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Stone Age to Digital Age: A Macro-level History Course on Humanity’s Technological Developments


I teach a wide range of history topics, from prehistoric life on Earth to modern issues like the societal impact of AI. This vast expanse of history is filled with pivotal events that have shaped human existence. However, students often struggle to grasp the significance of history and how it has influenced individuals and societies worldwide. To help, it’s important to provide them with a clear framework for understanding these connections.

 

A few years ago, while teaching MYP Individuals and Societies at an international school in Bogotá, Colombia, I developed a unit called “From Stone Age to Space Age.” This unit explored humanity's journey from hunter-gatherers to spacefarers, focusing on how technological advancements have driven the progress of civilization.

 

Building on this idea, I’ve created a new unit centered on the history of technology. Below is a brief scope and sequence for the 10-lesson unit. If you’d like more detailed lesson plans, activities, or materials, feel free to reach out, and I’d be happy to share them!


Objective

Key Concepts

Discussion Focus

The Stone Age – Tools and Fire

Understand the first technological advancements made by early humans and their impact on survival, communication, and community building

hunting tools, fire, early communication, the role of technology in survival

How the development of stone tools and the discovery of fire allowed humans to evolve socially and biologically

The Bronze Age – Metalworking and Agriculture

Explore how the development of bronze metalworking revolutionized agriculture, warfare, and society

bronze tools, farming techniques, early city-states, social hierarchies

How metal tools and agricultural improvements allowed for the growth of early civilizations

The Iron Age – Warfare and Infrastructure

Investigate how ironworking led to more durable tools, advanced warfare, and improved infrastructure

iron weapons, roads, fortifications, empires

the role of iron technology in expanding empires and building stronger societies

The Classical Era – The Wheel and Early Machines

Examine the development of simple machines (e.g., the wheel, pulley) and their application in transportation, trade, and construction

wheel, pulleys, aqueducts, ships, trade networks

How transportation and trade networks expanded through these innovations and helped civilizations grow

The Middle Ages – Printing Press and Knowledge Dissemination

Study the invention of the printing press and its transformative role in knowledge dissemination, literacy, and cultural exchange

printing press, literacy, science, and religious reform

How the spread of printed material influenced social movements (e.g., the Renaissance, Reformation)

The Industrial Revolution – Machines and Factories

Explore the technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution and their impact on production, labor, and urbanization

steam engine, factories, railroads, mass production

How mechanization transformed economies and social structures globally

The 20th Century – Electricity and Communication

Analyze the introduction of electricity and new communication technologies (telegraph, telephone, radio) and their effects on society and global connectivity

electricity, telegraph, radio, telephone, social change

The role of these technologies in shrinking distances and facilitating the modern world

The Space Age – Rockets and Satellites

Investigate how the space race and satellite technology expanded human frontiers and reshaped global geopolitics

rockets, space exploration, satellites, Cold War competition

How space technology changed global cooperation and competition, and its impact on everyday life (e.g., GPS, communications)

The Digital Revolution – Computers and the Internet

Explore the rise of computers and the internet and how they have transformed work, education, and global economies

computers, the internet, data, global connectivity

How digital technology is reshaping economies, social interactions, and knowledge sharing in real time

The Age of AI – Artificial Intelligence and Future Technologies

Discuss the emergence of AI, machine learning, and robotics, and consider their potential future impact on human society and the workforce

artificial intelligence, automation, machine learning, ethics of AI

How AI is transforming industries today and its implications for future human development


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