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Quarter 2: Foundations of Western Thought & the Mediterranean

Week 17

Alexander the Great & the Hellenistic World

From Macedonia to the Indus; cultural blending across three continents.

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.G.A.16.G.A.4RI.6.3W.6.2MS-LS2-1C3 D2.Geo.5.6-8
Teacher pacing notes(pacing · pitfalls · differentiation · assessment timing)

Pacing

Alexander's empire is huge — use a single growing map across the week. Add territory each day.

Assessment timing

Friday: Alexander route quiz + Hellenistic vocabulary check.

Common pitfalls

  • Treating Hellenistic blending as one-way (Greek over local) instead of mutual.
  • Confusing Macedonia (ancient) with modern North Macedonia.

Support

Pre-drawn growing-empire map sequence (4 stages).

Extension

Research one Hellenistic city (Alexandria, Antioch) and present.

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

Physical Education

Daily 30 min

Mini-Olympics training

Continue Greek-themed track & field skill blocks.

Studio Art

2× / week

Mediterranean studio work

Pottery, vase painting, or sculpture tied to the week's Greek/Roman content.

Music

1× / week

Modal/early-music study

Continue work on modes; begin sight-singing simple melodies.

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

MondayPhilip II & the Macedonian Phalanx

Social Studies

40 min

How Macedonia rose; the long sarissa and the new phalanx.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can how Macedonia rose.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): How Macedonia rose.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): the long sarissa and the new phalanx..
  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 "How Macedonia rose".

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

Surface area using nets — rectangular prisms (6.G.A.4).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can surface area using nets — rectangular prisms (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 "Surface area using nets — rectangular prisms" 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 surface area using nets — rectangular prisms." 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.G.A.4

Resources & materials to teach from (5)

ELA

45 min

Read on Philip & Alexander; how individuals shape events (RI.6.3).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read on Philip & Alexander.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Read on Philip & Alexander.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): how individuals shape events (RI.6.3)..
  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 on Philip & Alexander".

Homework

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

RI.6.3

Resources & materials to teach from (2)

Science

45 min

Predator-prey relationships; model with hare/lynx data.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate predator-prey relationships.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Predator-prey relationships.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): model with hare/lynx data..
  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 "Predator-prey relationships" 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

Math

  • Ruler

Science

  • Graph paper for data
  • Sketching pencils & ruler

TuesdayAlexander's Conquests

Social Studies

40 min

From Granicus to the Hydaspes; map Alexander's empire.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can from Granicus to the Hydaspes.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): From Granicus to the Hydaspes.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): map Alexander's empire..
  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 "From Granicus to the Hydaspes".

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

Surface area of triangular prisms via nets.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can surface area of triangular prisms via nets.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Surface area of triangular prisms via nets" 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 surface area of triangular prisms via nets." 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: empire, conquest, syncretism, Hellenistic.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read and write about vocabulary: empire, conquest, syncretism, Hellenistic.

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: empire, conquest, syncretism, Hellenistic" — 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

empire · conquest · syncretism · Hellenistic

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: empire, conquest, syncretism, Hellenistic".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Investigation: graph predator-prey cycles; identify oscillation.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate investigation: graph predator-prey cycles.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Investigation: graph predator-prey cycles.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): identify oscillation..
  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: graph predator-prey cycles" 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

  • Outline map & colored pencils

Math

  • Ruler

ELA

  • Vocabulary notebook

Science

  • Lab notebook
  • Graph paper for data

WednesdayAlexandria & Hellenistic Cities

Social Studies

40 min

The Library, the Pharos, Greek language as a lingua franca.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can the Library, the Pharos, Greek language as a lingua franca.

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 "The Library, the Pharos, Greek language as a lingua franca" 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 "The Library, the Pharos, Greek language as a lingua franca".

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

Surface area of pyramids; net practice.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can surface area of pyramids.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Surface area of pyramids.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): net practice..
  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 surface area of pyramids." 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

Plan informative essay: 'Why was Alexandria important?' (W.6.2).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can plan informative essay: 'Why was Alexandria important?'.

Lesson flow

  1. Bell-ringer (5 min): a sentence-level grammar warm-up or quick-write prompt.
  2. Read-aloud / shared reading (12 min): "Plan informative essay: 'Why was Alexandria important?' (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 "Plan informative essay: 'Why was Alexandria important?' (W".

Homework

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

W.6.2

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Symbiosis types: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can symbiosis types: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism.

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 "Symbiosis types: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism" 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.

Vocabulary

mutualism · commensalism · parasitism

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 "Symbiosis types: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism" 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)

Math

  • Ruler

ThursdayCultural Blending

Social Studies

40 min

Greco-Buddhist art at Gandhara; mathematics from East to West.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can explain greco-Buddhist art at Gandhara.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Greco-Buddhist art at Gandhara.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): mathematics from East to West..
  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 "Greco-Buddhist art at Gandhara".

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 surface-area problems with composite shapes.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mixed surface-area problems with composite shapes.

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 surface-area problems with composite shapes" 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 surface-area problems with composite shapes." 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

Draft body paragraphs of the informative essay.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can draft body paragraphs of the informative essay.

Lesson flow

  1. Bell-ringer (5 min): a sentence-level grammar warm-up or quick-write prompt.
  2. Read-aloud / shared reading (12 min): "Draft body paragraphs of the informative essay" — 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 "Draft body paragraphs of the informative essay".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Build a food web from a Mediterranean ecosystem.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can build a food web from a Mediterranean ecosystem.

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 "Build a food web from a Mediterranean ecosystem" 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 "Build a food web from a Mediterranean ecosystem" 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

ELA

  • Lined paper

Science

  • Sketching pencils & ruler

FridayAlexander's Legacy

Social Studies

40 min

Why Alexander matters; what he did and didn't accomplish.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can why Alexander matters.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Why Alexander matters.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): what he did and didn't accomplish..
  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 "Why Alexander matters".

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: area & surface area.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mixed practice: area & surface area.

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: area & surface area" 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: area & surface area." 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

Revise informative essay; conventions check.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can revise informative essay.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Revise informative essay.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): conventions check..
  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 "Revise informative essay".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (6)

Science

45 min

Ecosystem mini-quiz; portfolio entry.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can ecosystem mini-quiz.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Ecosystem mini-quiz.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): portfolio entry..
  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 "Ecosystem mini-quiz" 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

ELA

  • Lined paper

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