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Handout
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Classic Maya Borders and Frontiers (2003)

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at the geology and topography of El Paraiso valley and its influence on communication, passage and trade. Report also considers architecture and "Mayanization" of area.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Primary Standard Sequence (Of Mayan Hieroglyphs) 2003

For Students 9th - 10th
PDF document that shows structure of Mayan glyphs and translation, including spelling patterns and syntax. Photographs and charts show how meaning is derived from hieroglyphic strip.
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Handout
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Archaeological Investigations in the Homul Region (2003)

For Students 9th - 10th
Several PDF reports offered at this site offer insights to the sequence of construction by various cultural groups. Very descriptive details of each step of the excavation process and photographs are provided.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Politics and Economics: Motul De San Jose, Peten

For Students 9th - 10th
Excavations at Motul de San Jose indicate that the site was more populated than previously thought. Findings indicate that production of textiles, tools, and ceramics were carried out in this city-state.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Palenque Hydro Archaeology Project (2005)

For Students 9th - 10th
Study indicates that Palenque aquaducts were part of city planning and suggests reasons that Mayans would choose the existing plan. Many photographs of the aquaduct are included.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Porta Incensario Restoration at Palenque, Chiapas (1998)

For Students 9th - 10th
Discussion of procedures used to restore six porta incensarios recovered from the Temple of the Cross. Step by step process is revealed and pictures of before and after restoration are included.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: The Piedras Negras Project (2000)

For Students 9th - 10th
Many details of the excavation processes at Piedras Negras allow researchers to write a probable history of the Mayan peoples who lived at this site until the time of its collapse.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Pusilha Archaeological Project (2001)

For Students 9th - 10th
Report summarizes previous research at Pusilha which indicates that this city had economic, political, and artistic connections with cities of Copan and Quirigua. A history of the city is included.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Teotihuacan in the Puuc Region: Foreign Presence?

For Students 9th - 10th
Very detailed information regarding excavation at Chac II site and archaeological processes. The article articulates findings and makes inferences regarding urban culture. Site may be viewed in Spanish.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Early/middle Formative Kanocha Phase at Blackman Eddy

For Students 9th - 10th
Archaeological investigation at Blackman Eddy in Belize demonstrates architecture related to Olmec style resulting in implications of long distance trade networks. Site can be viewed in English and in Spanish.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Obsidian Craft Production at Cacaxtia Xochitecatl (200)

For Students 9th - 10th
Archaeological excavation at Xochitecatl indicate that it was an area of production for obsidian goods. Site can be viewed in English and Spanish.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Investigations in Candelaria Caves and La Lima (2003)

For Students 9th - 10th
Ceramics indicate trade rouses in this well-studied cave. Good insight into ritual practices and materials used in worship.
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Primary
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Chan Chich Proto Classic Tomb Project (1998)

For Students 9th - 10th
Excavation of tomb indicates the occupant was elite as indicated by wooden snake. Several Mayan artifacts are pictured.
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Handout
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Sculpture Reconstruction Copan, Honduras (2002)

For Students 9th - 10th
Structure is discussed and well as its purpose as a dwelling place for a ruler/deity.
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Handout
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Report on Chan Chich Archaeological Project (1997) [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Read a PDF file offering great detail and pictures of the excavation of the Chan Chich Archaeological Project.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Architectural Restoration Criteria in the Mayan Area

For Students 9th - 10th
Restoration of Mayan sites is a controversial subject. Document offers guidelines for the restoration of excavated areas for the purpose of tourism. The author reports problems in the rebuilding and restoration of famous sites such as...
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Ceramic Sequence of Piedras Negras, Guatemala (2003)

For Students 9th - 10th
Report offers history of the production of ceramic pieces from 500 B.C. to 900 A.D. Photographs document each cultural phase and work. Readers can download this PDF at the bottom of the page.
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Lesson Plan
Yale University

Yale: Mexicans: Mythology, Movement & Masterpiece

For Teachers 6th - 8th
This drama curriculum unit features a bibliography, information about storytelling, mythology, oral readings, and the like--suitable for grade school students in the 5th grade and adaptable for other grades.
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Lesson Plan
Yale University

Yale the Maya Culture of Mesoamerica

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This lesson unit on Mayan culture focuses on Mayan art. It can be adapted to various grades and features classroom activities, student resources, a bibliography, and the like.
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Handout
Other

Archaelogical Sites: Palenque

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource presents an overview of the Mayan city of Palenque, including a biographical sketch on some of the rulers.
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Lesson Plan
Other

Multicultural Literature for Children: Abuela's Weave

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
This lesson plan is perfect in an ESL classroom. "Abuela's Weave" is the story of a young girl from Guatemala and the beautiful tapestry she creates. Includes prereading questions, vocabulary, and activities to integrate into other...
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Website
Other

Wesleyan University: Unaahil B'aak: The Temples of Palenque Home

For Students 9th - 10th
Wesleyan University presents the introduction to the site "Unaahil B'aak: The Temples of Palenque". Here the Mayan ruins which are the Palenque archeological site are introduced.
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Website
Other

Wesleyan University: Unaahil B'aak: The Temples of Palenque History

For Students 9th - 10th
Wesleyan University presents the history of the Maya as part of the on-line exhibit "Unaahil B'aak: The Temples of Palenque".
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Website
Other

Wesleyan University: Unaahil B'aak: The Temples of Palenque Glyphs

For Students 9th - 10th
Wesleyan University presents the information on glyphs from the Mayan ruins at Palenque from the on-line exhibit "Unaahil B'aak: The Temples of Palenque".