Grade 6 Social Studies Syllabus:
The Ancient World!
Who we are now is because of who they were then…
Class Overview:
Goals / Objectives:
Independent, critical thinking; learning the appropriate skills and perspectives to participate in American society.
Respect of people, their beliefs and actions within the context of their time and situation while still able to gauge the morality of their actions through the lens of our Christian faith.
Appreciate America’s unique history in the context of global and historical existence.
Acknowledge American individualism while also recognizing “E pluribus unum”.
Grading:
All graded assignments will be given a point value (50 points for simple “pop” quizzes, up-to 200 points for more significant announced quizzes, projects, long form open response essays, etc.) the total number of points available divided by the total number of assignments equals your final numerical grade.
No individual grade will be dependent upon “group” work.
Teacher’s prerogative to add a point or two to a student’s final grade if the student has consistently demonstrated a positive attitude and contributed in a beneficial manner to the classroom atmosphere.
Classroom Dynamics & Expectations:
We will be discussing numerous sensitive topics as we learn about our past. Being respectful of those topics and to discuss them in as mature and insightful a way as possible.
Be respectful of peers and their ideas and beliefs.
Students must be responsible for their actions.
If an issue arises I expect students to speak to me directly, in confidence.
Social Studies Topics & Lessons: (To be covered throughout the year)
Learning to think like an historian…
Why do we study history?...
Where in time?...
Cause and Effect…
Where in the World?...
Civics: …
Basic Economics…
Living History…
Historical thinking skills including;
Chronology, cause and affect, change over time, contextualizing information, understanding historical periods, eras, dynasties, etc.
Research methods, differentiate between and proper use of primary sources & secondary sources.
Analyzing and interpreting information while understanding our own inherent bias.
Recognizing bias/perspectives in all sources, understanding perspective(s), differentiate between valid news sources vs editorials.
Writing accurate historical analysis of specific events and people.
Writing coherent, logical, and evidence supported persuasive essays.
Ancient civilizations to be covered:
Tri-ONE:
Where Do We Always Start? At the beginning!
Boom! Maybe…
Earth transforms
Early humanity
What makes a society civilized?
Mesopotamia (c.4,000 BC): Cradle of Civilization!
Ancient Egypt (c.3,150): Pyramids, Mummies and More!
Ancient Israel aka the Hebrews (c.1,800 BC): An Historical Perspective.
Asia
Ancient India (c.3100 BCE) Hinduism, Buddhism, & Mindfulness
China (221 BCE) Qin and Han Dynasties and their achievements
Mongolia (AD 1206) KHAN!!!! The Mongol Horde invades
The importance of the Silk Road; The Internet of the Ancient World.
Japan (1603-1868) Age of the Shogun, Samurai, and Ninjas!
Tri-TWO
Ancient Greece (c.2,700 BC) Birthplace of Western Civilization, our Civilization
Tri-Three
Ancient Rome (c.800 BC) America’s future is found in the history of Rome.
Teaching Ancient Civs w/ G.R.A.P.E.S.: (https://mrandmrssocialstudies.com/teaching-with-grapes-in-ancient-civilizations/)
Government
Religion
Advancements/Achievements
Prominent People
Economic system
Society