Video 1: Oldest Stone Tools Discovered

Description: This NatGeo clip features two archaeologists from SUNY Stony Brook describing recently uncovered stone tools that date back to 3.3 million years. The tools were found in the Western Turkana Region in Western Kenya. According to the researchers at Stony Brook, the tools are reminiscent of tools used by chimpanzees to crack open nuts and were used by early hominins for a variety of tasks. 

Video 2: Making Stone Tools: The Big History Project

Description: Professor Nicholas Toth illustrates early tools from about 2.5 million years ago. They are very simple tools and he illustrates the efficacy of the tools related to their sharpness. The professor narrates the process of making the early stone tools but does not distinguish between the different parts of the Paleolithic.

Video 3: Animated Life – Mary Leakey

Description: This animated film highlights the preeminent scientist and her role in the finds in Africa that help shape our understanding of the Paleolithic.

Web 1: Khan Academy “Paleolithic Technology, Culture, and Art”

Description: This page provides a brief overview of the Paleolithic and provides numerous pictures that illustrate the complexity of tools and drawings at different Paleolithic sites. The information provides a broad overview of this time period but the pictures and explanations are very informative and digestible for students of all levels.

Web 2: Timeline of Archaeological Periods

Description: This website provides valuable information and a collection of sites for each archaeological time period.  It has a European focus but is updated on a regular basis to incorporate the latest research and finds.

Web 3: Clovis Point From Smithsonian Magazine

Description: One of the leading experts of the Clovis industry discusses the proliferation of the Clovis points throughout North America. They describe the Clovis point as the “Leatherman” of the ancient North American and argue that the archaeological evidence does not support the widescale use of the Clovis point for hunting woolly mammoths and other animals of this time frame.