After studying geography and all the ways we are impacted by it, scholars in 6th grade Humanities have also learned about early humans. In studying about the livelihoods of early humans, both in cold regions and in Africa, it has been the goal to simultaneously learn about what is needed to survive with limited resources, as early humans had.

We learned about the ingenuity and creativity required as Hunter-gathers followed food sources and knew what plants to eat. In our reading of Maroo of the Winter Caves, we read about the conditions people faced during the late Ice Age. How people managed and survived the scarcity of resources, and the limited technology and tools we take for granted.

In an effort to recognize the impact of geography and to appreciate the survival of early humans and their achievements, scholars worked collaboratively to create a survival guide for people living in rural areas. The goal of the assignment was for scholars to consider geography along with environments as they create a survival guide for people seeking to experience the outdoors. Scholars engaged in important dialogue regarding the essentials in surviving the wilderness. Places they wrote guides to survive include, the jungles of South America, Africa, areas in Greenland and the cold of Alaska forests. In researching these locations, students learned about human impact on the environment, place, location, and region.

In discussion Jack added, “I feel like Norway is a good spot to choose because glacier waters run down the fjords making it easier to get water!”

Alex also contributed by saying, “I studied about human impact on the environment, and I learned that in the olden days they cut down a lot of trees and stripped the land of its natural trees. But now Greenland is very conscious about global warming and the earth.”

Adam reflected upon working with classmates,“it was fun to work with new classmates, and it was enjoyable to learn about a new place.” 

We often overlook the incredible tenacity and resilience those before us had to have in order for us to enjoy what we have today. This taught us to be more curious about our past, but most importantly, those who survived with less!