What Your Child is Learning in Unit 6 "Europe: 1300-1600"

In this unit, your child will learn about medieval western Europe. He or she will compare medieval societies in Japan and Europe, and learn why feudalism lasted longer in Japan than in Europe. Your child will then examine the effect of religion on Europeans in the Middle Ages, and see how disagreements over religious authority led to a split in the Christian church. Lastly, he or she will learn about the Crusades, a series of wars between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land.

Activities You Can Do at Home to Support Your Child's Learning

Chapter 12 The Renaissance

• Guidelines from an old Italian Book of Manners explained that people should not carry toothpicks behind their ears, clean their teeth with napkins, or wear bright stockings that call attention to fat, thin, or crooked legs. Help your child develop a list of guidelines for good manners today.

Chapter 13 Reformation and the Scientific Revolution

• In school, your child will learn of Newton's discovery that all bodies fall at the same rate, no matter what size or weight. Test this scientific fact with your child. Hold up two objects, such as a quarter and a piece of paper crumbled into a ball. Have your child watch carefully as you drop both objects at the same time. Look for other objects that are different weights and sizes and take turns testing those.
• In school, your child will read about the fear people felt when Edward Jenner performed experiments to test a vaccine against smallpox. Talk about new medical discoveries or changes made in your lifetime. Work with your child to list discoveries or changes in health and dental care. What are the pros and cons of each discovery or change on your list?

Chapter 14 The Age of Exploration

• Reports of the travels of Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo encouraged others to venture into new regions. With your child, make a list of places either of you have heard about from someone else who has traveled to them.