About This Lesson
In Early Russia, students explore major geographical features of the vast lands of Russia and examine how Russia grew from a small principality into a large country ruled by powerful czars. Students learn how, after the fall of Constantinople, Moscow emerged as the center of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Students meet Ivan III (the Great) and Ivan IV (the Terrible), who expanded Russian territory and the authority of the czars. Students also learn how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great sought to modernize and westernize Russia.
This unit includes a Student Reader, Timeline Image Cards, and Teacher Guide, providing Guided Reading Supports and the following Additional Activities: map and geography skills exercises; a virtual tour of St. Basil’s Cathedral; a comparison of the czars; a recording of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition; domain vocabulary exercises; and a Unit Assessment.
