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

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Across the Centuries

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 7, Lesson 1: The Mongols (pp. 162-169)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Diversity The powerful Mongols conquered lands from China to Europe, unifying a vast area of diverse cultures.

On a map or globe, show students the area of the world ruled by the Mongols. (See p. 166.) Compare this to the area once ruled by the Roman Empire. (See pp.36-37.) Ask students to brainstorm reasons why the Mongols ranged so much farther than the Romans. Work with students to find out how long each empire lasted and have students speculate on why.

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

Remind students that the Mongols were better conquerors than rulers. Ask them to create a chart showing the Mongols' strengths and weaknesses as conquerors and rulers.
Ask students to imagine that they are an assembly of Mongol tribal chiefs, gathered to elect the Great Khan. Using a pool of all the leaders they have studied so far, ask them to nominate, defend, and elect a new Great Khan to defend them against a common enemy.

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