Power point.

1. Big History Putting Together the Puzzle By Jessica Jefferson

2. The Day the Universe Changed James Burke presented big history as seen through the eyes of mankind, offering an explanation for why we are the way we are. Biologically driven curiosity instills a constant desire to pursue knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge creates continuous progression in societies. Leading to technological advances. An environment of constant change emerges. Western society is engineered around this.

4. If our way of life is threatened, and who we are is threatened; our entire world will be at jeopardy.

5. Our knowledge is sacred and must be passed down.

6. Our knowledge must be protected.

8. All related through common ancestor only 50,000 years ago.

9. Man was highly successful in spite of extreme odds.

10. The San people of Botswana spread from Africa, to Australia, then Asia, and finally to America.

12. Tree ring growth that matches written record to climate change during the years of 536-542.

14. Decline of the Avars

15. Mongolian tribes migrate westward

16. Persian Empire Ends

17. Rise of Islam

20. Few large animals for food or transport; only llamas.

21. Few good plants and animals.

22. North to South orientation that made no cohesive climate for transfer of crops.Eurasia had: Suitable plants, animals, and textile resources. Immunity to sicknesses. East to west orientation making farming climate similar through out, and transport of animals easy. Mountains and rivers that provided natural defensible boarders.

24. The voyage of Columbus, although the Norse had previously sailed from Scandinavia to Iceland, initiated European colonization and exploration of the Americas.

25. Expansion and development brought on world trade. From the New World came potatoes, corn, and sugar. From the old, wheat and cattle.