In the Spotlight: 6th Grade SS

How is it possible that Spanish Conquistador, Hernan Cortes, with his roughly 500 men, were able to defeat the entire Aztec empire in a span of a few years? 

This week TIS 6th grade Social Studies teachers facilitated a fun and engaging activity using evidence and inferences.  The transformed classrooms were made into CSI & FBI headquarters with crime scene caution tape draped across rooms and over doors.  Some teachers even played the part by dressing up in detective gear and costume.  Students used text evidence in Spanish and Aztec accounts, visual evidence from battle and interaction photos, and even invisible ink messages to help gather clues to crack the case.  Cooperative groups discussed and questioned the sources to record their findings.  Based on evidence, students independently wrote a theory on what they believe happened and how such a small number of Spanish could overtake the entire Aztec empire.

It is lessons like these that will live in the minds of our students for years to come.  The 6th Grade Social Studies department is continuously thinking outside of the box to incorporate concrete lessons and enhance student learning.