Social Studies — Grade 6

Comparative anatomy: A continuum

In groups, students will design a presentation that will trace the development of an organ system through the major phyla of the animal kingdom looking for the relationships between structure and function by documenting adaptations.

Format: (grade )

By Joan Warner and Melissa Thibault.

European Shadow Puppets

Students will work in cooperative groups first to read a fairy tale by a European author. Then they will make shadow puppets to use on an overhead projector. Finally, they will present their puppet shows to their class.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Marsha Paisley.

To market, to market: Photograph analysis

In this lesson, students analyze photos of markets from around the world to gain an understanding of the similarities and differences between geographically distant places, to learn about the economic and cultural significance of markets, and to improve visual literacy skills.

Format: (grade 6–7 Social Studies and English Language Arts)

By Eric Eaton.

Lesson plans on the web

Creating character: Introduction

Creating character contains a series of eight multi-media classroom lessons, each of which explores the importance of positive character development. (Learn more)

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

By USC Shoah Foundation Institute.

Provider: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Respect

In this lesson, students explore the concept of "respect" by listening and viewing testimonials from Holocaust survivors. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Guidance, Social Studies, and English Language Arts)

By USC Shoah Foundation Institute.

Provider: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Courage

In this lesson, students explore the concept of "courage", in one of six online activities presented by the Shoah Foundation Institute of the University of Southern California. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Guidance, Social Studies, and English Language Arts)

By USC Shoah Foundation Institute.

Provider: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Greek mythology: Cultures and art

Students improve their ability to analyze, reorganize, critique, and create by creating and painting mythological characters. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies)

Provider: The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

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)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

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 parts of Europe. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Social Studies)

Provider: National Geographic

Religion, culture, and diversity

In this lesson, students explore some of the tensions associated with religious and cultural differences, learn more about various religions and share their own religious traditions. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–7 and 9 Social Studies and Guidance)

By Kathleen M. Cochran.

Provider: PBS

Why civilizations fall

In this lesson, part of a two-lesson series from Science NetLinks, students find out about the social changes that caused the collapse of important ancient civilizations in Central America, Mesopotamia, the southwestern United States, and western Africa. (Learn more)

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

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science