Activity Overview
The discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings in France gave social scientists an important view into the lives of prehistoric people. This was front page news in 1940 during a time when much of Europe was consumed by World War II. The story of the discovery itself by four teenagers is fascinating for students as are their contributions to our understanding of early humans. In this activity, students will create a newspaper that retells this discovery or any other related to early humans. They can use the 5 Ws as a guide. Teachers can have students answer questions like: Who made the discovery? Where and When did it occur? What did they find? Why is it important?
Suggested Early Human Discoveries
- Hiram Bingham’s discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911
- Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922
- Mary Leakey’s discovery of Homo habilis in 1960
- Donald Johnson’s discovery of “Lucy” in 1974
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Retell the story of the discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings or another major archeological discovery.
Student Instructions:
- Using school resources, conduct research on the discovery of the Lascaux Cave paintings by 4 teenagers in France in1940.
- Using the Newspaper Template, write about the 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where and Why) of the story.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate the story.
Requirements: 1-2 sentences explaining the 5Ws: Who made the discovery? Where and When did it occur? What did they find? Why is it important?
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headline and Descriptions | Students include a catchy headline for the front page as well as detailed descriptions for each event illustrated that explain what happened in a minimum of 3-5 sentences. | The headline and/or the descriptions for the events can be understood but it is somewhat unclear or too brief. | The front page is missing either the headline or descriptions of each of the events depicted. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the events using appropriate scenes, characters and items. It is clear the student took time and care in creating the illustrations. | The illustrations partially relate to the events but they are difficult to understand or appear rushed. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the key events of the story. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
Activity Overview
The discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings in France gave social scientists an important view into the lives of prehistoric people. This was front page news in 1940 during a time when much of Europe was consumed by World War II. The story of the discovery itself by four teenagers is fascinating for students as are their contributions to our understanding of early humans. In this activity, students will create a newspaper that retells this discovery or any other related to early humans. They can use the 5 Ws as a guide. Teachers can have students answer questions like: Who made the discovery? Where and When did it occur? What did they find? Why is it important?
Suggested Early Human Discoveries
- Hiram Bingham’s discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911
- Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922
- Mary Leakey’s discovery of Homo habilis in 1960
- Donald Johnson’s discovery of “Lucy” in 1974
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Retell the story of the discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings or another major archeological discovery.
Student Instructions:
- Using school resources, conduct research on the discovery of the Lascaux Cave paintings by 4 teenagers in France in1940.
- Using the Newspaper Template, write about the 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where and Why) of the story.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate the story.
Requirements: 1-2 sentences explaining the 5Ws: Who made the discovery? Where and When did it occur? What did they find? Why is it important?
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headline and Descriptions | Students include a catchy headline for the front page as well as detailed descriptions for each event illustrated that explain what happened in a minimum of 3-5 sentences. | The headline and/or the descriptions for the events can be understood but it is somewhat unclear or too brief. | The front page is missing either the headline or descriptions of each of the events depicted. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the events using appropriate scenes, characters and items. It is clear the student took time and care in creating the illustrations. | The illustrations partially relate to the events but they are difficult to understand or appear rushed. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the key events of the story. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
How Tos about Early Humans Newspaper Activity
How to help students choose credible sources for early human research
Guide students to use trustworthy sources by showing them how to find reliable books, websites, and databases about early humans. Explain why using accurate information is important for their newspaper stories.
Show students how to take effective research notes
Model note-taking strategies such as using bullet points or graphic organizers. Encourage students to jot down the 5Ws as they gather facts, making it easier to organize their newspaper articles.
Teach students to organize their newspaper articles clearly
Demonstrate how to structure a newspaper article with a headline, lead, and supporting details. Help students use the 5Ws to guide each section, so readers can follow the story easily.
Incorporate peer review to strengthen student writing
Set up a peer review process where students exchange drafts and give each other feedback. Encourage positive comments and suggestions to improve clarity and detail in their newspaper pieces.
Use visuals to make student newspapers more engaging
Encourage students to add drawings, maps, or images that relate to their chosen discovery. Explain how visuals help readers connect with the story and make the newspaper come alive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Early Humans Newspaper Activity
What is the Early Humans Newspaper Activity?
The Early Humans Newspaper Activity is a classroom project where students research and retell the story of a major archeological discovery, such as the Lascaux Cave Paintings, using the 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and present their findings in a newspaper format.
How do students use the 5Ws to write about the Lascaux Cave discovery?
Students answer Who made the discovery, What was found, When and Where it happened, and Why it is important, helping them structure their newspaper article clearly and informatively.
What are some other early human discoveries students can research for this activity?
Students can choose from discoveries like Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham, King Tut's tomb by Howard Carter, Homo habilis by Mary Leakey, and Lucy by Donald Johnson, in addition to the Lascaux Cave Paintings.
What should a student newspaper article about the Lascaux Cave Paintings include?
The article should cover the 5Ws of the discovery, include scenes, characters, and items to illustrate the story, and provide clear, concise information about who discovered the caves, when, where, what was found, and why it matters.
Why is the discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings important to our understanding of early humans?
The Lascaux Cave Paintings offer valuable insights into the lives, beliefs, and artistic abilities of prehistoric people, helping social scientists and students learn about early human culture and expression.
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