History - Sixth Grade
	Goals and Objectives Students will develop the ability: to read for information from a textbook to take helpful notes from a textbook to pick out the most important facts from a textbook to be able to see threads that run through these three cultures to relate cultures of the past to their own world today to write a short research report to read and understand timelines They will develop an understanding of: the geography of the Mediterranean area the relationship between geography and culture what we know about the past written and non-written historical sources, the assets and limitations of each: Early Man Ancient Mesopotamia Egypt China Greece and Rome   Curriculum The course is a study of Ancient History. The first part of the year focuses on the study of history, in general, and how we know what we do about the past. It includes archaeology and the interpretation of both written and non-written sources. The remainder of the year is spent exploring various ancient civilizations, beginning with Early Man, a brief study of the culture of ancient Mesopotamia, and then Egypt, China, Greece and Rome. A common thread is the examination of how climate and geography affect culture. For each, the following topics are covered: geography and climate government daily life education customs clothing food religion The Arts: (music, literature, painting, sculpture, mosaic) As part of the study of ancient Greece, students read summaries of classical Greek drama, adapt them and perform them for younger students. Trips: As part of the history curriculum, students may visit the Egyptian collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and participate in a program on Egypt at the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport. Current Events: are discussed periodically, especially as they pertain to the areas of the world being studied. TEXTBOOK: A Message of Ancient Days (Houghton Mifflin) Supplementary Materials: Ancient World, (McGraw Hill) Teacher Created Materials Inc. library resources: books, computer programs, magazines, etc. videotapes on a variety of subjects, i.e. "Pyramid," "King Tut" Study Skills: are an important part of the Sixth Grade curriculum, and the history course provides an excellent opportunity to develop these skills. These include reading carefully from a text, taking notes and preparing for quizzes and tests. Organization skills and learning styles are also reviewed and practiced. Projects: are an integral part of the history program. Using a wide variety of materials, students are encouraged to express their understanding of and involvement in the subject matter through artwork. For example, during the study of Early Man, students might make a replica of an Early Man tool or cave painting. During the study of ancient Greece, students might create their own Greek Myth and make Grecian Urns. During the study of ancient Rome, students might make a mosaic of paper or tile. Research Skills: are taught through written reports on a variety of topics that relate to the history material. Specific topics are usually of the students' choosing, enabling them to research an area of interest to them. Students are provided with clear guidelines and assistance at every step of the procedure. They are encouraged to use a wide range of materials, both printed and computer generated. Students are also taught how to organize a proper bibliography. Oral presentations are often a part of the procedure, allowing the students to express themselves in another way, to share their work and to demonstrate their understanding of their research. Computers: Students in Sixth Grade have a computer available to them in the classroom. They are encouraged to use it for their writing whenever possible, and at times, required to do so. The following programs are used: Microsoft Word- word processing Favorite Greek Myths - English and History Language Explorer - Foreign Language World Atlas and U.S. Atlas (CD) - research Grollier Multimedia Encyclopedia (CD) – research Smart Board Technology Power Point