Social Studies — Grade 6

Resources of South America

In CareerStart lessons: Grade six, page 4.9

In this lesson for grades six and seven, students will research the resources of a South American country and will create a map illustrating those resources.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Social Studies)

By Shea Calloway and Joann Via.

Integrated unit on South America

This lesson includes information concerning database operations, word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheet formatting. Students will solve math problems.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Computer/Technology Skills, English Language Development, Mathematics, and Social Studies)

By DPI Integration Strategies.

Gridding a site

In Intrigue of the Past, page 2.2

In their study of how to grid a site, students will use a map and the Cartesian coordinate system to establish a grid system over an archaeological site, labeling each grid unit; determine the location of artifacts within each grid unit; and construct a scientific inquiry concerning the location of artifacts on the site.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5–7 Mathematics and Social Studies)

The five themes of geography

In CareerStart lessons: Grade six, page 4.6

In this lesson for grade six, students will explore different career paths based on the five themes of geography.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Guidance and Social Studies)

By Shea Calloway.

Ecuador: A study of population

In this lesson, students will create population pyramid graphs and analyze photographs to investigate population in Ecuador. Students will draw on this analysis to make predictions about how population issues will affect Ecuador's future. The lesson plan is designed to be adapted to the study of various countries.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

Ecuador: A land of climate diversity

In this lesson, students will create climate graphs and analyze photographs to investigate the various types of climate in Ecuador and the interactions between climate and human culture. The lesson plan is designed to be adapted to the study of various countries.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 and 7 Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

Resources on the web

The shape of things to come

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore the shapes of countries around the world. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Rail traffic controller

In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students use the Xpedition Hall virtual exhibit, Rail Traffic Controller, to locate the countries of origin for items imported to specific countries in Europe. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Population pyramids and us

In this Xpeditions lesson, students learn how a geographer uses a population pyramid to interpret the dynamics of a population. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Mathematics and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Mission geography: Europe

In this Xpeditions lesson, students research and learn about the culture, physical geography, and history of selected countries in Europe. Acting as "tour operators," small groups of students create an imaginary tour group itinerary that highlight interesting... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Interpreting the evidence

This lesson, the second of a two-part series from Science NetLinks, offers useful information and activities to help students understand how scientists learn about civilizations that have disappeared. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Interpreting population statistics

In this lesson from the National Geographic Xpeditions website, students are introduced to population statistics such as birth, death, and literacy rates. They compare these indicators for several countries, graph the results, and hypothesize what their... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics and Social Studies)

Provided by: Xpeditions

Famous boundaries

Students label boundaries (between states or countries) on a map and then think about the boundaries they are familiar with near their homes. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Exploring manatee conservation in Latin America

During this virtual tour, your students will have access to real-life, current examples of manatee conservation. Through this web site, your students will have the opportunity to experience research as it takes place and to develop a broader understanding... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8–12 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Alike and different: The Middle East and the United States

This Xpeditions lesson asks students to examine the similarities and differences between the Middle East and their own city, state, and country. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

"Ad-ing" to geography

In this Xpeditions lesson, students examine how clothing and other consumer products influence peer identity. They classify several economic activities and analyze their spatial patterns, as well as use advertisements for contemporary products to explore economic... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic