Darlene Holt 2016

Instructions for Making a Cuneiform Tablet

These will be written on the board
1. Get your cuneiform alphabet chart and supply bag from the student station.
2. Take your clay ball and stylus from the bag (keep bag to take your tablet home in)
3. Flatten and stretch the clay ball in your palm to form a flat oval shape
4. Use the stylus and the chart to write (impress) your name in cuneiform on the tablet
This is what the supply kit looks like

Example of a finished tablet w/ my last name

CFU Questions
These will be given and answered verbally
Possible answers are in read, but will vary based on the student answering

1. Describe reasons the Ancient Sumerians developed Cuneiform?

As the Sumerian civilization grew, they needed a writing system to
keep accurate economic accounts and receipts. They also utilized writing to
record political decisions and laws, important events, religious ceremony an
myths and other types of correspondence.
2. Francis Bacon said, Knowledge is power, which Mesopotamian social class best
demonstrated this slogan and Why?
The scribes, because as the literate members of society they earned
high social standing, political positions and favor due to their literacy skills.
3. Why is writing important today?
Writing is a major standard society uses to judge a persons intellect,
education and work. Writing creates a lasting visual representation of our
thoughts. It helps us develop the communication and thinking skills we need
to be productive citizens. Without writing our civilization could not function
as it is too complex and large to sustain itself without written record. Etc.