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Social Studies Curriculum Social Studies - 6th Grade (2024)
Lesson Plans

Strand 2: Globalization

Students will compare how the transformation and changes of the post-classical era (Ca. 500 C.E.–1500 C.E.) set in motion the expansion of knowledge through science, language, writing, religion, and technological innovations. They will understand how this created and encouraged a global interconnectedness among distant societies and civilizations that ripples into modern history.

Compelling Questions:

  • How do ideas and belief systems unite or divide groups of people?
  • How did technological and scientific developments of the time promote literacy and the exchange of ideas that continue to this day?
  • Make a case for the most significant technological or scientific development from the Middle Ages or the Renaissance.
  • How does immigration play a role in globalization of ideas, goods, or knowledge?


Standard 6.2.4

Use maps to trace how geography affected the ability of humans to connect with each other (for example, economic and cultural expansion, development of international trade, spread of disease).
  • Crispin/Medieval Manor
    The novel Crispin, by Avi, is one of the best to demonstrate daily life of different social classes and the influence of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages.
  • How Did Sugar Feed Slavery?
    C3. Inquiry based lesson plan. Students explore the connection between the consumption of sugar and the reliance of slave labor to cultivate sugar plantations. Includes multiple opportunities to explore the supporting questions and develop an argument with claims, including charts, graphs, illustrations, reading excerpts, and background information.
  • Renaissance Trade and Exchange
    Students will research the development of international trade and the resultant cultural exchanges during the Renaissance.
  • Was It Destiny to Move West?
    C3. Inquiry based lesson plan. Students investigate the conflicts, conditions, and factors of the western expansion in the U.S. prior to the Civil War. Includes supporting questions and a summative performance task. Also includes a song, maps, charts, excerpts from articles, posters/artwork from the time period, and more for students to analyze as a means of preparing their arguments.


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

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