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Quarter 1: Earliest Civilizations & the Rise of Cities

Week 7

The Indus Valley Civilization

Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro: the planned cities of South Asia.

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.EE.A.26.RP.A.3RI.6.2RI.6.6MS-LS1-3C3 D2.His.2.6-8
Teacher pacing notes(pacing · pitfalls · differentiation · assessment timing)

Pacing

Indus Valley is short on primary sources — lean into the inference skill. Use map work to fill Wed.

Assessment timing

Thursday: inference quiz. Friday: free read / catch-up.

Common pitfalls

  • Students assume undeciphered script = primitive civilization.
  • Confusing Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro as the same site.

Support

Sentence frames for inference ('Because we see ___, we can infer ___').

Extension

Design a planned city using Indus principles for a modern population.

Specials this week(Indus Valley & Shang China · art · music · PE · language · life skills)

Studio Art

2× / week

Oracle bone pictographs

Carve simplified oracle-bone characters into soap bars; reflect on writing as divination.

Music

1× / week

Guqin & pipa listening journal

Note pentatonic patterns and compare to Western diatonic scales from grade 5.

World Languages

3× / week

Mandarin number roots

Latin/Spanish/French class pauses for a one-day comparison of number words across families.

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

MondayGeography of the Indus

Social Studies

40 min

Map the Indus and Saraswati rivers; the Hindu Kush; monsoon climate.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can map the Indus and Saraswati rivers.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Map the Indus and Saraswati rivers.
  3. Together (12 min): the Hindu Kush.
  4. Independent practice (14 min): monsoon climate..
  5. 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 "Map the Indus and Saraswati rivers".

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

Equivalent expressions: 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6; the distributive property.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can equivalent expressions: 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Equivalent expressions: 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): the distributive property..
  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 equivalent expressions: 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6." 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

Begin informational text on the Indus Valley; central idea (RI.6.2).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can begin informational text on the Indus Valley.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Begin informational text on the Indus Valley.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): 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 "Begin informational text on the Indus Valley".

Homework

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

RI.6.2

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Excretory system intro; kidneys and homeostasis.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can excretory system intro.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Excretory system intro.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): kidneys and homeostasis..
  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 "Excretory system intro" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (2)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

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

Social Studies

  • Outline map & colored pencils

TuesdayHarappa & Mohenjo-Daro

Social Studies

40 min

Grid streets, brick uniformity, the Great Bath; what these say about society.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can grid streets, brick uniformity, the Great Bath.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Grid streets, brick uniformity, the Great Bath.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): what these say about society..
  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 "Grid streets, brick uniformity, the Great Bath".

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

Use ratio reasoning to scale a city plan up or down.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can use ratio reasoning to scale a city plan up or 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 "Use ratio reasoning to scale a city plan up or 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 use ratio reasoning to scale a city plan up or 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 (5)

ELA

45 min

Vocabulary: archaeology, artifact, urban planning.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read and write about vocabulary: archaeology, artifact, urban planning.

Lesson flow

  1. Bell-ringer (5 min): a sentence-level grammar warm-up or quick-write prompt.
  2. Read-aloud / shared reading (12 min): "Vocabulary: archaeology, artifact, urban planning" — 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.

Vocabulary

archaeology · artifact · urban planning

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 "Vocabulary: archaeology, artifact, urban planning".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Investigation: filter 'kidney' challenge with sand and gravel.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate investigation: filter 'kidney' challenge with sand and gravel.

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 "Investigation: filter 'kidney' challenge with sand and gravel" 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 "Investigation: filter 'kidney' challenge with sand and gravel" 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)

ELA

  • Vocabulary notebook

Science

  • Lab notebook

WednesdayIndus Writing & Trade

Social Studies

40 min

The undeciphered Indus script; trade with Mesopotamia (Meluhha).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can the undeciphered Indus script.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): The undeciphered Indus script.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): trade with Mesopotamia (Meluhha)..
  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 "The undeciphered Indus script".

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

Identify equivalent expressions; combine like terms.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can identify equivalent expressions.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Identify equivalent expressions.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): combine like terms..
  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 identify equivalent expressions." 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

Compare an archaeologist's account with a textbook account (RI.6.6).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can compare an archaeologist's account with a textbook account.

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 an archaeologist's account with a textbook account (RI" — 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 an archaeologist's account with a textbook account (RI".

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

Skin: largest organ; layers and functions.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate skin: largest organ.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Skin: largest organ.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): layers and functions..
  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 "Skin: largest organ" 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)

ThursdaySociety Without a Palace

Social Studies

40 min

No clear kings or temples — what kind of society was this?

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can no clear kings or temples — what kind of society was this?.

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 "No clear kings or temples — what kind of society was this?" 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 "No clear kings or temples — what kind of society was this?".

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

Word-problem expressions: model a real-world situation algebraically.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can solve word-problem expressions: model a real-world situation algebraically.

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-problem expressions: model a real-world situation algebraically" 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-problem expressions: model a real-world situation algebraically." 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

Argument paragraph: 'What evidence reveals about Indus society' (W.6.1).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can argument paragraph: 'What evidence reveals about Indus society'.

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 paragraph: 'What evidence reveals about Indus society' (W" — 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 paragraph: 'What evidence reveals about Indus society' (W".

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

Compare body systems in vertebrates vs. invertebrates.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can compare body systems in vertebrates vs.

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 "Compare body systems in vertebrates vs" 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 "Compare body systems in vertebrates vs" 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)

ELA

  • Lined paper

FridayThe Mystery of the Decline

Social Studies

40 min

Climate change, river shifts, and the disappearance of Harappan cities.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can climate change, river shifts, and the disappearance of Harappan cities.

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 "Climate change, river shifts, and the disappearance of Harappan cities" 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 "Climate change, river shifts, and the disappearance of Harappan cities".

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

Mixed practice: variables, equivalent expressions, ratios.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mixed practice: variables, equivalent expressions, ratios.

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: variables, equivalent expressions, ratios" 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.

Vocabulary

variables · equivalent expressions · ratios

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: variables, equivalent expressions, ratios." 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

Mini research: 'Why did Indus civilization fade?' — cite two sources (W.6.7).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mini research: 'Why did Indus civilization fade?' — cite two sources.

Lesson flow

  1. Bell-ringer (5 min): a sentence-level grammar warm-up or quick-write prompt.
  2. Read-aloud / shared reading (12 min): "Mini research: 'Why did Indus civilization fade?' — cite two sources (W" — 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 "Mini research: 'Why did Indus civilization fade?' — cite two sources (W".

Homework

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

W.6.7

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Body-systems checkpoint; exit ticket on hierarchy.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate body-systems checkpoint.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Body-systems checkpoint.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): exit ticket on hierarchy..
  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 "Body-systems checkpoint" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (2)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

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

Social Studies

  • Outline map & colored pencils
  • Timeline strip

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