Grade 7 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 2, Lesson 1

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Across the Centuries

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 2, Lesson 1: The Fall of the Roman Empire (pp. 26-31)

The Big Idea
Framework Concepts: Conflict and Scarcity The Roman Empire faced enormous problems as barbarians crossed the borders, and food and money shortages prevented good solutions.

Discuss with students the size of the Roman Empire. Brainstorm a list of the difficulties rulers might have faced in governing and protecting such a large area. (Examples might include difficulties in communicating orders to troops and trading goods over long distances, supplying food for an army and a growing population, and funding the empire's expenses.)

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Have students create a cause-and-effect chart describing the fall of the Roman Empire.
Have students create a mural showing the problems the Roman Empire faced.

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