In sixth grade, students are ready to deepen their understanding of the Earth and its peoples through the study of history, geography, politics, culture, and economic systems. The recommended context for social studies learning in sixth grade is world history and geography. Students begin their examination of the world by exploring the location, place, and spatial organization of the world’s major regions. This exploration is then followed by looking at world history from its beginnings. Students are given an opportunity to study a few ancient civilizations deeply.
In this way, students develop higher levels of critical thinking by considering why civilizations developed where and when they did, and why they declined. Students analyze the interactions among the various cultures, emphasizing their enduring contributions and the link between the contemporary and ancient worlds.
We will not limit ourselves to these topics. We will look at modern day life in these regions and think about how the past affects the present. We will study pre-history and Egypt. Then, we will move on to Asia, Greece, and Rome. Students will be assessed through tests, work on projects, study geography and maps, review current events related to the part of the world we are studying, write papers, and do assignments.
Grading
6th grade Social Studies will use standards-based grading to assess student progress. There are three categories of scoring. Practice (worksheets, chapter questions and other homework assignments), Assessment Practice (pop quizzes, map reviews, short answer questions, mini-projects), and Assessment (unit exams, current events, major projects and presentations, essays, and other writing assignments). The final grade will be made up of the following components: 40% Tests, 40% Projects, 20% Quizzes and Current Events. Homework and class work (student warm-ups and class activities) will be reflected on the report card under Self-Directed Learning and under Problem Solving on the report card.
Text: World Studies: The Ancient world – Pearson Prentice Hall
6TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES OVERVIEW
Sixth Graders will be using the 2005 edition of World Studies: The Ancient World published by Prentice Hall. The emphasis this year will be to develop an understanding of causes and their effects on history; to develop a time and place awareness as to when and where these events occurred; and to be aware that there are many perspectives in viewing historical occurrences.
The focus of the 6th Grade curriculum will include an in-depth look at: developing Geography and Map skills of the world; the beginnings of Human Society; the Fertile Crescent(Babylonia, Assyria, Mesopotamia, etc.); Ancient Egypt, Nubia, India, China, Greece, and Rome.
Material will be presented in a variety of methodologies to ensure that each child has an opportunity to best take advantage of his or her learning style. There will be lectures, class discussions, group work, individual projects, study groups, etc. Efficient note taking will be covered as part of the class agenda. Evaluation will be based on participation, projects, homework, quizzes, daily work, and test assessments.
I have encouraged all Sixth Graders to read the newspaper or listen to the news on either the radio or T.V. I really want them to have an awareness that social studies is not simply a study of geography or history, yet is a critical factor in their everyday lives.
SOCIAL STUDIES: Helpful websites:
World History Timeline — Great visual to connect different aspects of world history
www.timemaps.com/history — another timeline; includes world map with timeline
www.ducksters.com/history — good basic website, many links to explore Ancient and World history.
So far, we’re off to a great start, and I’m looking forward to a terrific year! If you have any question, concerns, or ideas that you would like to share please feel free to call me at (425) 747-6770 ext.218, email me at dshepp@stmadsophie.org, or send a note.
Here’s to a great year of learning about our world together, and how to effectively change it for a brighter future!