Students will be introduced to the study of ancient history which includes archeology, anthropology, and palaeontology. In this first unit, students will study how early human societies developed into early civilizations and the characteristics of a civilization. Students will also be introduced to the Historical Thinking Concepts - historical perspective, historical significance, continuity and change, cause and consequence - and begin to apply these concepts as a framework to understand ancient civilizations.

Students will be introduced to some of the earliest civilizations in the world by exploring the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt and analyze the social, economic, and political developments of early civilizations. Students will continue to apply the Historical Thinking Concepts - historical perspective, historical significance, continuity and change, cause and consequence - in understanding the legacies of the Cradle of Civilization in the development of the world.