Grade 6, Social Studies, Early Civilizations …
2014
6.2 World History/Global Studies All students will acquire the knowledge and skills to think analytically and systematically about how past
interactions of people, cultures, and the environment affect issues across time and cultures. Such knowledge and skills enable students to make
informed decisions as socially and ethically responsible world citizens in the 21st century.
A. Civics, Government, and Human Rights
B. Geography, People, and the Environment
C. Economics, Innovation, and Technology
D. History, Culture, and Perspectives
Essential Questions
How does geography affect
civilizations?
Enduring Understandings
The availability of resources,
favorable climate and favorable
physical geography allowed the
growth ancient valley
civilizations.
The development of ancient
societies allowed for the spread of
religious beliefs among native
peoples.
Primitive technological advances
allowed for the sustainable
farming and growth of ancient
river valley civilizations.
Activities and Student Experiences
1. Create a cause and effect chart for the development of government in ancient
river valley civilizations.
2. Participate in a mock trial using Hammurabi’s Code.
3. Create a diagram illustrating the social hierarchy of a river valley society.
4. Research a major modern city and connect its development with the major
ancient river valley civilization which once existed in that location.
5. Trace the evolution of an ancient weapon used in society and discuss the
impact it had on society.
6. Conduct research on an ancient valley civilization. Analyze the cause for the
downfall of this civilization.
7. Research a particular event and/or person who may have had a major impact
during this time period. Use primary source documents to support your claim.
8. Analyze illustrations/drawing/pictures of ancient landmarks. Discuss what
information these landmarks reveal about the ancient civilization.
Cumulative Progress
Indicators
Ancient river valley
6.2.8.A.2.a, 6.2.8.A.2.b,
civilizations (e.g.,
6.2.8.A.2.c, 6.2.8.B.2.a,
Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus 6.2.8.B.2.b, 6.2.8.C.2.a,
River [modern Pakistan and 6.2.8.D.2.a, 6.2.8.D.2.b,
northwestern India], and,
6.2.8.D.2.c, 6.2.8.D.2.d
later, Yellow River Valley
in China) developed due to WHST.6-8.2.b, RH.6-8.2
Content Statements
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Grade 6, Social Studies, Early Civilizations …
favorable geographic
conditions. They created
centralized systems of
government and advanced
societies.
Desired Results
Students will know:
 The reasons why centralized societies grew around
river valley locations.
 Food surpluses led to an increase of technology and
enhanced trade networks.
 Why the increase of population increased the demand
for a centralized government.
Assessments
To show evidence of meeting this standard, students may:
 Create a map of ancient valley civilizations and the impact
the geography had on surrounding civilizations
 Oral review of ancient river valley societies
 Develop Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary using primary and
secondary sources
 Complete a unit assessment on landmarks and historical
figures of the time period.
 Complete formative assessments which include research
projects of the ancient river valley civilizations
 Document Based Questions
 Develop portfolios which illustration student understanding
of Common Core Reading and Writing Skills based on
ancient river valley content
 Create flow charts showing stages and development of
ancient societies
 Reenact a relgious ceremony performed by one of the
civilization leaders
 Hold a debate of the use of geography and primitive tools
Teacher Resources
 District textbook/materials
 Videos
 DBQs
 Handouts
Websites:
www.youtube.com
www.teachertube.com
www.educationworld.com
www.teach-nology.com
www.archives.gov
www.bccls.org
www.bensguide.gpo.gov
www.brainpop.com
www.educationworld.com
www.edudemic.com
www.globalclassroom.org
www.kidsvillenews.com
www.pbs.org
www.nj.gov/state/historykids/teachersGuide.htm
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2014
Grade 6, Social Studies, Early Civilizations …
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used to cultivate land efficiently.
Experiment and demonstrate understanding of content.
Write an informative essay dealing with the economic status
of a particular group of people during this time period.
Read and analyze informational text regarding the political
development of these ancient civlizations
Identify, and analyze primary and secondary sources.
2014
http://www.nps.gov/elis/forteachers/lessonplansandteacherguides.htm
www.scholastic.com
www.socialstudies.org
www.socialstudiesforkids.com
www.noaa.gov
http://kids.usa.gov/teens-home/index.html
http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Equipment Needed
 Informational texts
 Internet access
 Art supplies
 Artifacts
 Historical sources
 Maps, projector
 IWB
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