Social Studies

Grade 6

The sixth grade social studies curriculum emphasizes the development of the great civilizations of the Eastern Hemisphere.  Students explore how the ancient civilizations developed and their influence on other cultures, including our own modern-day world.  Students are taught to use the disciplines of history, geography and economics to develop and draw relationships and understandings about the social/cultural and political aspects of life in the Ancient Civilizations.  

Units of Study:

• Origins of Society
• Mesopotamia
• Egypt
• Monotheistic Religions
• China
• African Kingdoms
• Greece
• Rome

 
The course is designed around three main themes: geography, culture and civilization.  The themes are introduced in the beginning of the year and then revisited throughout the year with the study of each unit.  Nine corresponding essential questions challenge students to think critically about the material they are studying and to make connections between and among the areas of study:

• How does the environment affect people; how do people affect the environment?
• How does a society maintain order?
• Why do some people have more than others?
• How does scarcity affect our needs and wants?
• How do technological developments change society?
• How does culture impact our personal identity and our perceptions?
• How does culture unite and divide people?
• When does a culture become a civilization?
• How is history interpreted from different perspectives?

By the end of the school year, all sixth-grade students should be able to:

• Answer each of the essential questions by using specific examples from the units of study as supporting evidence.
• Use chronological reasoning to show causation from events in Ancient History.
• Use geographic reasoning to show how Ancient civilizations developed, expanded and interacted over time.
• Think critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems.
• Work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
• Gather, interpret and evaluate various sources of information from Ancient and modern cultures.
• Understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively.
• Conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning
• Understand and appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, and being open to the perspectives, values and traditions of others.  
• Assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.