Crowden Sixth Grade History - Greg Paxton, Teacher

Texts  - We will be using a variety of resources including A Message of Ancient Days (Houghton Mifflin), and The World In Ancient Times series (Oxford University Press), as well as study guides from both of these series.

Format - Class consists of lectures and slideshows (with note-taking), time for discussion and reflection (critical thinking), and hands-on labs and/or activities (practical application).

Note taking - In class, students will assemble a notebook of resources consisting of the main notes from class, handouts, maps, and student-interpreted renderings. All students should have a spiral-bound notebook for notes, and a designated sleeved folder for handouts (preferably a binder to house all of these).

Research Papers - With an emphasis on critical thinking, students will sharpen research skills by gathering historical information, and then with Greg’s guidance, synthesize that information through written papers and/or reports. A rubric for each paper will be posted well in advance of the due date.

Class Projects - Class presentations, in the form of research projects, are designed not only to be a fun and creative, but also provide an opportunity for students to teach fellow students, as well as experience the dynamics of group planning (some projects are individual). Each project will involve submitting a proposal that I approve. Students are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity projects utilizing art, role-play, multi-media, model-making, and so forth, while balancing these formats with sound research. A rubric will be given for each project that details expectations. Some projects may also require a written component.

Homework and classwork - To what extent possible, I will strive to provide ample time for students to complete assignments as part of the class itself, though projects and research papers will need to be completed at home. When assigned, homework will consist of additional reading or research to supplement what has been discussed in class. Assigned research will either by followed by an assessment (quiz), or included as part of an upcoming test.

Tests and quizzes - Before each unit test or quiz, at least one period will be devoted to reviewing all materials for that unit (grades 6 & 7). Test dates will be posted on ThinkWave at least one week in advance. Study Guides will be assembled during the review period (a day or two before). During mid-terms and finals, either a test may be given, or a research paper may be assigned, depending on the class/unit.

Grading - Tests and quizzes are graded on a straight-forward point system. Research projects and presentations follow a rubric of required components. The main emphasis of both tests and projects is to ensure that each student grasps the historical concepts discussed in class, and that they can apply a measure of critical analysis to the facts.

Geography - Geography is taught concurrently with each unit throughout the year.

Course Overview - Sixth grade follows a unit-based narrative, beginning with early hominids, and ending with a detailed exploration of the Roman empire. Some of the topics covered will include:

From Early Hominids to Homo Sapiens

Early Cities of The Nile, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Huang He valley

Early Middle Eastern Civilizations - Mesopotamia, the Sumerians

Cultures of the Ancient Levant - Their people, prophets, and kings

The Rise of Ancient Empires - Assyria, the Babylonians, Nubians

Ancient Egypt and The Rise of the Pharaohs

Ancient India  - The Indus Valley, Aryans, Buddhism and Hinduism

Ancient China and its Dynasties (including the age of Confucius and Taoism)

The Han Dynasty - And exploring the silk road.

Ancient Greece - From early Minoans, to the rise of the Greek city-state. art, culture, philosophy, deities, and war (Sparta).

Classical Greece - Government, archeology, social classes, and the Peloponnesian.

Alexander the Great - And the spread of Greek culture.

Rome - Origins, culture, technology, and rulers.