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Quarter 3: Empires & Encounter Across Continents

Week 20

End of the Republic — Caesar, Crisis & Civil War

The fall of the Republic and the rise of one-man rule.

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.SP.A.16.SP.A.2RI.6.3W.6.1MS-LS2-2C3 D2.Civ.5.6-8
Teacher pacing notes(pacing · pitfalls · differentiation · assessment timing)

Pacing

Caesar's assassination DBQ Thu — give Mon–Wed to build context. Use Shakespeare excerpt Fri.

Assessment timing

Friday: Caesar DBQ short response.

Common pitfalls

  • Caesar as hero OR villain — push students to hold both.
  • Confusing the Republic's end with the Empire's beginning (they overlap).

Support

Timeline with key Julius Caesar dates pre-filled.

Extension

Compare Caesar's tactics to a modern political leader (no party labels).

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

World Languages

3× / week

Latin roots elective

Continue weekly Latin roots focus; vocabulary quiz on Fridays.

Physical Education

Daily 30 min

Legion fitness circuits

Strength + endurance circuits scaffolded across the quarter.

Studio Art

2× / week

Medieval & Islamic studio

Manuscript work, geometric tiling, or fresco continuation.

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

MondayThe Gracchi Brothers

Social Studies

40 min

Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus; land reform and political violence.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can tiberius and Gaius Gracchus.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): land reform and political violence..
  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 "Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus".

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

Statistical questions vs. non-statistical (6.SP.A.1).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can statistical questions vs.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Statistical questions vs" 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 statistical questions vs." 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.SP.A.1

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

ELA

45 min

Read on the Gracchi; how individuals shape events (RI.6.3).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read on the Gracchi.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Read on the Gracchi.
  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 the Gracchi".

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 patterns continued; population modeling.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate predator-prey patterns continued.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Predator-prey patterns continued.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): population modeling..
  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 patterns continued" 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

TuesdayMarius & Sulla

Social Studies

40 min

The first Roman civil war; armies loyal to generals, not Senate.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can the first Roman civil war.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): The first Roman civil war.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): armies loyal to generals, not Senate..
  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 first Roman civil war".

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

Describe distributions: center, spread, shape (6.SP.A.2).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can describe distributions: center, spread, shape.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Describe distributions: center, spread, shape (6" 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

center · spread · shape

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 describe distributions: center, spread, shape (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.

6.SP.A.2

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

ELA

45 min

Vocabulary: dictator, civil war, proscription, triumvirate.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read and write about vocabulary: dictator, civil war, proscription, triumvirate.

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: dictator, civil war, proscription, triumvirate" — 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

dictator · civil war · proscription · triumvirate

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: dictator, civil war, proscription, triumvirate".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Investigation: simulate predator/prey with paper-clip 'predators.'

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate investigation: simulate predator/prey with paper-clip 'predators.

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: simulate predator/prey with paper-clip 'predators" 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: simulate predator/prey with paper-clip 'predators" 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

WednesdayCaesar Crosses the Rubicon

Social Studies

40 min

First Triumvirate; Caesar in Gaul; 'the die is cast.'

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can first Triumvirate.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): First Triumvirate.
  3. Together (12 min): Caesar in Gaul.
  4. Independent practice (14 min): 'the die is cast.'.
  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 "First Triumvirate".

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

Find mean, median, mode of small data sets.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can find mean, median, mode of small data sets.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Find mean, median, mode of small data sets" 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 find mean, median, mode of small data sets." 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

Read Caesar's account of his Gallic campaign (RI.6.6).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read Caesar's account of his Gallic campaign.

Lesson flow

  1. Bell-ringer (5 min): a sentence-level grammar warm-up or quick-write prompt.
  2. Read-aloud / shared reading (12 min): "Read Caesar's account of his Gallic campaign (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 "Read Caesar's account of his Gallic campaign (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

Predator-prey simulation data; graph populations.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate predator-prey simulation data.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Predator-prey simulation data.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): graph populations..
  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 simulation data" 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)

Science

  • Graph paper for data

ThursdayCaesar Reforms Rome

Social Studies

40 min

Calendar reform, Senate expansion, citizenship grants; growing tensions.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can calendar reform, Senate expansion, citizenship grants.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Calendar reform, Senate expansion, citizenship grants.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): growing tensions..
  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 "Calendar reform, Senate expansion, citizenship grants".

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

Range and interquartile range (IQR) intro.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can range and interquartile range (IQR) intro.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Range and interquartile range (IQR) intro" 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 range and interquartile range (IQR) intro." 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

Plan argument: 'Was Caesar a tyrant or a reformer?' (W.6.1).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can plan argument: 'Was Caesar a tyrant or a reformer?'.

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 argument: 'Was Caesar a tyrant or a reformer?' (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 argument: 'Was Caesar a tyrant or a reformer?' (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

Cooperative behaviors in animal groups.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can cooperative behaviors in animal groups.

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 "Cooperative behaviors in animal groups" 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 "Cooperative behaviors in animal groups" 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)

FridayThe Ides of March

Social Studies

40 min

Brutus, Cassius, the assassination, and the second civil war.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can explain brutus, Cassius, the assassination, and the second civil war.

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 "Brutus, Cassius, the assassination, and the second civil war" 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 "Brutus, Cassius, the assassination, and the second civil war".

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: measures of center & spread.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mixed practice: measures of center & spread.

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: measures of center & spread" 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: measures of center & spread." 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

Draft & revise argument essay.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can draft & revise argument 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 & revise argument 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 & revise argument essay".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Mini-quiz on interactions; portfolio entry.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate mini-quiz on interactions.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Mini-quiz on interactions.
  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 "Mini-quiz on interactions" 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)

ELA

  • Lined paper

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