CP: Homo Habilis: The First ‘Humans’ | Prehistoric Humans Documentary

Class Plans

Set the Scene:

Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of Homo Habilis. Can you think of a time when you had to adapt to a new environment or situation? How did you feel, and what did you do to survive? Have you ever heard of the term “bipedal” or seen images of early human species? What do you think it would be like to live in a communal structure with others, similar to how Homo Habilis lived?

Now, let’s transition to the context of the activity. What do you know about human evolution, and how do you think Homo Habilis fits into that story? Have you ever wondered what life was like for early humans, and how they managed to survive and thrive in their environments?

Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:

Look at the featured image of Homo Habilis. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Do you think Homo Habilis was similar to or different from modern humans? What kind of environment do you think they lived in, and what kind of challenges do you think they faced?

Introduction:

Please read the introduction to Homo Habilis, which describes their evolution, characteristics, and way of life. As you read, think about how Homo Habilis compares to modern humans, and what kind of adaptations they had to make to survive in their environment.

Video Engagement:

Watch the video “Homo Habilis: The First ‘Humans’ | Prehistoric Humans Documentary” (available at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/homo-habilis-the-first-humans-prehistoric-humans-documentary/). As you watch, pause the video at the following points:

• When the video describes the evolution of Homo Habilis from Australopithecus
• When the video shows the discovery of Homo Habilis fossils in Olduvai Gorge
• When the video discusses the use of stone tools by Homo Habilis

At each pause point, reflect on the following questions:

• What do you think was the most significant factor in the evolution of Homo Habilis from Australopithecus?
• How do you think the discovery of Homo Habilis fossils in Olduvai Gorge contributed to our understanding of human evolution?
• What do you think was the significance of the use of stone tools by Homo Habilis, and how did it impact their way of life?

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus:

Review the vocabulary list and grammar focus on the use of the past simple and past perfect tenses. Complete the vocabulary quiz and grammar quiz to test your understanding of the material.

For the vocabulary quiz, choose the correct answer for each question:

1. Which word means ‘the beginning of the human genus’ in the context of Homo Habilis?
2. What does the term ‘bipedal’ mean in relation to Homo Habilis and their ancestors?
3. What was the name of the stone tool industry associated with Homo Habilis?
4. How did Homo habilis likely obtain most of their meat?
5. What was the name of the genus that Homo habilis evolved from?

For the grammar quiz, choose the correct answer for each question:

1. By the time Homo habilis evolved, Australopithecus afarensis ____________________ for over a million years.
2. The first evidence of Homo habilis ____________________ in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge in 1964.
3. By the time Louis Leakey discovered the fossilized teeth, many Australopithecus species ____________________.
4. The use of stone tools ____________________ a significant leap forward in the intelligence of Homo habilis by the time they were discovered.
5. Homo habilis ____________________ in communal structures, similar to those of baboons, when they lived in Eastern Africa.

Check your answers with the answer key provided.