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Quarter 2: Foundations of Western Thought & the Mediterranean

Week 10

The Aegean World — Minoans & Mycenaeans

Bronze-age Crete and mainland Greece; the Trojan War context.

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.RP.A.36.NS.C.5RL.6.1RI.6.7MS-LS1-4C3 D2.Geo.2.6-8
Teacher pacing notes(pacing · pitfalls · differentiation · assessment timing)

Pacing

Open Q2 with high engagement — Trojan War / Bronze Age collapse storytelling Monday. Math: launch percents.

Assessment timing

Friday: short quiz on Aegean civilizations + percents intro check.

Common pitfalls

  • Students conflate myth (Iliad) with documented history.
  • Percent as a fraction vs. as a comparison — clarify both meanings.

Support

Provide a graphic novel excerpt of the Trojan War.

Extension

Research the historical Schliemann excavation and evaluate his methods.

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

Studio Art

2× / week

Black-figure vase painting

Paint terracotta planters in black-figure silhouette style depicting an Olympian story.

Physical Education

Daily 30 min

Mini-Olympics unit kickoff

Begin 4-week unit: discus (frisbee), stadion sprint, long jump, javelin (foam).

Music

1× / week

Modal scales lab

Sing Dorian/Phrygian/Lydian modes; tie to math's intro of variables (mode as 'pattern variable').

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

MondayCrete & the Sea

Social Studies

40 min

Map the Aegean; locate Crete, the Cyclades, and the Greek mainland.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can map the Aegean.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Map the Aegean.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): locate Crete, the Cyclades, and the Greek mainland..
  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 "Map the Aegean".

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

35 min

Ratio review → introduce negative numbers on a number line (6.NS.C.5).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can ratio review.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Ratio review.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): introduce negative numbers on a number line ..
  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 ratio review." 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.C.5

Resources & materials to teach from (5)

ELA

45 min

Launch unit on Greek myth; preview The Trojan War retelling.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can launch unit on Greek myth.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Launch unit on Greek myth.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): preview The Trojan War retelling..
  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 "Launch unit on Greek myth".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Reproduction in plants & animals — asexual vs. sexual (MS-LS1-4).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can reproduction in plants & animals — asexual 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 "Reproduction in plants & animals — asexual 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 "Reproduction in plants & animals — asexual vs" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

MS-LS1-4

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

TuesdayMinoan Civilization

Social Studies

40 min

Knossos, frescoes, the labyrinth myth; trade across the Mediterranean.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can explain knossos, frescoes, the labyrinth myth.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Knossos, frescoes, the labyrinth myth.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): trade across the Mediterranean..
  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 "Knossos, frescoes, the labyrinth myth".

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

Locate integers on a horizontal & vertical number line.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can locate integers on a horizontal & vertical number line.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Locate integers on a horizontal & vertical number line" 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 locate integers on a horizontal & vertical number line." 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

Read the Minotaur myth; identify central conflict (RL.6.1).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read the Minotaur myth.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Read the Minotaur myth.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): identify central conflict (RL.6.1)..
  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 the Minotaur myth".

Homework

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

RL.6.1

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Pollination investigation: model insect transfer with cotton swabs.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can pollination investigation: model insect transfer with cotton swabs.

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 "Pollination investigation: model insect transfer with cotton swabs" 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 "Pollination investigation: model insect transfer with cotton swabs" 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
  • Sketching pencils & ruler

WednesdayMycenaean Greece

Social Studies

40 min

Mycenae, Tiryns, shaft graves; warrior culture of the mainland.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can explain mycenae, Tiryns, shaft graves.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Mycenae, Tiryns, shaft graves.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): warrior culture of the mainland..
  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 "Mycenae, Tiryns, shaft graves".

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

Compare and order integers; use absolute value as distance.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can compare and order integers.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Compare and order integers.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): use absolute value as distance..
  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 compare and order integers." 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

Compare myth to archaeological evidence (RI.6.7).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can compare myth to archaeological evidence.

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 myth to archaeological evidence (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 myth to archaeological evidence (RI".

Homework

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

RI.6.7

Resources & materials to teach from (6)

Science

45 min

Animal courtship behaviors as adaptations for reproduction.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can animal courtship behaviors as adaptations for reproduction.

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 "Animal courtship behaviors as adaptations for reproduction" 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 "Animal courtship behaviors as adaptations for reproduction" 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

  • Timeline strip

ThursdayThe Trojan War

Social Studies

40 min

Schliemann at Troy; separating myth from history.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can schliemann at Troy.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Schliemann at Troy.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): separating myth from history..
  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 "Schliemann at Troy".

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

Opposites and absolute value word problems (elevation, temperature).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can opposites and absolute value word problems (elevation, temperature).

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Opposites and absolute value word problems (elevation, temperature)" 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 opposites and absolute value word problems (elevation, temperature)." 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 Iliad excerpts; analyze characterization of Achilles.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can begin Iliad excerpts.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Begin Iliad excerpts.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): analyze characterization of Achilles..
  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 Iliad excerpts".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Plant life cycle lab: bean seed germination setup.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can plant life cycle lab: bean seed germination setup.

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 "Plant life cycle lab: bean seed germination setup" 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 "Plant life cycle lab: bean seed germination setup" 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

  • Anchor text or passage handout

Science

  • Lab notebook

FridayCollapse of the Bronze Age

Social Studies

40 min

Sea Peoples and the systems collapse c. 1200 BCE.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can sea Peoples and the systems collapse c.

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 "Sea Peoples and the systems collapse c" 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 "Sea Peoples and the systems collapse c".

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

Mixed practice: integers, ratios, fraction division.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mixed practice: integers, ratios, fraction division.

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: integers, ratios, fraction division" 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

integers · ratios · fraction division

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: integers, ratios, fraction division." 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

Short response: 'What does the Iliad teach about heroism?'

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can short response: 'What does the Iliad teach about heroism?'.

Lesson flow

  1. Bell-ringer (5 min): a sentence-level grammar warm-up or quick-write prompt.
  2. Read-aloud / shared reading (12 min): "Short response: 'What does the Iliad teach about heroism?'" — 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 "Short response: 'What does the Iliad teach about heroism?'".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Lab notebook check; predict bean-seed growth pattern.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can lab notebook check.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Lab notebook check.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): predict bean-seed growth pattern..
  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 notebook check" 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

  • Timeline strip

Science

  • Lab notebook

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