Way, way, way back.  To study people.

It's easy for students to write them off because they existed so long ago.  It's easy for us to think that we're so much smarter than they were - but I don't think we are.  We're more advanced, and have a deeper understanding of the way things work as a society.  But I'm not sure we're actually smarter.  I mean, I'm using a computer right now, and I have a basic understanding of how the computer works - I press a button and the screen lights up...


Students, you can still get extra credit for reading and discussing the blog with an adult.  Here are some things you could discuss:
  • What do you hope to learn about ancient civilizations?
  • Why do you think the state of Indiana says they're important to learn about?
  • Do you agree?  Are they important to learn about?
Students, write down 2 thoughts that came from the discussion, then have the adult you read and discussed the blog with sign the paper.

Consider posting this to facebook.  If it was a facebook post that reminded you to complete the extra credit blog, write down the person's name that reminded you, and they'll get added extra credit.  (If you post it as well, and you help someone else discuss social studies, you'll be rewarded as well.)

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