1. Unit 2: Geographic Luck

2. Entry Task
America = the land of riches and opportunity; the richest nation on Earth. But our riches do not date back thousands of years like China or the Middle East. America has gained its riches over a relatively short period of time.
Why do some countries have an abundance of wealth and riches while others have remained poor for most of their history?

3. Why did some societies develop and succeed while others didn’t?
Essential Question
Why did some societies develop and succeed while others didn’t?

4. Jared Diamond Author and professor @ UCLA
30+ years developing a theory about why some civilizations have developed more quickly than others
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies (1997, 2005)
National Geographic & PBS documentary series

5. Read & Annotate
Selections from the introduction to Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel
Highlight key points
Circle words you don’t know
Write questions & comments in the margins

6. Discussion Questions about his theory or ideas?
What are your initial thoughts?

7. Unit 2: Geographic Luck

8. PBS Documentary Episode 1 Guide
Answer the questions or fill in the blanks as you watch