Unit Plan 18 (Grade 6 Social Studies): Inquiry Project—Life in Ancient Times
Guide students to research an early civilization using credible sources, evaluate evidence, and communicate findings through a curated museum exhibit or investigative report that explains daily life, beliefs, economy, and governance with clear citations.
Focus: Research one early civilization and create a museum exhibit or investigative report that explains daily life, beliefs, economy, and governance using credible sources and clear citations.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Social Studies (Inquiry/Skills • History • Civics • Geography)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students take on the role of curators/historians to investigate one early civilization (e.g., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, early China, Mesoamerica). They frame compelling and supporting questions, gather and evaluate primary/secondary sources, and communicate conclusions as a mini-museum exhibit (with artifacts, labels, and overview panel) or a short report with visuals and citations.
Essential Questions
- How do historians know what life was like in ancient times—and what remains uncertain?
- Which aspects of daily life were shaped most by geography, economy, or government?
- How can we communicate historical findings clearly, fairly, and with evidence?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Develop compelling/supporting questions to guide an investigation of an early civilization.
- Gather information from multiple source types (maps, artifacts, images, texts, credible digital) and cite them.
- Evaluate sources for relevance, credibility, bias, and corroborate across accounts.
- Construct a historical explanation showing causes/effects, perspectives, and turning points/legacies.
- Communicate conclusions in an exhibit or report with clear organization, visuals, and accurate citations.
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (C3-based custom)
- 6.C3.Inq.1, 6.C3.Inq.2, 6.C3.Inq.3, 6.C3.Inq.4, 6.C3.Inq.5
- 6.C3.Hist.2, 6.C3.Hist.3, 6.C3.Hist.4
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can ask strong questions and keep my research focused.
- I can find, evaluate, and cite several different kinds of sources.
- I can explain daily life using causes/effects, perspectives, and legacies, and present it clearly.