In Mrs. Ernest’s 8S class, we have been reading and fact checking our textbook. Here are some key updates to add to our notes. If you learn something different from the textbook, let Mrs. Ernest know and we will add it to our wall of Fact Checking! Practice Test questions will be written in RED.
Pre-History
Pg. 7: The book states that the land bridge was accessible due to an ice age between 100,000 and 10,000 years ago. Added Note: New evidence from San Diego, CA suggests humans were in America 130,000 years ago! (Smithsonian.com, 2017)
Pg. 9: The book states that the oldest civilization in America is the Olmec. This was an impressively old civilization, present in Mexico 3,500 years ago. Added Note: An older civilization called the Wyam has been found present in Oregon between 13,000 and 9,000 BC! (Native American Roots.net, 2015)
When reading the textbook section on the oldest civilization being the Olmec in Mexico, Mrs. Ernest immediately questioned the accuracy of the textbook. Why do you think this information raised a fact check red flag? Consider where Native Americans emigrated from and the time frame of their migration in your answer.
Pg. 14 “At least 3,000 years ago, knowledge of farming spread northward” This is true. At least 3,000 years ago, although some sources argue farming practices began earlier in North America, (Britanica, 2026). Squash was domesticated around 10,000 years ago, which may have been traded as a crop before large farming fields were established, (Science, 1997).
Photo Overview of what cultures we’ve covered so far: History And Culture – Pre-Columbian Era Timeline
Video on tribal government systems: The Hidden Founders of American Democracy | Full Episode | Native America – YouTube
Pg. 23-25 The book references the “Iroquois Nations.” This is considered offensive to the tribes in question. The “iroquois” is a french name, not the actual tribal name. Please only reference them as the “Haudenosaunee” (Ho-den-no-show-nee) not “Iroquois” (Ear-oh-koy).