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Quarter 3: Empires & Encounter Across Continents

Week 23

Han China — Empire in the East

Confucian governance and a contemporary of Rome.

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.56.RP.A.3RI.6.2RI.6.6MS-LS3-1C3 D2.His.2.6-8
Teacher pacing notes(pacing · pitfalls · differentiation · assessment timing)

Pacing

Pivot to East Asia mid-year refresh students' map skills. Han China parallels with Rome are the anchor.

Assessment timing

Friday: Han China quiz + Confucianism vocabulary check.

Common pitfalls

  • Treating Han and Rome as unaware of each other (they had indirect contact).
  • Confucianism as religion vs. ethical/political system.

Support

Han-Rome side-by-side comparison chart.

Extension

Argue which empire was more 'modern' in governance.

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

MondayFrom Qin to Han

Social Studies

40 min

Qin Shi Huang's brief unification; Han Gaozu founds a long dynasty.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can qin Shi Huang's brief unification.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Qin Shi Huang's brief unification.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): Han Gaozu founds a long dynasty..
  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 "Qin Shi Huang's brief unification".

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

Summarize numerical data sets in relation to context (6.SP.B.5).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can summarize numerical data sets in relation to context (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 "Summarize numerical data sets in relation to context" 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 summarize numerical data sets in relation to context." 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

Read on the Qin & Han transition; central idea (RI.6.2).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read on the Qin & Han transition.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Read on the Qin & Han transition.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): central idea (RI.6.2)..
  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 Qin & Han transition".

Homework

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

RI.6.2

Resources & materials to teach from (2)

Science

45 min

Genes and traits — DNA as the code (MS-LS3-1).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can genes and traits — DNA as the code.

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 "Genes and traits — DNA as the code (MS-LS3-1)" 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 "Genes and traits — DNA as the code (MS-LS3-1)" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

MS-LS3-1

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

TuesdayConfucianism in Government

Social Studies

40 min

The civil service exam idea; rule by educated officials.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can the civil service exam idea.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): The civil service exam idea.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): rule by educated officials..
  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 civil service exam idea".

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

Mean absolute deviation (MAD) intro.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mean absolute deviation (MAD) 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 "Mean absolute deviation (MAD) 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 mean absolute deviation (MAD) 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 (4)

ELA

45 min

Compare Han & Roman government structures (RI.6.6).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can compare Han & Roman government structures.

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 Han & Roman government structures (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 Han & Roman government structures (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

Model DNA → protein with bead/string activity.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can model DNA.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Model DNA.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): protein with bead/string activity..
  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 "Model DNA" 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

Science

  • Sketching pencils & ruler

WednesdayHan Inventions

Social Studies

40 min

Paper, the seismograph, the wheelbarrow, advanced metallurgy.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can explain paper, the seismograph, the wheelbarrow, advanced metallurgy.

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 "Paper, the seismograph, the wheelbarrow, advanced metallurgy" 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 "Paper, the seismograph, the wheelbarrow, advanced metallurgy".

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 two data sets using MAD or IQR.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can compare two data sets using MAD or IQR.

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 two data sets using MAD or IQR" 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 two data sets using MAD or IQR." 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: Confucianism, mandate, dynasty, bureaucracy.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can read and write about vocabulary: Confucianism, mandate, dynasty, bureaucracy.

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: Confucianism, mandate, dynasty, bureaucracy" — 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

Confucianism · mandate · dynasty · bureaucracy

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: Confucianism, mandate, dynasty, bureaucracy".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (4)

Science

45 min

Mutation as a change in genetic code; sickle-cell case study.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mutation as a change in genetic code.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Mutation as a change in genetic code.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): sickle-cell case study..
  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 "Mutation as a change in genetic code" on a sticky note.

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (5)
Materials & worksheet checklist

Bring every day

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

Social Studies

  • Timeline strip

ELA

  • Vocabulary notebook

Science

  • Microscope & prepared slides

ThursdayHan Society & Trade

Social Studies

40 min

Farmers, merchants, scholar-officials; preview of the Silk Road.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can explain farmers, merchants, scholar-officials.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Farmers, merchants, scholar-officials.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): preview of the Silk Road..
  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 "Farmers, merchants, scholar-officials".

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

Percent in trade: gold, silk, spices.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can percent in trade: gold, silk, spices.

Lesson flow

  1. Number talk (5 min): mental-math warm-up tied to today's concept.
  2. Mini-lesson (12 min): worked example of "Percent in trade: gold, silk, spices" 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

gold · silk · spices

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 percent in trade: gold, silk, spices." 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 compare-and-contrast paragraph: Han vs. Rome (W.6.2).

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can plan compare-and-contrast paragraph: Han vs.

Lesson flow

  1. Warm-up (5 min): one-question opener tied to yesterday's lesson.
  2. Together (10 min): Plan compare-and-contrast paragraph: Han vs.
  3. Independent practice (12 min): Rome ..
  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 "Plan compare-and-contrast paragraph: Han vs".

Homework

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

W.6.2

Resources & materials to teach from (2)

Science

45 min

Investigation: 'mutation telephone' — copy errors in writing.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate investigation: 'mutation telephone' — copy errors in writing.

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: 'mutation telephone' — copy errors in writing" 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: 'mutation telephone' — copy errors in writing" 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)

Math

  • Calculator (optional)

Science

  • Lab notebook

FridayHan Legacy

Social Studies

40 min

Why 'Han' became the name of China's majority ethnicity.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can why 'Han' became the name of China's majority ethnicity.

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 "Why 'Han' became the name of China's majority ethnicity" 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 "Why 'Han' became the name of China's majority ethnicity".

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 summary and ratio.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can mixed practice: data summary and ratio.

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 summary and ratio" 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 summary and ratio." 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

Draft & publish the comparison paragraph.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can draft & publish the comparison paragraph.

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 & publish the comparison paragraph" — 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 & publish the comparison paragraph".

Homework

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

Resources & materials to teach from (2)

Science

45 min

Mini-quiz on genes and traits; portfolio entry.

Show full lesson detail

Learning target

I can investigate mini-quiz on genes and traits.

Lesson flow

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