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Quarter 3: Empires & Encounter Across Continents

Week 21

The Roman Empire & the Pax Romana

Augustus and the long Roman peace.

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.B.46.SP.B.5RI.6.7W.6.2MS-LS2-3C3 D2.Civ.6.6-8
Teacher pacing notes(pacing · pitfalls · differentiation · assessment timing)

Pacing

Augustus reform deep-dive Mon–Wed. Pax Romana effects (trade, roads, peace) Thu–Fri.

Assessment timing

Friday: Augustus + Pax Romana quiz.

Common pitfalls

  • Pax Romana = no conflict (false — it was relative stability).
  • Augustus as 'first emperor' — he never used that title officially.

Support

Cause/effect chain organizer for Pax Romana benefits.

Extension

Argue whether the cost of empire (conquered peoples) outweighs Pax Romana benefits.

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

MondayAugustus — The First Princeps

Social Studies

40 min

Octavian becomes Augustus; the imperial system masks the Republic's death.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can octavian becomes Augustus.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Octavian becomes Augustus.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): the imperial system masks the Republic's death..
  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 "Octavian becomes Augustus".

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

Display data with dot plots (6.SP.B.4).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can display data with dot plots.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Display data with dot plots (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.

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 display data with dot plots (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.B.4

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

ELA

45 min

Read Augustus' Res Gestae excerpts; integrate visual sources (RI.6.7).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read Augustus' Res Gestae excerpts.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Read Augustus' Res Gestae excerpts.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): integrate visual sources ..
  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 Augustus' Res Gestae excerpts".

Homework

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

RI.6.7

Resources & materials to teach from (2)

Science

45 min

Energy transfer in ecosystems — food chain pyramids (MS-LS2-3).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can energy transfer in ecosystems — food chain pyramids (MS-LS2-3).

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 "Energy transfer in ecosystems — food chain pyramids" 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 "Energy transfer in ecosystems — food chain pyramids" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

MS-LS2-3

Resources & materials to teach from (6)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

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

Math

  • Graph paper

ELA

  • Anchor text or passage handout

TuesdayPax Romana

Social Studies

40 min

200 years of relative peace; trade, roads, citizenship expanded.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can explain 200 years of relative peace.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): 200 years of relative peace.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): trade, roads, citizenship expanded..
  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 "200 years of relative peace".

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

Histograms: bin design and shape.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can solve histograms: bin design and 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 "Histograms: bin design and shape" 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 histograms: bin design and shape." 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

Vocabulary: emperor, principate, pax, propaganda.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read and write about vocabulary: emperor, principate, pax, propaganda.

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: emperor, principate, pax, propaganda" — 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

emperor · principate · pax · propaganda

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: emperor, principate, pax, propaganda".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Calculate energy loss between trophic levels (10% rule).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can calculate energy loss between trophic levels (10% rule).

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 "Calculate energy loss between trophic levels (10% rule)" 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 "Calculate energy loss between trophic levels (10% rule)" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (6)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

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

Social Studies

  • Timeline strip

Math

  • Graph paper

ELA

  • Vocabulary notebook

WednesdayRoman Government & Law

Social Studies

40 min

Roman law roots: 12 Tables → Justinian Code preview.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can roman law roots: 12 Tables.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Roman law roots: 12 Tables.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): Justinian Code preview..
  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 "Roman law roots: 12 Tables".

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

Box plots — five-number summary (6.SP.B.4).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can box plots — five-number summary.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Box plots — five-number summary (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.

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 box plots — five-number summary (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.B.4

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

ELA

45 min

Plan informative essay: 'How did Augustus change Rome?' (W.6.2).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can plan informative essay: 'How did Augustus change Rome?'.

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: 'How did Augustus change Rome?' (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: 'How did Augustus change Rome?' (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

Build an energy pyramid for a savanna ecosystem.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can build an energy pyramid for a savanna 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 an energy pyramid for a savanna 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 an energy pyramid for a savanna ecosystem" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (6)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

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

Social Studies

  • Primary-source handout

Math

  • Graph paper

Science

  • Sketching pencils & ruler

ThursdayRoman Religion & the Imperial Cult

Social Studies

40 min

From Jupiter to deified emperors; tolerance of local gods.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can from Jupiter to deified emperors.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): From Jupiter to deified emperors.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): tolerance of local gods..
  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 Jupiter to deified emperors".

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

Compare distributions using box plots and dot plots (6.SP.B.5).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can compare distributions using box plots and dot plots.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Compare distributions using box plots and dot plots (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.

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 distributions using box plots and dot plots (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.B.5

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

ELA

45 min

Draft body paragraphs of informative essay.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can draft body paragraphs of 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 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 informative essay".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Compare aquatic and terrestrial energy pyramids.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can compare aquatic and terrestrial energy pyramids.

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 aquatic and terrestrial energy pyramids" 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 aquatic and terrestrial energy pyramids" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (6)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

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

Social Studies

  • Timeline strip

Math

  • Graph paper

ELA

  • Lined paper

FridayEmpire at Its Height

Social Studies

40 min

Map the Roman Empire under Trajan; greatest extent.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can map the Roman Empire under Trajan.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Map the Roman Empire under Trajan.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): greatest extent..
  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 Roman Empire under Trajan".

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: data displays.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mixed practice: data displays.

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: data displays" 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: data displays." 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

Publish informative essay; portfolio entry.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can publish informative essay.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Publish informative essay.
  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 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 "Publish informative essay".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Lab notebook reflection on energy flow.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can lab notebook reflection on energy flow.

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 "Lab notebook reflection on energy flow" 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 "Lab notebook reflection on energy flow" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (6)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

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

Social Studies

  • Outline map & colored pencils

ELA

  • Lined paper

Science

  • Lab notebook

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