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Sixth Grade Social Studies Resources
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What is Democracy? Vote Democracy! Lesson 1
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Activity With Supporting Documents
Definitions and conceptions of democracy are many. In this introductory lesson, students attempt to define for themselves what democracy is and what it means. Students are also exposed to how people around the world view democracy and what democracy looks like in other countries. The other activities will further expand this study of democracy.
Skill: Compare and contrast various forms of government.
Georgia Standard: SS6CG1
What is Democracy? Vote Democracy! Lesson 4
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Activity With Supporting Documents
Democracy exists in different forms in many countries around the world. Some countries are in the process of transitioning to or developing democracy; in other countries, democracy is more established. Still others may have a different system, yet still be influenced by democracy because it has been strongly promoted around the world by the United States and other Western countries. In this lesson, students examine what democracy looks like and how it plays out in countries with different political, ideological and cultural histories and backgrounds.
Skill: Compare and contrast various forms of government.
Georgia Standard: SS6CG1
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Video
Economic systems have driven nations to both prosperity and collapse. This video follows these systems, and outlines why each flourished or failed.
Skill: Analyze different economic systems.
Georgia Standards: SS6E1, SS6E4, SS6E7, SS6E10
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Lesson With Supporting Documents
Students will read a short description of labor specialization and its role in the larger economy, then they will read two scenarios and analyze the impact of specialization on the job market for each.
Skills: Give examples of how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in Latin America.
Give examples of how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in Canada.
Analyze the benefits of and barriers to voluntary trade in Europe.
Give examples of how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in Australia.
Georgia Standards: SS6E2, SS6E5, SS6E8, SS6E11
Market Economy | Crash Course Government and Politics
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Video
How does the government plays a role in the economy? Specifically, the way the government creates and maintains our market economic system.
Skill: Analyze different economic systems.
Georgia Standard: SS6E10
The Lowdown | Gross Domestic Product: Unit Rates in the Real World
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Interactive
These KQED interactive maps display the financial divide between four pairs of neighboring nations as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. They also show GDP per capita for all countries in the world. In the accompanying classroom activity, students learn how to calculate GDP per capita and then compare that for pairs of countries using data from the interactive maps. To get the most out of this activity, students should be comfortable with arithmetic with dollars and cents into the ten thousands.
Skill: Describe factors that influence economic growth and examine their presence or absence in Australia.
Georgia Standard: SS6E12
Making Cents: Financial Literacy Videos for Young Learners
Source: PBS Learning Media
With this video series, teach teens and pre-teens how to manage their money and foster an entrepreneurial spirit.
Skill: Understand that a basic principle of effective personal money management is to live within one’s income.
Georgia Standard: SS6E13
Where in the World do Pinnipeds Live?
Source: Georgia Aquarium
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Students will discover that pinnipeds (sea lions and seals) can be found all over the world in addition to the coast of California. Students will identify where pinnipeds are found throughout the world on a map and explore the adaptations pinnipeds use to survive in their habitats.
Skills: Locate selected features of Latin America.
Locate selected features of Europe.
Locate selected features of Australia.
Georgia Standards: SS6G1, SS6G7, SS6G11
The Geography of Canada and Natural Resources in Canada
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Lesson With Supporting Documents
Students will explore a physical map showing natural resources in Canada to analyze the impact of the environment on the distribution of natural resources.
Skill: Explain the impact of location, climate, distribution of natural resources, and population distribution on Canada.
Georgia Standard: SS6G5
Religion: Three Religions, One God
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Lesson With Supporting Documents
Three of the world's major religions -- the monotheist traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam -- were all born in the Middle East and are all inextricably linked to one another. Christianity was born from within the Jewish tradition, and Islam developed from both Christianity and Judaism. Learn more about the religions of the Middle East in this text from the WGBH production, Global Connections: The Middle East.
Skill: Describe selected cultural characteristics of Europe.
Georgia Standard: SS6G10
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Interactive
Dive through Australia's Great Barrier Reef and discover relationships that have evolved between its resident organisms, in this interactive from Evolution. In order to survive and reproduce, each organism must adapt to its physical environment, as well as to the other organisms in that environment it shares relationships with. Some are predators and prey; others compete for space, food, or mates; and still others are dependent or codependent on each other.
Skill: Locate selected features of Australia.
Georgia Standard: SS6G11
Primary Source Set: Latin American Revolutionaries
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Primary Source Set
This collection uses primary sources to explore leaders of Latin American revolutions. Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets are designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and draw diverse material from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Each set includes an overview, ten to fifteen primary sources, links to related resources, and a teaching guide. These sets were created and reviewed by the teachers on the DPLA's Education Advisory Committee.
Skill: Explain conflict and change in Latin America.
Georgia Standard: SS6H1
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Video With Lesson Plan and Supporting Documents
The Cuban Revolution changed over time, particularly for creative professionals like the architects who designed the innovative National Art Schools. What happens when the initial moment of a revolution gives way to an established ideology? This video clip and accompanying lesson plan provide insight into the Cold War Era by exploring the impact of Soviet involvement in an emerging Cuban state.
Skill: Explain conflict and change in Latin America.
Georgia Standard: SS6H1
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Video Series
Bill Rice recalls how German soldiers began surrendering towards the end of the war in Europe. He also discusses how his platoon was involved in liberating prison camps in Germany in this video teaching module from the KACV's local perspective on "The War."
Skill: Explain conflict and change in Europe.
Georgia Standard: SS6H3
How WWI Changed the World Forever
Source: PBS Learning Media
Resource Type: Video With Supporting Documents
This week marks the 100-year anniversary of World War I, which drastically altered the global map and changed the course of history. Help students explore and analyze the war with this PBS NewsHour video and educational materials from August 7, 2014.
Skill: Explain conflict and change in Europe.
Georgia Standard: SS6H3