7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
Duration: Sept. / early October
Big Ideas/Enduring Understandings
 Historical interpretation involves an analysis of cause and result.
 Geography is used to explain the past, interpret the present, and plan for the future.
 Citizens understand their rights and practice their responsibilities in a vibrant society.
Essential Questions
 What role do multiple causations play in describing a historic event?
 Why does culture impact place?
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
CC.8.5.6-8.A Cite specific
textual evidence to support
analysis of primary and secondary
sources.
5.1.7.B: Identify the different types of
government and the processes they use in
making laws.
CC.8.5.6-8.B. Determine the
central ideas or information of a
primary or secondary source;
provide an accurate summary of
the source distinct from prior
knowledge or opinions.
CC.8.5.6-8.D. Determine the
meaning of words and phrases as
they are used in a text, including
vocabulary specific to domains
related to history/social studies.
CC.8.5.6-8.E. Describe how a
text presents information (e.g.,
sequentially, comparatively,
causally).
CC.8.5.6-8.G Integrate visual
information (e.g., in charts, graphs,
photographs, videos, or maps) with
other information in print and
digital texts.
CC.8.6.6-8.C. Produce clear and
coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and
style are appropriate to task,
purpose, and audience.
7.1.7.B: Explain and locate places and
regions as defined by physical and human
features.
7.3.7.A: Describe the human
characteristics of places and regions using
the following criteria:
• Population
• Culture
• Settlement
• Economic activities
• Political activities
8.4.7.A: Summarize the social, political,
cultural, and economic contributions of
individuals and groups in world history.
8.4.7.B: Explain the importance of
historical documents, artifacts, and sites
which are critical to world history.
Content
Skills
* Key geographic features of
ancient Roman Empire
* Note taking using graphic
organizers
* Factors that caused the Roman
Empire to fall
* Organization and synthesis
of information
* Contributions that Roman
culture has made to Western
Civilization
* Interactive Notebook
(optional)
* Legacy of ancient Rome
* The state of Europe after the
fall of Rome and its dissolution
into smaller kingdoms
* Integration of writing into
the curriculum
* Compare and contrast
using Venn diagrams
* Geography Challenge
* Feudalism creates order in
Europe
Assessment
Teacher Questioning and
informal assessments such as
homework
Quiz/Quest/Test
May include:
 Multiple choice
 Definitions
 Open-ended
questions
 Essay
 DBQ
 Matching
 True/False
 Illustrations
 Maps
 Chart reading
* The social order under the
feudal system including social,
economic, and governmental
expectations at each rank
8.4.7.C: Differentiate how continuity and
change have impacted world history.
• Belief systems and religions
• Commerce and industry
• Technology
• Politics and government
• Physical and human geography
• Social organizations
Page | 1
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
Duration: Sept. / early October
Content
Skills
Assessment
8.4.7.D: Explain how conflict and
cooperation among groups and
organizations have impacted the history
of the world.
Page | 2
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
Duration: October -- November
Big Ideas/Enduring Understandings
 Historical interpretation involves an analysis of cause and result.
 Geography is used to explain the past, interpret the present, and plan for the future.
 Citizens understand their rights and practice their responsibilities in a vibrant society.
Essential Questions
 What role do multiple causations play in describing a historic event?
 Why does culture impact place?
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
CC.8.5.6-8.A Cite specific
textual evidence to support
analysis of primary and secondary
sources.
5.1.7.B: Identify the different types of
government and the processes they use in
making laws.
CC.8.5.6-8.B. Determine the
central ideas or information of a
primary or secondary source;
provide an accurate summary of
the source distinct from prior
knowledge or opinions.
CC.8.5.6-8.D. Determine the
meaning of words and phrases as
they are used in a text, including
vocabulary specific to domains
related to history/social studies.
CC.8.5.6-8.E. Describe how a
text presents information (e.g.,
sequentially, comparatively,
causally).
CC.8.5.6-8.G Integrate visual
information (e.g., in charts, graphs,
photographs, videos, or maps) with
other information in print and
digital texts.
CC.8.6.6-8.C. Produce clear and
coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and
style are appropriate to task,
purpose, and audience.
7.1.7.B: Explain and locate places and
regions as defined by physical and human
features.
7.3.7.A: Describe the human
characteristics of places and regions using
the following criteria:
• Population
• Culture
• Settlement
• Economic activities
• Political activities
Content
* Structure and organization of
the Roman Catholic Church
* Note taking using graphic
organizers
* Monotheism, Polytheism
* Organization and synthesis
of information
* Role of the Roman Catholic
Church in the economy,
government, culture, and daily
life in Medieval Europe
* Introduction of the Crusades
and their impact on Europe.
* Economic and governmental
structural of medieval towns
8.4.7.B: Explain the importance of
historical documents, artifacts, and sites
which are critical to world history.
8.4.7.C: Differentiate how continuity and
change have impacted world history.
• Belief systems and religions
• Commerce and industry
• Technology
• Politics and government
• Physical and human geography
• Social organizations
* Interactive Notebook
(Optional)
* Integration of writing into
the curriculum
* Compare and contrast
using Venn diagrams
* Geography Challenge
* Daily life in medieval towns
8.4.7.A: Summarize the social, political,
cultural, and economic contributions of
individuals and groups in world history.
Skills
Assessment
Teacher Questioning and
informal assessments such as
homework
Quiz/Quest/Test
May include:
 Multiple choice
 Definitions
 Open-ended
questions
 Essay
 DBQ
 Matching
 True/False
 Illustrations
 Maps
 Chart reading
* Decline of feudalism
* Impact of the Bubonic plague
on feudalism
* Impact of the Hundred Years’
War on feudalism in Europe
* Legacy of political changes of
1100’s
Page | 3
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
Duration: October -- November
Content
Skills
Assessment
8.4.7.D: Explain how conflict and
cooperation among groups and
organizations have impacted the history
of the world.
Page | 4
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
Duration: Nov, Dec, Jan
Big Ideas/Enduring Understandings
 Characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations impact culture, economic interdependence, settlement patterns, and control of the Earth’s surface.
 Perspective helps to define the attributes of historical comprehension.
Essential Questions
 What role do multiple causations play in describing a historic event?
 How is it possible for different people to interpret an event differently?
 When empires expand, how are cultures and societies affected?
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
Content
CC.8.5.6-8.A Cite specific
textual evidence to support
analysis of primary and secondary
sources.
5.1.7.B: Identify the different types of
government and the processes they use in
making laws.
* Basic Geographical Tools and
their uses
* Note taking using graphic
organizers
* Physical and political features
of Southwest Asia and North
Africa
* Introduction to note taking
using outlines
CC.8.5.6-8.B. Determine the
central ideas or information of a
primary or secondary source;
provide an accurate summary of
the source distinct from prior
knowledge or opinions.
CC.8.5.6-8.D. Determine the
meaning of words and phrases as
they are used in a text, including
vocabulary specific to domains
related to history/social studies.
CC.8.5.6-8.E. Describe how a
text presents information (e.g.,
sequentially, comparatively,
causally).
CC.8.5.6-8.G Integrate visual
information (e.g., in charts, graphs,
photographs, videos, or maps) with
other information in print and
digital texts.
CC.8.6.6-8.C. Produce clear and
coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and
style are appropriate to task,
purpose, and audience.
6.4.7.B: Analyze how changes in trade
affect standards of living.
7.1.7.B: Explain and locate places and
regions as defined by physical and human
features.
* Effect of geography on the
spread of Islam
* Origins of Islam
7.3.7.A: Describe the human
characteristics of places and regions using
the following criteria:
• Population
• Culture
• Settlement
• Economic activities
• Political activities
8.4.7.A: Summarize the social, political,
cultural, and economic contributions of
individuals and groups in world history.
8.4.7.B: Explain the importance of
historical documents, artifacts, and sites
which are critical to world history.
* Teachings of Islam
• Five Pillars of Faith
• The Qur’an
* Islamic Holy Law
• The Shari’ah
Skills
* Organization and synthesis
of information
* Interactive Notebook
(Optional)
* Integration of writing into
the curriculum
* Compare and contrast
using Venn diagrams
Assessment
Teacher Questioning and
informal assessments such as
homework
Quiz/Quest/Test
May include:
 Multiple choice
 Definitions
 Open-ended
questions
 Essay
 DBQ
 Matching
 True/False
 Illustrations
 Maps
 Chart reading
* Geography Challenge
* Explain the contributions of
Islam to western civilizations.
• Numbering system
• Language
• Architecture
• Science
• Technology
* Reading Strategies for
comprehending and
comparing non-fiction texts.
* Crusades – causes, events, and
key players
* Effects of Crusades
Page | 5
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
Duration: Nov, Dec, Jan
Content
Skills
Assessment
8.4.7.C: Differentiate how continuity and
change have impacted world history.
• Belief systems and religions
• Commerce and industry
• Technology
• Politics and government
• Physical and human geography
• Social organizations
8.4.7.D: Explain how conflict and
cooperation among groups and
organizations have impacted the history
of the world.
Page | 6
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
Duration: Feb. March
Big Ideas/Enduring Understandings
 Limited resources and unlimited wants require choices by individuals, groups, and nations.
 The location of resources, transportation, communication networks, and technological innovation affect international economic patterns and the distribution of wealth.
 Historical interpretation involves an analysis of cause and result.
Essential Questions
 How does economic scarcity impact daily life for individuals, regional entities, and nation-states?
 Why is the determination of opportunity cost important to economic decision making?
 What role do multiple causations play in describing a historic event?
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
CC.8.5.6-8.A Cite specific
textual evidence to support
analysis of primary and secondary
sources.
5.1.7.B: Identify the different types of
government and the processes they use in
making laws.
CC.8.5.6-8.B. Determine the
central ideas or information of a
primary or secondary source;
provide an accurate summary of
the source distinct from prior
knowledge or opinions.
CC.8.5.6-8.D. Determine the
meaning of words and phrases as
they are used in a text, including
vocabulary specific to domains
related to history/social studies.
CC.8.5.6-8.E. Describe how a
text presents information (e.g.,
sequentially, comparatively,
causally).
CC.8.5.6-8.G. Integrate visual
information (e.g., in charts, graphs,
photographs, videos, or maps) with
other information in print and
digital texts.
6.4.7.B: Analyze how changes in trade
affect standards of living.
7.1.7.B: Explain and locate places and
regions as defined by physical and human
features.
7.3.7.A: Describe the human
characteristics of places and regions using
the following criteria:
• Population
• Culture
• Settlement
• Economic activities
• Political activities
8.4.7.A: Summarize the social, political,
cultural, and economic contributions of
individuals and groups in world history.
8.4.7.B: Explain the importance of
historical documents, artifacts, and sites
which are critical to world history.
Content
Skills
* Major climate regions of
Africa
* Note taking using graphic
organizers
* Effect of the climate on the
people of Africa in terms of
settlement patterns, economies
chosen, and influences to ways
of life and culture
* Organization and synthesis
of information
* Locating and identifying
major physical features of
Africa
* Integration of writing into
the curriculum
* Effect of the physical features
of Africa on the people around
them in terms of settlement
patterns, economies, and ways
of life
* Interactive Notebook
(Optional)
* Compare and contrast
using Venn diagrams
* Geography Challenge
Assessment
Teacher Questioning and
informal assessments such as
homework
Quiz/Quest/Test
May include:
 Multiple choice
 Definitions
 Open-ended
questions
 Essay
 DBQ
 Matching
 True/False
 Illustrations
 Maps
 Chart reading
* Africa’s key agricultural and
mineral resources and their
impact on early societies of
West Africa
* Growth and development of
early kingdoms and cities
CC.8.6.6-8.C. Produce clear and
coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and
style are appropriate to task,
purpose, and audience.
Page | 7
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
8.4.7.C: Differentiate how continuity and
change have impacted world history.
• Belief systems and religions
• Commerce and industry
• Technology
• Politics and government
• Physical and human geography
• Social organizations
8.4.7.D: Explain how conflict and
cooperation among groups and
organizations have impacted the history
of the world.
Duration: Feb. March
Content
Skills
Assessment
* Trade in gold and salt led to
the growth of Ghana and Mali.
* Powers and responsibilities of
the Ghani and his government,
including the military
* Role of the Trans-Saharan
trade in spreading wealth and
Islam
* Rise and fall of West African
Empires.
* Role of Mansa Musa in
spreading Mali’s wealth and
power
* Influence of Islam on West
Africa in terms of religious
practices, government & law,
education, language,
architecture, and decorative arts
* African cultural achievements
& their influence on the world
at large and present societies
Page | 8
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
Duration: March/April/May
Big Ideas/Enduring Understandings
 Historical interpretation involves an analysis of cause and result.
 Geography is used to explain the past, interpret the present, and plan for the future.
 Adherence to the rule of law validates an individual’s responsibility to society.
Essential Questions
 What role do multiple causations play in describing a historic event?
 Why does culture impact place?
 When empires expand, how are cultures and societies affected?
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
CC.8.5.6-8.A Cite specific
textual evidence to support
analysis of primary and secondary
sources.
5.1.7.B: Identify the different types of
government and the processes they use in
making laws.
CC.8.5.6-8.B. Determine the
central ideas or information of a
primary or secondary source;
provide an accurate summary of
the source distinct from prior
knowledge or opinions.
CC.8.5.6-8.D. Determine the
meaning of words and phrases as
they are used in a text, including
vocabulary specific to domains
related to history/social studies.
CC.8.5.6-8.E. Describe how a
text presents information (e.g.,
sequentially, comparatively,
causally).
CC.8.5.6-8.G Integrate visual
information (e.g., in charts, graphs,
photographs, videos, or maps) with
other information in print and
digital texts.
CC.8.6.6-8.C. Produce clear and
coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and
style are appropriate to task,
purpose, and audience.
6.4.7.B: Analyze how changes in trade
affect standards of living.
7.1.7.B: Explain and locate places and
regions as defined by physical and human
features.
Content
* Location of physical features
of mainland China
* Note taking using graphic
organizers
* Political development of
Imperial China (Han Dynasty
* Choosing graphic
organizer forms to match
content
* Compare and contrast
aristocracy, meritocracy, and
rule by foreigners throughout
the imperial dynasties.
7.3.7.A: Describe the human
characteristics of places and regions using
the following criteria:
• Population
• Culture
• Settlement
• Economic activities
• Political activities
* Trace the changes in China’s
economy from agriculture
through growth in trade and
commerce.
8.4.7.A: Summarize the social, political,
cultural, and economic contributions of
individuals and groups in world history.
* China’s cultural exchange
with other countries, discoveries
and inventions; Silk Road and
Marco Polo
8.4.7.B: Explain the importance of
historical documents, artifacts, and sites
which are critical to world history.
Skills
* Progression of Chinese
society from rural to
urbanization.
* Organization and synthesis
of information
* Integration of writing into
the curriculum
* Compare and contrast
using Venn diagrams
* Critical evaluation of
primary source documents
Assessment
Teacher Questioning and
informal assessments such as
homework
Quiz/Quest/Test
May include:
 Multiple choice
 Definitions
 Open-ended
questions
 Essay
 DBQ
 Matching
 True/False
 Illustrations
 Maps
 Chart reading
* China changes its foreign
policy from Open Door to
Closed Door.
* Evaluate the benefits and
drawbacks of foreign contacts.
Page | 9
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
Duration: March/April/May
Content
Skills
Assessment
8.4.7.C: Differentiate how continuity and
change have impacted world history.
• Belief systems and religions
• Commerce and industry
• Technology
• Politics and government
• Physical and human geography
• Social organizations
8.4.7.D: Explain how conflict and
cooperation among groups and
organizations have impacted the history
of the world.
Page | 10
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
Duration: May/June
Big Ideas/Enduring Understandings
 Historical interpretation involves an analysis of cause and result.
 Geography is used to explain the past, interpret the present, and plan for the future.
Essential Questions
 What role do multiple causations play in describing a historic event?
 Why does culture impact place?
 How does religion affect the lives of people and societies?
 When empires expand, how are cultures and societies affected?
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
Content
CC.8.5.6-8.A Cite specific
textual evidence to support
analysis of primary and secondary
sources.
5.1.7.B: Identify the different types of
government and the processes they use in
making laws.
MAYA
* Rise of the Mayan Empire and
the effect that geography played
on the shape and expansion of
the empire
* Note taking using graphic
organizers
* Aspects of Mayan culture
including: class structure &
roles, family life, beliefs,
religious practices, sacred
calendar, pok-a-tok
* Integration of writing into
the curriculum
* Mayan agricultural techniques
and methods for adapting to the
land
* Critical evaluation of
primary source documents
CC.8.5.6-8BA Determine the
central ideas or information of a
primary or secondary source;
provide an accurate summary of
the source distinct from prior
knowledge or opinions.
CC.8.5.6-8.D. Determine the
meaning of words and phrases as
they are used in a text, including
vocabulary specific to domains
related to history/social studies.
CC.8.5.6-8.E. Describe how a
text presents information (e.g.,
sequentially, comparatively,
causally).
CC.8.5.6-8.A.G. Integrate visual
information (e.g., in charts, graphs,
photographs, videos, or maps) with
other information in print and
digital texts.
CC.8.6.6-8.C. Produce clear and
coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and
style are appropriate to task,
purpose, and audience.
6.4.7.B: Analyze how changes in trade
affect standards of living.
7.1.7.B: Explain and locate places and
regions as defined by physical and human
features.
7.3.7.A: Describe the human
characteristics of places and regions using
the following criteria:
• Population
• Culture
• Settlement
• Economic activities
• Political activities
8.4.7.A: Summarize the social, political,
cultural, and economic contributions of
individuals and groups in world history.
8.4.7.B: Explain the importance of
historical documents, artifacts, and sites
which are critical to world history.
* Major theories for the demise
of the Maya including: drought,
war, famine, natural disaster
AZTEC
* Rise of the Aztec Empire and
the effect that geography played
on the shape and expansion of
the empire
Skills
* Organization and synthesis
of information
* Compare and contrast
using Venn diagrams
Assessment
Teacher Questioning and
informal assessments such as
homework
Quiz/Quest/Test
May include:
 Multiple choice
 Definitions
 Open-ended
questions
 Essay
 DBQ
 Matching
 True/False
 Illustrations
 Maps
 Chart reading
7th grade final
assessment.
* Creation of Tenochtitlan
* Technologies and
development of engineering
required to build the Aztec
empire.
Page | 11
7th Grade
Course Title: World History: The Medieval World
PA Academic Standards
PA Standards
8.4.7.C: Differentiate how continuity and
change have impacted world history.
• Belief systems and religions
• Commerce and industry
• Technology
• Politics and government
• Physical and human geography
• Social organizations
8.4.7.D: Explain how conflict and
cooperation among groups and
organizations have impacted the history
of the world.
Duration: May/June
Content
Skills
Assessment
AZTEC continued
* Aspects of Aztec culture
including: class structure &
roles, war & its importance,
family life,
* Aztec beliefs, religious
practices, sacred calendar 
role and importance of sacrifice,
Aztec great temple
INCA
* Rise of the Incan Empire and
the effect that geography played
on the shape and expansion of
the empire
* Aspects of Incan culture
including: class structure &
roles, family life, beliefs,
religious practices, sacred
calendar
* Lasting achievements of the
Aztec, Inca, and Maya: science
and technology, arts and
architecture, and language and
writing
Page | 12