Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand the geographic distribution of horses around the world and their impact on different cultures and societies.

Materials and Prep

• World map or globe
• Internet access
• Pen and paper

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Research the origins of horses and their domestication. Use the internet to find information about the earliest known evidence of horse domestication and the regions where it occurred.

2. Identify different horse breeds from around the world. Use a world map or globe to locate the countries where these breeds originated. Write down the names of at least five different horse breeds and their corresponding countries.

3. Explore the impact of horses on different cultures and societies. Choose one country or civilization that has a significant historical connection to horses (e.g., Mongols, Native American tribes, etc.). Research and write a short paragraph explaining how horses influenced their way of life, transportation, warfare, or any other relevant aspects.

4. Create a visual representation of the geographic distribution of horses. Use the information gathered from the previous activities to mark the countries of origin for different horse breeds on a world map or globe. Add any additional information or illustrations to enhance the visual representation.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• "Horses have a long history of interaction with humans, dating back thousands of years."
• "The domestication of horses played a crucial role in the development of various civilizations and societies."
• "Different horse breeds have distinct characteristics and are adapted to various environments and purposes."
• "Horses have been used for transportation, agriculture, warfare, and cultural ceremonies in different parts of the world."
• "The geographic distribution of horse breeds reflects the diverse climates and landscapes they have been bred in."