This model lesson for sixth graders about the beginnings of civilization in the Near East and Africa aims to have students focus on the cultural and geographical features of a region: landforms, climate, and vegetation. The lesson features three major topics: (1) Sumer and Mesopotamia, (2) Egypt, and (3) Kush. It addresses the uses and significance of the topic; presentation and activities ("Beginning the Topic"; "Developing the Topic"; "Culminating the Topic"); activities for other topics; suggests extended and correlated activities; contains a 34-item resource list; general resources for student and teacher use, and visual and performing arts resources. An essay is appended, "The Good Things of Egypt" (John Feeney). Suggests eight weeks (40 class periods) for lesson implementation. (BT)