Unit Plan 24 (Grade 6 Social Studies): Alexander the Great and Hellenistic Culture
Greek ideas, language, and science spread across the Hellenistic world as new cities, ports, and caravan routes created powerful networks of diffusion and trade interdependence from the Mediterranean to South and Central Asia.
Focus: Trace the spread of Greek ideas, art, and science and the growth of trade interdependence across the Hellenistic world (Mediterranean to South/Central Asia).
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Social Studies (History • Geography • Civics • Economics)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students investigate how Alexander’s conquests and the Hellenistic kingdoms (Ptolemaic, Seleucid, Antigonid) fostered shared languages (Koine Greek), new cities, and scientific inquiry, while linking long-distance trade routes. Through maps, coins, city plans, and short source excerpts, learners explain how migration, diffusion, and markets connected far-flung regions.
Essential Questions
- How did conquest, migration, and new cities accelerate the diffusion of ideas, beliefs, and technologies?
- In what ways did ports, roads, and caravan routes create economic interdependence between regions?
- Which turning points in the Hellenistic era still shape culture, science, and governance today?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Map and explain Alexander’s routes and Hellenistic urban hubs to show spatial connections and diffusion.
- Identify and analyze Hellenistic turning points (e.g., spread of Koine Greek, Alexandria’s Library/Museion, new art/science).
- Describe how maritime and overland networks (ports, caravan routes, coinage) produced trade interdependence.
- Construct a concise explanation (CER) linking diffusion and trade to enduring cultural legacies with cited evidence.
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (C3-based custom)
- 6.C3.Geo.5 — Describe spatial connections (migration, diffusion, trade networks) and how ideas/technologies move between regions.
- 6.C3.Hist.4 — Identify turning points and big ideas and their legacies (e.g., democracy, empires, scientific traditions).
- 6.C3.Econ.4 — Explain trade, supply/demand, and interdependence within/among regions (caravans, sea lanes, ports).
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can trace routes and cities to show where and how ideas spread.
- I can name key Hellenistic turning points and explain their lasting impact.
- I can show how ports, roads, and coinage supported interdependence across regions.