Introduction to Hammurabi’s Code brings the foundational laws of human history into the modern classroom for a critical check-up. As part of the Human Rights and the Rule of Law unit, this lesson moves beyond a simple overview of ancient history to examine the Power and Oppression baked into the very first legal systems.
Designed for 6th-grade Ancient World History, the lesson features a tiered approach to literacy. The core text, Introduction to Hammurabi’s Code, is provided in three distinct Lexile levels (5th, 6th, and 7th grade). This ensures that every student can access the complex history of King Hammurabi’s 282 laws, regardless of their reading proficiency.
The lesson utilizes a dynamic sticky-note protocol. As students read, they identify the “pros” and “cons” of the code, physically placing their thoughts on class posters to visualize the collective analysis. The session concludes with a powerful reflection connecting these ancient laws to modern legal structures in the United States and across the globe.
What’s Included
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Complete 1-period lesson plan with step-by-step instructional guidance.
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Leveled Reading Set: Introduction to Hammurabi’s Code provided in 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade Lexile levels.
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Instructional Media Guide: Recommendations for high-interest video openers to hook students.
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Gallery Walk Protocol: Clear directions for the collaborative pros/cons sticky-note activity.
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Critical Thinking Prompts: Exit tickets focused on comparing ancient order to modern justice and the persistence of legal hierarchies.
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Alignment: Mapped to WAESN Elements of Liberation, WA State Social Studies Standards, and C3 Framework.
Why Educators Use This Lesson
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Differentiated Accessibility: Tiered readings allow educators to meet all students where they are while maintaining high academic rigor.
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Active Engagement: The sticky-note protocol breaks up reading time and encourages students to see their classmates’ perspectives in real-time.
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Critical Historical Analysis: Moves the conversation from what the laws were to who they served, highlighting the intersection of law and social status.
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Modern Relevance: Challenges students to find the DNA of Hammurabi’s Code in the contemporary laws they see in their own communities today.
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Supports Language Development: Provides structured ways for students to use academic language while evaluating historical evidence.
This lesson ensures your students learn to interrogate the past and connect it to their lived experiences.