Suggestions on teaching a 6th grade Social Studies class?

-The course is only a month long and I can pretty much cover anything of my choosing but I'm at a loss here. What are some of the more essential/fun topics I should go over? I don't want to cram the history of civilization down these kids throats but rather give them some of the most relevant information.If you can cover anything of your choosing, AND you have some way to access the internet, then you might start by introducing them to HyperHistory online

http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/Hi鈥?/a>

Then, let them individually or in small groups, pick a topic, a specific time period, area of history (science, art, political, etc.), or geographic area and research it. They could create some type of presentation for the rest of the class: a play, report with poster, timeline with illustrations, PowerPoint presentation, etc. That way, the rest of the class learns a bit about each area or topic.

You could start over (If you do small groups, I'd remix the groups so different students work together) each week and pick new topics.



OR

YOU could pick one specific time period or geographical area and assign different topics, people, events, etc. to individual students or small groups.



If you want something more structured, that you can plan out for the month, then I'd suggest doing a class timeline of one or two areas of history (like the history of mathematics or the history of music) and cover them. You will touch on important political stuff along the way. OR,

In a 1-day-a-week, year-long social studies class for homeschoolers (4-6th grade) that my son has enjoyed, the teacher selected a different country for each quarter. Then they did one artistic project related to that country, learned a bit about their history and customs, usually wrote some kind of small report or story, and wrapped up the unit by having students (parents) volunteer to make and bring in foods/dishes from that country, and everyone has a chance to taste them. The teacher also teaches cooking, so she provides the recipes, and occasionally provides a hard-to-find ingredient, or even makes a difficult dish herself. I think the kids learned a lot, and I think they remember quite a bit more when they are having fun. For this class, they did not have access to the internet (unless they did at home).If you are confident in subject and teaching, there should not be any problem. If teacher is dummy, problems will be every where.
Tell them the history of Friday and how it's modern days are used as titles for terrible songs.
How about the rise of democracy in the Greek civilization.
Perhaps the Declaration of Independence , Articles of Confederation , and US Constitution .
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