Social Studies 7 Great Mughal Empire

District 11 Educational Support Services
Social Studies

Grade 7, The Eastern Hemisphere to 1450 C.E.
Golden Age of China

Overview
View the Video Introduction (3:24). The Golden Age of China was a long period of peace when the country flourished in art, trade, and literature, and discoveries and inventions in technology. the increase in trade with other countries and societies produced new ideas and wealth. As you explore this important time in history, you will learn what makes a nation prosperous and wealthy. You will see how technologies can significantly impact communication and travel.

Rigor and Relevance Rating: Quadrant C Assimilation - provides opportunities for students to analyze and apply information within a discipline.
Career Connection: This course introduces students to the types of work performed by Sociologists and Historians.
Curriculum Integration: This unit supports content in the Social Studies Ancient China Unit which introduces art techniques used by ancient civilizations that are still in use today.

For Teachers

Quarter 1 2

Quarter 3 4

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Daily Lessons

Enduring Understandings - important ideas that students should carry with them years beyond the instruction received this year.

Technological developments have impacted individuals and societies throughout history.

Essential Questions - most important “big picture” questions students should be able to answer after completing learning activities.

What were the technological and scientific achievements of the Song and Tang Dynasties in the Golden Age of China?

District 11 curriculum is designed to prepare and equip students to be successful in the 21st Century. Curriculum resources and lessons included here have been aligned to the Colorado Standards for each content area. In addition, the entire program has been aligned with the knowledge, skills, and learner attributes the Partnership for 21st Century Skills promotes as necessary for success in the 21st Century. You will see the highlighted core values embedded in these lessons and activities.

A	Academic Preparedness: the foundation required for either higher education, or high-wage, high skills jobs
C	Cultural Competence: the ability to understand and interpret political and cultural events from multiple perspectives in a global society, a core competency in 21st Century Skills
H	High-Functioning Team Member Skills: collaboration is a core competency in 21st Century Skills
I	Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving Skills: a core competency for 21st Century Skills
E	Effective Use of Information Technology: a core competency for 21st Century Skills
V	Vital Participation in Civic Responsibility: "share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society" Standards for the 21st-Century Learner from American Library Assoc.
E	Effective Communication Skills: a core competency for 21st Century Skills

Standards and Benchmarks
History 5: Students understand political institutions and theories that developed and changed over time.
Benchmark A: Students understand political institutions and theories that developed and changed over time.

Grade 7 Conceptual Vocabulary

Visual Thesaurus - use the approved District 11 login and password to the right:

architecture
civilization
culture
dynasty
primary/secondary sources

Research confirms that students must have at least 6 opportunities through varied means to experience the same vocabulary before it can be applied. Here are 6 sample methods for teaching the vocabulary for this unit: These examples are endorsed by the Mid-Continental Research in Education Laboratory (McREL) Six Step Strategy to Improving Vocabulary. Read more about Research on Teaching Vocabulary.
Step 1: Teacher Defines Word
Step 2: Student Defines Word with Examples
Step 3: Student Identifies or Designs a Visual Representation
Step 4: Practice With Games
Step 5: Practice Application
Step 6: Apply in Written and Oral Communication

Step 1-3: Frayer Model for Vocabulary	Step 4: Vocabulary Bingo	Step 4 - 5:
Step 3-4: PowerPoint Partners Game Vocabulary Review	Steps 1, 2, 4: Quizlet	Step 6: Writing Assignment

Sample Lessons

District 11 Diamond Units/Lessons Overview - includes information about the purpose, goals and structure of these sample instructional units:

Lesson 11: Golden Ages of China
Duration: 3 days

Standards/Indicator: History 5: Identify and explain changes in technology and evaluate their impact on historical events.
Enduring Understanding: Technological developments have impacted individuals and societies throughout history.
Essential Question: What were the technological and scientific achievements of the Song and Tang Dynasties in the Golden Age of China?
Assessment: What were the technological and scientific achievements of the Song and Tang Dynasties in the Golden Age of China?

Activities

Complete the Map Activity on page 89. Go to the Passport to the World and register. Then choose China and learn about the history of this part of Asia. There is an online journal to keep notes you take on your discoveries. If you earn 300 points on the Customs Quiz, you will get your World Passport stamped for China.
What makes a “golden age”? China had a golden age when there was a time of peace, prosperity, technology and artistic achievement.
Watch the video clip: Story of the Silk Road (7:56) and take notes.
Copy the Venn diagram on page 90 and read pages 90-97 in Medieval Times To Today. Take notes on the achievements during the golden ages.
Watch video clip: Era of the Yuan Dynasty 1279-1368: The Travels of Marco Polo (1:39) and take notes.
Writing Activity: You are a trader on the Silk Road. Write a journal entry that describes the sights along the Silk Road, the bustle of the trading centers and the actual trades. Include goods brought from Europe to trade and goods you take home. Draw a picture that describes your journal entry.
Complete Skills for Life pages 98-99.
Discuss the Essential Question with your classmates. Then write your answer as the assessment on the Golden Age of China. Be sure to describe how the scientific and technological achievements changed the country and the people. Were all of the changes positive, or did the scientific and technological discoveries also have negative effects? Use the Four Point Rubric as a guide so you know how your response will be graded.
Continuous Improvement Process - Your teacher wants feedback on this unit so it can constantly be improved. Print the Continuous Quality Improvement Survey and answer each question, or answer online.

Differentiation
Support (RtI tiers 2 & 3): Read Medieval Times To Today page 90-92 about the Silk Road and Grand Canal. Draw a picture of the Silk Road with all the animals carrying goods to trade. Describe your picture in 2-3 sentences.
Choose 2 inventions on page 92 and explain how these inventions have changed your life or society.
Extensions: Read the selection about Marco Polo and complete activity.

Sample Lessons

Parent Resources

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