Premium

Leakeys at Olduvai Gorge

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

No ratings yet

Just this resource

$1.50

One-time purchase

Best value

Unlock everything

$49.99$29.99/yr

40% off until Aug 1 — 6,000+ resources

Unlock above to use these actions

Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 5678
Subjects: readinghistoryela
Standards: CA HSS 6.1RI.6.3RI.6.4W.6.2
Languages: English, Spanish

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

What's included

Reading passage

Reading comprehension

Audio narration

With word word highlighting

Comprehension quiz

Auto-graded

Writing activity

Open-ended response

Glossary & flashcards

Vocabulary practice

Differentiated version

Adapted for varied levels

Spanish translation

Bilingual support

About this reader

This engaging history reading passage explores the groundbreaking archaeological work of Mary and Louis Leakey in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. Students will learn about the discovery of ancient hominid fossils and stone tools, and how these finds changed our understanding of early human evolution. The passage includes academic vocabulary, a glossary, and activities aligned with California History–Social Science Standard 6.1 and Common Core ELA RI.6.3. Also included are reading comprehension questions, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a Spanish translation. This resource is perfect for teaching world and ancient history, especially the impact of archaeology in Africa. Audio read-aloud and accessible translations make it suitable for diverse classrooms.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

Olduvai ast — Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania from space / Wikimedia Commons

Archaeologists Mary and Louis Leakey made some of the world’s most important discoveries about early human evolution at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, Africa. Their work in the mid-20th century revealed new information about ancient ancestors and changed how scientists understand our past. Olduvai Gorge, a deep ravine in East Africa, contains layers of rocks and fossils that date back millions of years, providing a rich source of evidence about early hominids.

During the 1930s through the 1960s, the Leakeys led excavations in Olduvai Gorge. In 1959, Mary Leakey discovered the skull of an early hominid known as Australopithecus boisei. This find was significant because it was about 1.75 million years old, making it one of the oldest hominid fossils ever found at that time. The Leakeys also found stone tools, demonstrating that early humans used technology to survive. Their discoveries supported the idea that Africa was the birthplace of humanity.

In the 1970s, Mary Leakey made another groundbreaking discovery: the Laetoli footprints. These ancient footprints, preserved in volcanic ash, showed that early hominids walked upright over 3.6 million years ago. The footprints are considered primary sources of evidence for understanding early human behavior. The Leakeys’ careful methods of digging and recording helped set new standards for archaeological research. They showed how stratigraphy, or studying layers of earth, could reveal the relative ages of fossils and artifacts.

The Leakeys’ research had a huge impact on the field of paleoanthropology, which studies ancient human ancestors. Their work inspired future scientists and led to more discoveries in Africa. Today, Olduvai Gorge is recognized worldwide as a key site for understanding human origins. The Leakeys also helped train local Tanzanian scientists, supporting the growth of archaeology in Africa. Their discoveries connected geography, science, and history, showing how humans adapted to their environment over time.

The significance of Mary and Louis Leakey’s discoveries is still felt today. By uncovering fossils and footprints, they provided direct evidence of our evolutionary past. Their work showed that understanding early technology, movement, and adaptation is essential to learning about human history. The story of the Leakeys links to broader themes of migration, innovation, and the importance of evidence in reconstructing the past.

Interesting Fact: The Laetoli footprints are so well-preserved that scientists can see the toes and arches of the hominids’ feet, giving clues about how they walked upright.

Where did the Leakeys work?

Olduvai Gorge, TanzaniaGreat Rift Valley, KenyaSahara Desert, EgyptStonehenge, England

What year did Mary Leakey find the hominid skull?

1959196919251979

What did the Laetoli footprints show?

Hominids walked uprightHominids could swimHominids built housesHominids used fire

Why were the Leakeys' discoveries important?

They provided evidence about early humansThey found gold in AfricaThey built the first toolsThey wrote ancient stories

How did stratigraphy help the Leakeys?

It revealed the age of fossilsIt built stone toolsIt preserved footprintsIt created new technology

What was a result of the Leakeys' work?

More discoveries in AfricaMore gold miningNew pyramids builtNo changes in archaeology