6th Grade Social Studies Course

How have geography, culture, and beliefs guided the journeys of societies throughout history?

Arizona Social Studies Standards - 6th Grade (PDF)

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We will embark on an exciting journey to construct stories about humanity and learn why these stories matter today. We will learn how historians and social scientists piece together the past by examining evidence and understanding different perspectives. We will trace the roots of humanity back to Africa and discuss how migration shaped our shared history. As we dive into the Neolithic era, we will see how the shift to farming changed the way people lived, leading to the development of stable communities and, eventually, civilizations. 

We will continue our journey through history by exploring some of the amazing early civilizations, such as those along the Nile and Indus Rivers. We will learn about connections between geography, culture, and faith, and discover humanity’s ancient and special connection to water. We will then dive into the fascinating world of different belief systems, including major world religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Together, we will discuss how these beliefs influence people's lives, the choices they make, and the course of history. 

Our journey now turns to the Mediterranean Sea and the fascinating world of Mediterranean civilizations, such as the Persians, Greeks, and Romans. We will discover how this unique location allowed people to share knowledge, traditions, and innovations, leading to major changes in society, economy, and politics that still impact us today. We will also explore the incredible advancements made during the Islamic Golden Age and in various African civilizations, where creativity and collaboration flourished. 

We finish our journey by travelling East and comparing the unique features of feudalism in Europe and Japan, as well as the powerful imperial systems in China and Mongolia. We then examine the important events that connected the Eastern and Western hemispheres, such as the Silk Road, the Crusades, the Renaissance, and the Columbian Exchange. Through these explorations, we will see how the exchange of goods and ideas across cultures has transformed our modern global civilization.