Elementary Lesson Plan: World History: What is a

Civilization? (2)

Topic: What is a Civilization? Grade Level: 6

Objective: Students will be able to define “civilization.”

Standards: National Council for Social Studies

I. Culture: Explore and describe similarities and differences in the

ways groups, societies, and cultures address human needs and
concerns.

III. People, Place, and Environments: Describe how people create

places that reflect ideas, personality and culture.

Instructional Activities

Introduction: To access prior knowledge, teacher will ask students

what they know about Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and the Incas,
recording responses on the board. The teacher will ask, “What do
these 3 have in common?” and write a few responses on the board.
The teacher will tell students that these are all civilizations, and today
they are going to figure out what a civilization is.

Sequence: Teacher will tell students that they will be working in

cooperative learning groups to write a definition of civilization. They
may use their textbook, books from the classroom library, and/or the
Internet to assist them. Each group must write a definition and give
examples of how one civilization of their choosing exemplifies the
definition. Definitions must be stated in the group’s own words, not
copied.

The teacher divides students in pre-determined, heterogeneous

groups. The teacher assists groups as they work.

When groups are finished, each group writes its definition on the
board. The teacher leads a discussion of the accuracy and
completeness of each definition, using questioning. The definitions
are combined into one acceptable definition

Closure: The teacher will re-read the class-created definition and tell
students that they will use this definition to guide their upcoming
units on ancient civilizations.
Assignment

Student will write a 3-paragraph essay on “What is a Civilization?”

Paragraph 1 should restate the definition in the student’s own words.
Paragraph 2 should describe an example. Paragraph 3 should state
three things the student would like to learn about ancient civilizations
and any questions s/he has.

Assessment

The group definitions and the individual essays.

Differentiation: Students will be placed in heterogeneous groups

that are balanced for reading levels, gender, ELL, special needs, and
social skills.