What is the rationale for the periodization of Threshold 6 Collective Learning?

Laura Massa  thanks for reaching out to the team! I'm going to tap our historian Bridgette OConnor to give you some insight into the periodization.

Thanks for the tag, Becca, and for your question, Laura Massa ! We changed the periodization for this threshold because research indicates that we are not the only human species capable of collective learning. Our Homo ancestors showed early signs of collective learning, or improving upon tools/weapons/clothing/shelter/etc. Homo erectus moved and adapted outside of Africa. Homo neanderthalensis created art and buried their dead with different objects.

Thanks for the tag, Becca, and for your question, Laura Massa ! We changed the periodization for this threshold because research indicates that we are not the only human species capable of collective learning. Our Homo ancestors showed early signs of collective learning, or improving upon tools/weapons/clothing/shelter/etc. Homo erectus moved and adapted outside of Africa. Homo neanderthalensis created art and buried their dead with different objects.

 Bridgette OConnorthank you for the clarification. It makes sense to make this change, as we have discussed the accomplishments of our Homo ancestors. The fact that Threshold 6 is part of a longer, shared human story supports the idea that history is a dynamic field, where research can change previous beliefs. This is a very important concept for our students to grasp and I am definitely mention to my students.