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History, Civics & Social Studies · Grade 6

Belief, Government, Economy and Trade

This course steps back from single civilizations to look at four big themes across the ancient world: how people were governed and why rulers claimed the right to rule, what major belief systems taught, how economies moved from barter to coins, and how trade linked distant peoples. Learners finish by testing a big claim against evidence from several societies.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 100 minutes
  • Themes of the ancient world check: 9 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, highlight a text, match pairs, type a number and put in order
See plans Included with Family, Teacher and School plans. Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Classify forms of government (monarchy, oligarchy, democracy, republic, empire, theocracy) using ancient examples, and explain how rulers claimed legitimacy.
  • Describe key teachings of major ancient belief systems respectfully and explain how belief connected to government and daily life.
  • Explain how economies used barter, tribute, taxes and money, and why coins made trade easier.
  • Evaluate a thematic claim across several ancient societies and write an argument that uses evidence from more than one civilization.

Lessons

  1. Who rules, and why should anyone obey? 6 steps4 practiceabout 25 min
  2. Belief systems of the ancient world 5 steps3 practiceabout 25 min
  3. From barter to coins 6 steps4 practiceabout 25 min
  4. Testing a big claim 6 steps4 practiceabout 25 min
  5. Themes of the ancient world check 9 questions at the end

Keep exploring

More 6th grade social studies

Guide for grown-ups