Hammurabi’s Code

Overview

This 30-minute lesson engages a 7th-grade student in exploring the significance of Hammurabi and his Code within the context of ancient civilizations, emphasizing inquiry, analysis, and reflection aligned with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) Social Studies objectives. The goal is to develop conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and communication skills through a focused, interactive approach.

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IB MYP Framework Alignment

• MYP Criterion A (Knowing and Understanding): Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of subject-specific content and concepts (MYP Social Studies, Criterion A: 8-10 years level)
• MYP Criterion B (Investigating): Formulate questions and construct an inquiry around Hammurabi’s Code
• MYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills:
  • Research: Locate and organize relevant information
  • Communication: Present ideas clearly and effectively
  • Thinking: Analyze and evaluate evidence and sources

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the historical context and significance of Hammurabi and his code in Mesopotamian society.
2. Identify key characteristics of Hammurabi’s Code and how it influenced law and justice.
3. Analyze how Hammurabi’s laws compare to modern legal principles, encouraging reflection on justice and fairness.
4. Communicate understanding through summarization and creative expression.

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Materials Needed

• Printout or digital copy of selected simplified laws from Hammurabi’s Code (5–7 laws)
• Timeline of Mesopotamian civilization (brief)
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Whiteboard or digital drawing tool
• Color markers or digital drawing app

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Engagement (5 minutes)

• Activity: Begin with a brief story: "Imagine you lived 4,000 years ago in an ancient city called Babylon. How do you think people decided what was right or wrong?"
• Purpose: Activate prior knowledge of rules and fairness.
• Teacher Prompt: Explain Hammurabi was a king who created one of the first written sets of laws to help people know what was acceptable behavior.
• IB Connection: Engage curiosity using the concept of systems and rules within societies (MYP Global Context: Fairness and Development).

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2. Exploration & Explanation (10 minutes)

• Activity: Present a short timeline highlighting Babylon’s place in Mesopotamian history and Hammurabi’s reign (~1792-1750 BCE).
• Text Work: Review 5-7 simplified laws from Hammurabi’s Code (e.g., “If someone steals, they shall repay...”).
• Questioning: Ask the student to identify patterns—what kind of behaviors are punished? Are the punishments equal or different for different people?
• Reflection: Introduce the idea of "an eye for an eye" and ask what that means in terms of justice.
• IB Focus: Develop knowing and understanding of how laws reflect societal values (MYP Criterion A).

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3. Analysis & Application (10 minutes)

• Activity: Role Play
  • The student picks 2 laws and creates a short scenario or story illustrating those laws in action (e.g., a neighbor dispute or trade problem).
  • Use whiteboard/drawing app to visually represent the scenario and consequences.
• Teacher Discussion: Guide the student to think about how these rules helped or hurt the community.
• Compare & Contrast: Briefly discuss differences with modern laws (e.g., justice for all, presumption of innocence).
• IB Skills: Promote critical thinking and communication (MYP ATL Skills: Thinking and Communication).

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4. Reflection & Assessment (5 minutes)

• Exit Ticket: Student writes a brief paragraph or records a short verbal statement responding to:
  • “Why was Hammurabi’s Code important for ancient Babylon? What lessons can we learn about fairness from it today?”
• Formative Assessment: Evaluate understanding based on content accuracy and the ability to connect past to present.
• Feedback: Provide positive reinforcement highlighting the student’s analytical thinking and communication.
• IB Reflection: Connect to learner profile attributes: Thinker and Communicator.

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Extension Ideas (Optional for Homework)

• Create a “Modern Hammurabi’s Laws” poster, drafting 5 laws they think are important to maintain justice in their community today.
• Research another ancient law code (e.g., Twelve Tables of Rome) and compare with Hammurabi’s Code in the next lesson.

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This lesson ensures engagement with age-appropriate content while meeting IB MYP social studies objectives through inquiry, conceptual understanding, and reflection anchored in global contexts and ATL skill development.