Early River Valley Civilizations in the Eastern Hemisphere
Unit description: Complex societies and civilizations developed in the Eastern Hemisphere.Although these complex societies and civilizations have certain defining characteristics in common, each is also known for unique cultural achievements and contributions. In this unit, students will study early human communities in the Eastern Hemisphere and how they adapted to and modified the physical environment.
Standards
Standards: 2, 3; Themes: ID, TCC, GEO, SOC
Essential Questions and Big Ideas
- Big idea of the unit: Complex societies and civilizations developed in the Eastern Hemisphere.
- How did humans living together in settlements develop and give identity to their group?
- Humans living together in settlements develop shared customs, beliefs, ideas, and languages that give identity to the group.
- What are the common characteristics of complex societies and civilizations?
- Complex societies and civilizations share the common characteristics of religion, job specialization, cities, government, language/record keeping system, technology, and social hierarchy. People in Mesopotamia, the Yellow River valley, the Indus River valley, and the Nile River valley developed complex societies and civilizations.
- How do we see these common characteristics evidenced in specific identified societies and civilizations?
- Mesopotamia, Yellow River valley, Indus River valley, and Nile River valley complex societies and civilizations adapted to and modified their environment to meet the needs of their population.
- What influenced the access that groups and individuals had to power, wealth, and jobs?
- Political and social hierarchies influenced the access that groups and individuals had to power, wealth, and jobs and influenced their roles within a society.
Download the complete Grade 6 Social Studies Unit 3 framework to customize for your own planning.