Chapter 1 Roots of the American People “The Early Americans”

1. Chapter 1Roots of the American People“The Early Americans” 8th Grade Social Studies

2. Cornell Notes • Use this note strategy for the next few chapters to practice organization. Once this strategy has been used for some time, we will work on alternate strategies that work better for you. • We will practice together – turn to page 5 in your books.

3. Chapter Reading • #1 – Read “Olmecs Develop a Civilization” through “Aztec Civilization” • #2 – Read “Inca Civilization” through “Early North American Societies.” • #3 – Read “Culture and the Physical Geography of North America” STOP on page 15 right before “cultures of the northwest coastal region” • #4 - Read “cultures of the northwest coastal region” through cultures of the eastern woodlands region” • #5 – Read “Religion” through the end of the chapter. Take notes as you read using the Cornell method. You will share information from notes with group members once everyone is complete.

4. Section 1 – The Earliest Americans • How did early civilization develop in the Americas? • How have scientists developed theories of the migration to the Americas? • Where were the major civilizations in the Americas? • What parts of culture developed within the earliest American cultures?

5. #1. What could force humans/animals to migrate? • Humans and animals could be forced to migrate if there was a lack of food in an area or that the climate was becoming unfavorable.

6. #2. Why would the development of cities be an important factor? • Cities allow people to communicate and interact with one another. This interaction allows humans to develop a sense of culture. People living in cities are able to secure permanent survival needs like food and shelter. This allows them to focus on different aspects of life.

7. Mayans! Mayan civilization lasted for more than 2,000 years, but weakened and eventually ended between the period from about 300 A.D. to 900 A.D. The Mayans developed arts, a system of government and written language. They also studied the stars and created one of the most accurate calendars to date!

8. Chichén Itzá was the centre of political, religious and military power in Yucatán, if not all of South-eastern Meso America. The Mayas played a game called Pok-a-Tok during religious ceremonies on sacred ball courts.

9. #3. Why was the development of a calendar an important innovation? • The development of a calendar by the Mayans allowed them to accurately plan for the planting and harvesting seasons. This allow the Mayans to become more successful farmers.

10. Aztecs! The Aztecs were very religious and life depended on pleasing the gods. The Aztecs typically practiced sacrifices, including human sacrifices, to please their gods. To produce enough food to support their population, the Aztec constructed chinampas, or raised garden beds, in swampland and shallow water.

11. The Incas The Incas did not develop a writtenlanguage, but were still able to build a vast highwaynetwork in the Andes Mountains that is still used today. They were the world’s first brain surgeons. They also built elaborate cities high in the Andes Mountains.

12. Mayans – The Mayans developed sciences, arts, government and calendars within their civilization. • Aztecs – The Aztecs were extremely religious and forced their attention to the gods. • Incas – The Incas were an advanced civilization who developed a vast highwaysystem, despite not having a writtenlanguage.

13. #4. Why would an advance highway network be important for the Incas? • An advance highway network allowed the Incas to travel across difficult terrain more efficiently. This advanced highway network allowed better communication throughout the Inca Empire.

14. Section 2 – Cultures of North America • How did geography influence the development of cultures in North America? • What were major contributions to developing cultures and civilizations?

16. Geography established different cultures • The Mississippians of the Mississippi River Valley were very religious and built large mounds for their burial sites. • The Anasazi of the Southwest portion of the United States lived in the cliffs and made pottery from the clay. • The Hohokam of the Southwest became farmers and traded with the coastal people of the California Coast.

17. How did agriculture affect Native Americans’ way of life? • Native Americans were able to grow and store their food in one location. • Agriculture allowed for Native Americans to research and invent new technology and develop new tools. • Agriculture created a population growth, which allowed for civilizations to develop.

18. #1. How did agriculture change the lives of Native Americans? • The development of agriculture allowed Native Americans to grow and store more food. The larger food production lead to an increase in population. As people continued to focus on agriculture they improved their tools and farming techniques.

19. Connection with the Natural World • Nature was a part of Native Americans’ daily lives. Their lifestyle/survival depended on the results of the harvest from their crops.

20. #2. Why do Native Americans use nature in their oral history? • Native Americans were dependent on the forces of nature. This is why many tribes observed and referenced nature throughout their culture.

23. Iroquois • The Native American group that lived in New York was the Iroquois. The Iroquois were made up of five distinct nations. In the Iroquois culture women had the greatest amount of influence on the society.