Understanding Geography's Effect on Settlement in Three Regions

Assignments you need to hand in: Information About Settlement Handouts(for each region below) & Comprehension Questions (Step 3 below)

Step 1: Environmental Factors on Settlement - Print out and read the handout: Information About Environmental Factors. Look at the picture below. Underline three of the most important pieces of information within the article and label an "X" on the included picture where you think human settlement (city or town) should be. (Hint: Consider possible weather, source for water, etc.)

Environmental Factors on Settlement

    Click HERE for a website on how geographic features influence human settlement of cities.

Step 2: Information About Settlements - Look at the pictures and read the following handouts, labeling the inserted maps as indicated in bold print:

Mesopotamia

Ancient Egypt, Canaan, & Mesopotamia Map of Ancient Egypt, Canaan, & Mesopotamia

Mesopotamian Plains & Euphrates River Mesopotamian Plains and the Euphrates River

Information About Settlement in Mesopotamia


Egypt

The Nile River  The Nile River 

Information About Settlement in Egypt


Canaan

Valley in Jordan & Negev Desert  Green Valley in Jordan and the Negev Desert

 Information About Settlement in Canaan


Step 3: Comprehension Questions - Answer the following questions considering each of the settlement areas:

    1. Why did people settle at these sites?

    2. What were the positive and negative aspects of these sites and how did the people overcome or deal with them?

    3. How and why did these civilizations interact with one another or surrounding peoples?

Step 4: Video - Watch the following video as a supplement: Mesopotamia Trade Routes and Transportation

Supplemental Materials:
Graphic Organizer (Chauvette)

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