First quarter activities in Mrs. Larson's sixth-grade Social Studies class have been dynamic and engaging. The year began with an Economics unit where students learned about the process of buying a home, working within a budget and specific criteria. They also tackled real-life math scenarios, such as using mental math to calculate tips during a mock restaurant evening at "Larson’s Pizzeria."
Another activity involved a "Toy Production" simulation. Students created toys from available materials, each incurring costs towards production. Their goal was to "sell" these toys for $6 and maximize profit.
The second unit focused on the "Beginnings of Civilizations," exploring the transition from Hunter-Gatherers to Farmers and its impact on human living. Students participated in the game "Hunters and Gatherers," experiencing historical conflicts and survival strategies, with victory going to the "last man standing." Mrs. Larson noted, “we will soon be debating which discovery of this ancient era was the most important to our lives today: fire, a writing system, farming, or laws. We will then begin to explore the mysterious civilization of Ancient Egypt.”