6th Grade Jump Start - Social Studies: Week 3

Social Studies

Week 3 - Day 1

(Mesopotamia) Essential Question: 

What environmental factors helped civilizations grow?

• Read Culture and Society in Ancient Mesopotamia and think about why Mesopotamia is known as the “cradle of civilization”. (Log in to Newsela with your school Google account.)
• Watch the National Geographic- Ancient Mesopotamia 101 video and decide which contribution of Mesopotamia is your favorite.

Social Studies

Week 3 - Day 2

(Egypt) Essential Question: 

How does geography influence the way people live? 

• Read this article about How the Nile River led to Civilization in Egypt- Newsela. (Log in to Newsela with your school Google account.)
• Watch this National Geographic- Ancient Egypt 101 video and think about what made Egypt so powerful.

Social Studies

Week 3 - Day 3

(Israelites) Essential Question: 

How does religion influence society and government?

• Read the article NEWSELA- Hebrews to review the history of the Hebrews. (Log in to Newsela with your school Google account.)
• IXL- Origins of Judaism

Social Studies

Week 3 - Day 4

(India) Essential Question: 

How does geography influence the way people live?

• Watch the National Geographic- Mohenjo Daro 101 video about the earliest settlements in the Indus River Valley and think about how they compare to the cities in Mesopotamia and Egypt.
• Check out Rivers of India- Google Earth to see images and details about the rivers in India.
• IXL- The Indus Civilization

Social Studies

Week 3 - Day 5

(India) Essential Question: 

How do new religions develop?

• Learn about The Philosophy of the Buddha- TED Ed Video. Think about how these teachings would appeal to people.
• IXL- Origins of Hinduism
• IXL- Origins of Buddhism