Sixth Grade Learning Expectations
The Ancient World Cultures course consists of a survey of ancient history from Prehistory to the fall of Rome. Students investigate the history, culture, and geography of various civilizations including those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Mesoamerica, Africa, China, India, and the Mediterranean. They continue to develop their understanding of historical and geographical concepts. Throughout the year, an emphasis is placed upon the ability to read, write, research, and think using the methodology of the historian.
By the end of Sixth Grade, students are expected to learn:
Geography
The Eleven Terms of History
Prehistoric Humans
Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Africa
Ancient Maya
Ancient Inca
Ancient China
Ancient India
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
The Ancient World Cultures course consists of a survey of ancient history from Prehistory to the fall of Rome. Students investigate the history, culture, and geography of various civilizations including those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Mesoamerica, Africa, China, India, and the Mediterranean. They continue to develop their understanding of historical and geographical concepts. Throughout the year, an emphasis is placed upon the ability to read, write, research, and think using the methodology of the historian.
By the end of Sixth Grade, students are expected to learn:
Geography
- Geography influences the history, culture, and wealth of the ancient and modern world.
- Historical people, events, and places affect the present and future.
- The movement of people, goods, and ideas affect the cultures of the world.
- Geography influences the cultures of the world.
- Humans and the environment impact each other.
The Eleven Terms of History
- Historians use various tools and analytical concepts to help us examine and understand the past.
- Artifacts and primary and secondary sources help us learn about the past.
Prehistoric Humans
- Celestial observation led to the development of Stonehenge and the beginnings of religion.
- Fire was essential to early humans.
- Herding and harvesting contributed to the development of civilization.
Ancient Mesopotamia
- People lived in communities to help each other in difficult physical circumstances.
- The achievements of early cultures contributed to the development of modern society.
- Early civilizations created and maintained civic order.
- A writing system was developed that helped people communicate.
- In ancient Mesopotamia, the need to control flooding resulted in the development of community and government.
- The existence of a code of law was evidence of a sophisticated civilization.
Ancient Egypt
- Geography influenced ancient Egyptian civilization.
- Ancient Egyptians developed an amazingly complex and advanced civilization.
- Climate and geography influenced Egyptian art and architecture.
- Modern archeology both inflamed and informed the world about this amazing culture.
Ancient Africa
- Geography influenced the development of African civilizations and cultures.
- Rich and varied cultures developed throughout Africa.
- The institution of slavery and the Triangular Trade transformed Africa and resulted in much human suffering.
Ancient Maya
- Writing played an important role in Mayan culture.
- The natural world influenced the culture of ancient Maya, especially in the areas of religion and art.
- Mayans developed a political organization characterized by the city-state.
Ancient Inca
- The Nasca and Moche cultures formed the engineering and aesthetic base for the advanced civilization of the Inca.
- Geography, communication, and political organization combined to allow the development of an advanced Incan civilization in a harsh climate.
- Job specialization and individual responsibility played essential roles in the structure and maintenance of the Incan empire.
Ancient China
- Geographic isolation allowed Chinese culture to flourish and endure through thousands of years.
- Technological advances developed by the ancient Chinese changed human history.
- Cultural unification followed political reorganization in China.
Ancient India
- Indian culture is unique and varied.
- Geographically, India constitutes a subcontinent.
- Geography influenced the development of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Ancient Greece
- Geography influenced the development of ancient Greek culture.
- A common language, metal coinage, a commonwealth of city-states, and defeat of a common enemy allowed for the development of democracy in Greece.
- The American system of government derived many principles and institutions from ancient Greece.
Ancient Rome
- Modern republics, including the United States, borrowed ideas from ancient Rome.
- Technological advances allowed for the development of Rome
- Urbanization changed human culture and the physical landscape.
- Military conquest and empire building by the Romans were followed by empire assimilation.