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LESSON 13: Decline of Classical Empires

SUPPORTING QUESTION

What factors contribute to the falls of empires and what legacies are often left behind?

FOCUS SKILL(S)

Causation

Historical Significance

MATERIALS

TEACHER

Do Firsts + Exemplars

Decline of Classical Empires Student Worksheet + Exemplars

STUDENT

Do First Options

Printed Student Handout

Access to Inquiry Journal (Already handed out in Lesson 1)

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DO FIRST

Option 1- Frayer: Obituary

Option 2- Notice, Wonder, Think

TEACHER ACTIONS

1. Select “Do First” option
2. Play “Song of the Unit” or alternative
3. Provide students with visual, online, or print access to “Do First”

STUDENT ACTIONS

1. Complete “Do First” either online or by hand

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LESSON 13: Decline of Classical Empires- Continued

ACTIVITY 1 - LAUNCH

Take time to introduce both the purpose and task of the project using page 1 of the student worksheet. Explain to students that they will choose a fallen empire and design an obituary. Then, explain to students to process of researching and gathering information to complete the obituary template.

TEACHER ACTIONS

1. Introduce the purpose and task for this activity with page 1 of the student worksheet
2. Walk through with students what they will do for research and planning for the obituary by previewing pages 2-3

STUDENT ACTIONS

1. Listen to teacher introduction
2. Ask questions as needed

ACTIVITY 2 - PRACTICE

Students will begin gathering information for their chosen empire and complete the obituary template on pages 2-3 of the student worksheet. For the “Obituary Template”, teachers should model the “Cause(s) of Death” section for students as a means of scaffolding. This activity is meant to be done independently.

TEACHER ACTIONS

• Ensure that each student has chosen an empire
• Direct students to page 2 of the student worksheet and provide instructions
• Monitor student progress and track timing
• Direct students to page 3 of the student worksheet and provide instructions for completing the template
• Model for students the “Cause(s) of Death” section
• Monitor student progress and track timing

STUDENT ACTIONS

1. Complete page 2 of the student worksheet independently
2. Ask questions as needed
3. Watch teacher’s model for the “Cause(s) of Death” section on page 3
4. Complete page 3 of the student worksheet independently
5. Seek clarity and ask questions as needed

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LESSON 13: Decline of Classical Empires- Continued

ACTIVITY 3 - EXHIBIT

Students will create a Funeral Program using the Design Template found on pages 4-7. (Consider having students complete the design template digitally.) Students should follow the guidance for the funeral program design on page 4 to complete the template on pages 5-7. It is highly recommended that the teacher explain each section before releasing them to complete it.

TEACHER ACTIONS

• Provide digital access to the Funeral Program Design Template (pages 4-7)
• Explain the instructions for this activity
• Release students to complete pages 5-7 using the information from their research and obituary

STUDENT ACTIONS

1. Listen to teacher instructions
2. Ask questions if needed
3. Complete the Funeral Program (pages 5-7)

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CONCLUSION

Students will reflect on their learning from the prior topic using the Unit 5 Inquiry Journal. Students will use page 8 to write a CER paragraph for the Compelling Question for Topic 3.

TEACHER ACTIONS

• Provide students’ instructions for the Compelling Question for Topic 3
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback as needed

STUDENT ACTIONS

• Write a CER paragraph for Topic 3 Compelling Question

STANDARD(S)

1.25 Assess the importance and enduring legacy of major technological, religious and cultural achievements of ancient empires in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa between 800 BCE and 700 CE.

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1.32 Evaluate the social, political, cultural, and economic factors that led to the decline of ancient empires in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas between 800 BCE and 700 CE.