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Quarter 1: Earliest Civilizations & the Rise of Cities

Week 3

Mesopotamia II — Babylon, Empire & Hammurabi's Code

From city-state to empire; one of the world's first written legal codes.

Study tools for this week

Teach from the daily lesson cards below. Open the matching study guides, answer keys, vocabulary, and cross-references when a student needs help or you want to preview.

6.NS.A.1RI.6.2RI.6.6W.6.1MS-LS1-3C3 D2.Civ.5.6-8
Teacher pacing notes(pacing · pitfalls · differentiation · assessment timing)

Pacing

Hammurabi's Code mock-trial is the anchor — schedule it Thursday so Wed builds evidence and Fri debriefs.

Assessment timing

Friday: short-response on Hammurabi + math unit-rate quiz.

Common pitfalls

  • Students judge Hammurabi's Code by modern standards without considering historical context.
  • Confusing 'unit rate' with 'ratio' — drill the 'per one' meaning.

Support

Provide a role card with talking points for the mock trial.

Extension

Have advanced students write a closing argument citing 2 specific laws.

Specials this week(Specials this week · art · music · PE · language · life skills)

Studio Art

2× / week

Studio: river-valley sketchbook

Continue weekly observational drawings of artifacts and landscapes from the current civilization.

Music

1× / week

Listening journal

10-minute weekly listening to ancient/world music; one sentence of reflection.

World Languages

3× / week

World language continuation

Three sessions/week in chosen language (Spanish, French, or Mandarin).

See the full Specials program for cadence and year-long arc.

Tap Edit on any day to customize objectives and activities. Changes save to this browser.

Print Mon–Fri Binder packet

MondayFrom City-State to Empire

Social Studies

40 min

Sargon of Akkad — the world's first empire; what changes when one ruler controls many cities.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can sargon of Akkad — the world's first empire.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Sargon of Akkad — the world's first empire.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): what changes when one ruler controls many cities..
  4. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: name two specific details (place, person, date, or cause) and explain why they matter.

At-home tip for parents

At home, ask: "Where on a map would you find what you studied today?" Have your child point it out and tell you one cause and one effect from "Sargon of Akkad — the world's first empire".

Homework

Read tonight's textbook section (10–15 min) and add three new facts to your notebook timeline.

Resources & materials to teach from (6)

Math

50 min

Fraction division intro: 'how many 1/4 cups in 3 cups?' (6.NS.A.1).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can fraction division intro: 'how many 1/4 cups in 3 cups?' (6.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Fraction division intro: 'how many 1/4 cups in 3 cups?'" with the teacher modeling thinking out loud.
  3. We do (10 min): class works two problems together; students explain each step.
  4. You do (15 min): students try 4–6 problems independently or with a partner; teacher confers.
  5. Closure (5 min): one student presents a solution; class critiques the reasoning.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: 2 problems — one procedural, one word problem — graded for accuracy and reasoning.

At-home tip for parents

Ask your child to teach you tonight's idea in 60 seconds: "Show me one example of fraction division intro: 'how many 1/4 cups in 3 cups?'." Teaching it back is the fastest way to lock it in.

Homework

Practice set: 6–8 problems mirroring class work. Show steps; circle the answer.

6.NS.A.1

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

ELA

45 min

Read Hammurabi's Code excerpts (primary source); identify central idea (RI.6.2).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read Hammurabi's Code excerpts (primary source).

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Read Hammurabi's Code excerpts (primary source).
  3. Independent practice (12 min): identify central idea ..
  4. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one quoted sentence from today's text + one sentence explaining what it shows.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "Who is the main character or speaker in what you read today, and what do they want?" Then have your child read aloud one favorite sentence from "Read Hammurabi's Code excerpts (primary source)".

Homework

Independent reading 20 min + log title, pages, and one sentence of reaction.

RI.6.2

Resources & materials to teach from (2)

Science

45 min

Body systems overview: name the 11 systems of the human body.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can body systems overview: name the 11 systems of the human body.

Lesson flow

  1. Phenomenon (5 min): show an image, video, or demo and ask, "What do you notice? What do you wonder?"
  2. Mini-lesson (10 min): teacher introduces the science of "Body systems overview: name the 11 systems of the human body" with a labeled diagram.
  3. Investigation (20 min): students gather data — observe, measure, model, or run the lab.
  4. Sense-making (8 min): students record a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning response in the lab notebook.
  5. Share-out (2 min): one group presents data; class compares results.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one claim + one piece of evidence from today's investigation, with units where relevant.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "What did you observe today, and what do you think it means?" Encourage your child to draw a labeled sketch of "Body systems overview: name the 11 systems of the human body" on a sticky note.

Homework

Finish lab notebook entry (sketch + CER paragraph) if not done in class.

Resources & materials to teach from (4)
Materials & worksheet checklist

TuesdayHammurabi & His Code

Social Studies

40 min

Babylon under Hammurabi; the principle of written, public law.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can babylon under Hammurabi.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Babylon under Hammurabi.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): the principle of written, public law..
  4. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: name two specific details (place, person, date, or cause) and explain why they matter.

At-home tip for parents

At home, ask: "Where on a map would you find what you studied today?" Have your child point it out and tell you one cause and one effect from "Babylon under Hammurabi".

Homework

Read tonight's textbook section (10–15 min) and add three new facts to your notebook timeline.

Resources & materials to teach from (6)

Math

50 min

Visual fraction division: area models and number lines.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can visual fraction division: area models and number lines.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Visual fraction division: area models and number lines" with the teacher modeling thinking out loud.
  3. We do (10 min): class works two problems together; students explain each step.
  4. You do (15 min): students try 4–6 problems independently or with a partner; teacher confers.
  5. Closure (5 min): one student presents a solution; class critiques the reasoning.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: 2 problems — one procedural, one word problem — graded for accuracy and reasoning.

At-home tip for parents

Ask your child to teach you tonight's idea in 60 seconds: "Show me one example of visual fraction division: area models and number lines." Teaching it back is the fastest way to lock it in.

Homework

Practice set: 6–8 problems mirroring class work. Show steps; circle the answer.

Resources & materials to teach from (6)

ELA

45 min

Compare two laws from the Code — what do they reveal about Babylonian values? (RI.6.6).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can compare two laws from the Code — what do they reveal about Babylonian values? (RI.

Lesson flow

  1. Bell-ringer (5 min): a sentence-level grammar warm-up or quick-write prompt.
  2. Read-aloud / shared reading (12 min): "Compare two laws from the Code — what do they reveal about Babylonian values?" — students follow along and annotate.
  3. Discussion (10 min): turn-and-talk on a focus question, then share out with text evidence.
  4. Writing (15 min): students respond in writer's notebook — one paragraph minimum, citing the text.
  5. Share (3 min): two volunteers read a sentence they're proud of.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one quoted sentence from today's text + one sentence explaining what it shows.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "Who is the main character or speaker in what you read today, and what do they want?" Then have your child read aloud one favorite sentence from "Compare two laws from the Code — what do they reveal about Babylonian values?".

Homework

Independent reading 20 min + log title, pages, and one sentence of reaction.

RI.6.6

Resources & materials to teach from (2)

Science

45 min

Digestive system tour: mouth → stomach → small intestine.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can digestive system tour: mouth.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Digestive system tour: mouth.
  3. Together (12 min): stomach.
  4. Independent practice (14 min): small intestine..
  5. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one claim + one piece of evidence from today's investigation, with units where relevant.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "What did you observe today, and what do you think it means?" Encourage your child to draw a labeled sketch of "Digestive system tour: mouth" on a sticky note.

Homework

Finish lab notebook entry (sketch + CER paragraph) if not done in class.

Resources & materials to teach from (4)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

  • Sharpened pencil & eraser
  • Day's notebook (one section per subject)

Math

  • Ruler

WednesdayCrime and Punishment in Babylon

Social Studies

40 min

'Eye for an eye' — examine social class in the Code; free, slave, noble.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can explain 'Eye for an eye' — examine social class in the Code.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): 'Eye for an eye' — examine social class in the Code.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): free, slave, noble..
  4. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: name two specific details (place, person, date, or cause) and explain why they matter.

At-home tip for parents

At home, ask: "Where on a map would you find what you studied today?" Have your child point it out and tell you one cause and one effect from "'Eye for an eye' — examine social class in the Code".

Homework

Read tonight's textbook section (10–15 min) and add three new facts to your notebook timeline.

Resources & materials to teach from (2)

Math

50 min

Algorithm: invert and multiply; justify why it works.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can solve algorithm: invert and multiply.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Algorithm: invert and multiply.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): justify why it works..
  4. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: 2 problems — one procedural, one word problem — graded for accuracy and reasoning.

At-home tip for parents

Ask your child to teach you tonight's idea in 60 seconds: "Show me one example of algorithm: invert and multiply." Teaching it back is the fastest way to lock it in.

Homework

Practice set: 6–8 problems mirroring class work. Show steps; circle the answer.

Resources & materials to teach from (2)

ELA

45 min

Begin argument essay planning: 'Was Hammurabi's Code just?' (W.6.1).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can begin argument essay planning: 'Was Hammurabi's Code just?' (W.

Lesson flow

  1. Bell-ringer (5 min): a sentence-level grammar warm-up or quick-write prompt.
  2. Read-aloud / shared reading (12 min): "Begin argument essay planning: 'Was Hammurabi's Code just?'" — students follow along and annotate.
  3. Discussion (10 min): turn-and-talk on a focus question, then share out with text evidence.
  4. Writing (15 min): students respond in writer's notebook — one paragraph minimum, citing the text.
  5. Share (3 min): two volunteers read a sentence they're proud of.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one quoted sentence from today's text + one sentence explaining what it shows.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "Who is the main character or speaker in what you read today, and what do they want?" Then have your child read aloud one favorite sentence from "Begin argument essay planning: 'Was Hammurabi's Code just?'".

Homework

Independent reading 20 min + log title, pages, and one sentence of reaction.

W.6.1

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Investigation: enzyme action — crackers chewed for 1 minute; what changes?

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate investigation: enzyme action — crackers chewed for 1 minute.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Investigation: enzyme action — crackers chewed for 1 minute.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): what changes?.
  4. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one claim + one piece of evidence from today's investigation, with units where relevant.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "What did you observe today, and what do you think it means?" Encourage your child to draw a labeled sketch of "Investigation: enzyme action — crackers chewed for 1 minute" on a sticky note.

Homework

Finish lab notebook entry (sketch + CER paragraph) if not done in class.

Resources & materials to teach from (3)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

  • Sharpened pencil & eraser
  • Day's notebook (one section per subject)

Social Studies

  • Primary-source handout

Math

  • Calculator (optional)

ELA

  • Lined paper

Science

  • Lab notebook

ThursdayDaily Life in Babylon

Social Studies

40 min

Family, marriage contracts, schools (edubba), and merchant houses.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can explain family, marriage contracts, schools (edubba), and merchant houses.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): map / timeline question on the board to activate yesterday's learning.
  2. Mini-lesson (10 min): teacher-led overview of "Family, marriage contracts, schools (edubba), and merchant houses" using the textbook or atlas.
  3. Guided practice (15 min): annotate a primary source, label a map, or sort cards on a timeline with a partner.
  4. Independent practice (10 min): students respond in their notebook with one claim + one piece of evidence.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: name two specific details (place, person, date, or cause) and explain why they matter.

At-home tip for parents

At home, ask: "Where on a map would you find what you studied today?" Have your child point it out and tell you one cause and one effect from "Family, marriage contracts, schools (edubba), and merchant houses".

Homework

Read tonight's textbook section (10–15 min) and add three new facts to your notebook timeline.

Resources & materials to teach from (6)

Math

50 min

Word problems with fraction division (recipes, sharing, scaling down).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can word problems with fraction division (recipes, sharing, scaling down).

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Word problems with fraction division (recipes, sharing, scaling down)" with the teacher modeling thinking out loud.
  3. We do (10 min): class works two problems together; students explain each step.
  4. You do (15 min): students try 4–6 problems independently or with a partner; teacher confers.
  5. Closure (5 min): one student presents a solution; class critiques the reasoning.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: 2 problems — one procedural, one word problem — graded for accuracy and reasoning.

At-home tip for parents

Ask your child to teach you tonight's idea in 60 seconds: "Show me one example of word problems with fraction division (recipes, sharing, scaling down)." Teaching it back is the fastest way to lock it in.

Homework

Practice set: 6–8 problems mirroring class work. Show steps; circle the answer.

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

ELA

45 min

Argument essay: draft a thesis with two reasons.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can argument essay: draft a thesis with two reasons.

Lesson flow

  1. Bell-ringer (5 min): a sentence-level grammar warm-up or quick-write prompt.
  2. Read-aloud / shared reading (12 min): "Argument essay: draft a thesis with two reasons" — students follow along and annotate.
  3. Discussion (10 min): turn-and-talk on a focus question, then share out with text evidence.
  4. Writing (15 min): students respond in writer's notebook — one paragraph minimum, citing the text.
  5. Share (3 min): two volunteers read a sentence they're proud of.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one quoted sentence from today's text + one sentence explaining what it shows.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "Who is the main character or speaker in what you read today, and what do they want?" Then have your child read aloud one favorite sentence from "Argument essay: draft a thesis with two reasons".

Homework

Independent reading 20 min + log title, pages, and one sentence of reaction.

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Circulatory system; pulse-rate investigation before/after exercise.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can circulatory system.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Circulatory system.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): pulse-rate investigation before/after exercise..
  4. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one claim + one piece of evidence from today's investigation, with units where relevant.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "What did you observe today, and what do you think it means?" Encourage your child to draw a labeled sketch of "Circulatory system" on a sticky note.

Homework

Finish lab notebook entry (sketch + CER paragraph) if not done in class.

Resources & materials to teach from (5)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

  • Sharpened pencil & eraser
  • Day's notebook (one section per subject)

ELA

  • Lined paper

Science

  • Lab notebook

FridayThe Legacy of Mesopotamia

Social Studies

40 min

What we still inherit: written law, base-60 time, the wheel.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can what we still inherit: written law, base-60 time, the wheel.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): map / timeline question on the board to activate yesterday's learning.
  2. Mini-lesson (10 min): teacher-led overview of "What we still inherit: written law, base-60 time, the wheel" using the textbook or atlas.
  3. Guided practice (15 min): annotate a primary source, label a map, or sort cards on a timeline with a partner.
  4. Independent practice (10 min): students respond in their notebook with one claim + one piece of evidence.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: name two specific details (place, person, date, or cause) and explain why they matter.

At-home tip for parents

At home, ask: "Where on a map would you find what you studied today?" Have your child point it out and tell you one cause and one effect from "What we still inherit: written law, base-60 time, the wheel".

Homework

Read tonight's textbook section (10–15 min) and add three new facts to your notebook timeline.

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Math

50 min

Mixed practice: fraction division in real contexts.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mixed practice: fraction division in real contexts.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Mixed practice: fraction division in real contexts" with the teacher modeling thinking out loud.
  3. We do (10 min): class works two problems together; students explain each step.
  4. You do (15 min): students try 4–6 problems independently or with a partner; teacher confers.
  5. Closure (5 min): one student presents a solution; class critiques the reasoning.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: 2 problems — one procedural, one word problem — graded for accuracy and reasoning.

At-home tip for parents

Ask your child to teach you tonight's idea in 60 seconds: "Show me one example of mixed practice: fraction division in real contexts." Teaching it back is the fastest way to lock it in.

Homework

Practice set: 6–8 problems mirroring class work. Show steps; circle the answer.

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

ELA

45 min

Argument essay revision; peer-edit conventions (L.6.1).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can argument essay revision.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Argument essay revision.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): peer-edit conventions ..
  4. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one quoted sentence from today's text + one sentence explaining what it shows.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "Who is the main character or speaker in what you read today, and what do they want?" Then have your child read aloud one favorite sentence from "Argument essay revision".

Homework

Independent reading 20 min + log title, pages, and one sentence of reaction.

L.6.1

Resources & materials to teach from (6)

Science

30 min

Lab journal sync; weekly reflection on body-systems learning.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can lab journal sync.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Lab journal sync.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): weekly reflection on body-systems learning..
  4. Closure (5 min): students name one thing they learned and one question they still have.

Check for understanding

Exit ticket: one claim + one piece of evidence from today's investigation, with units where relevant.

At-home tip for parents

Ask: "What did you observe today, and what do you think it means?" Encourage your child to draw a labeled sketch of "Lab journal sync" on a sticky note.

Homework

Finish lab notebook entry (sketch + CER paragraph) if not done in class.

Resources & materials to teach from (3)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

  • Sharpened pencil & eraser
  • Day's notebook (one section per subject)

Science

  • Lab notebook

Part of the K–6 Homeschool Curriculum series · Grade 6 · Eastern Hemisphere & Ancient Civilizations