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Unit Plan
Core Knowledge Foundation

Maya, Aztec, and Inca Civilizations

For Teachers 5th
Here are a series of lessons on the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan civilizations. This incredible, 15-lesson unit would be perfect for any fifth grade study on these important civilizations. Learners focus on the complex nature of the cultures,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Aztecs - Mighty Warriors of Mexico

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Upper elementary learners identify the Aztecs as the builders of a great city and rich civilization in what is now Mexico. They locate the Aztec Empire and its capital on a map and place the Aztecs in the chronology of American history....
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

AZTEC TILES

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Pupils observe the shapes and lines that make up Aztec sculpture, study Pre-Columbian art as they discover the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas. They create a small-scale Aztec tile using pasta. Creative, clever and engaging.
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PPT
Curated OER

Native American Groups

For Teachers 4th
These slides are attractively designed but some contain a lot of text.  Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Aztec, Mayan, Olmec, and Mississippi Mound Builders are the pre-colonial Native American groups detailed in this PowerPoint. The...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

On Aztec Terraces

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars investigate the development and use of Aztec terraces while farming. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Students use the information for the context of class discussion and then create a diorama to...
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PPT
Curated OER

Spanish Conquistadors

For Teachers 7th - 9th
A Conquistador is a Spanish name derived from the Reconquista, a period of reclaiming land from the Muslims. However, it became a call of conquest! Here are 17 slides that depict key conflicts between the Spanish and Native Mexican...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Why did the Aztec and Inca civilizations disappear?

For Students 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers can analyze primary source documents to answer the question, "Why did the Aztec and Inca civilizations disappear?" They will read the provided excerpts then answer 11 different questions to uncover the ultimate answer.
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PPT
Curated OER

Ancient Mexico: Mayan, Incan, and Aztec Civilizations

For Teachers 7th - 10th
A basic overview of the early civilizations of Central America, this slideshow would be a good foundation for a lesson on the characteristics of these three tribes. It would fold into a unit on world cultures or European exploration...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where is Mesoamerica?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars create a map of Mesoamerica using construction paper, clay or by drawing it.  In this World Geography lesson, students determine the location of Mesoamerica, make a map, then present their map to their class.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Maya, Inca and Aztec

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners work together in groups to research either the Maya, Aztec or Incas. They discover their art and examine their daily life. They develop a quiz to give to their classmates over the information they shared.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Past: Mayan, Aztec, and Incan Civilizations

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan Civilizations and identify contributions they made to modern society. In this ancient civilizations lesson plan, 5th graders look at maps of where they were located.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Aztec History

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students explore facets of Aztec history. In this ancient civilizations instructional activity, students map landmarks in Mexico, read excerpts from The Sad Night: The Story of an Aztec Victory and a Spanish Loss, by Sally Mathews and...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Aztec Word Search

For Students 6th - 8th
In this word search worksheet, middle schoolers locate 20 Aztec vocabulary terms and names in the word puzzle utilizing the word bank provided.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Social Studies: Aztec Calendars and Culture

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders analyze the Aztec calendar and create their own examples of them. They determine the meaning of the symbols used in the calendars and record their ideas in journals. Students host a parent breakfast for them to observe...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Cortez Defeated the Aztecs

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore the cultural aspects of the Aztec Indians and their beliefs and knowledge base at the time of Cortez's invasion. They explore how their beliefs impacted the results of Cortez's invasion. Students synthesize information...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Aztec Culture

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the Aztec culture in Mexico. They focus on their religious practices. They write a goal to personally sacrifice something. They also write about the costs and benefits of a sacrifice.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Advanced Native American Civilizations

For Teachers 5th - 8th
In this advanced Native American civilizations worksheet, pupils examine the location, facts, and pictures of the Mayans, the Incas, and the Aztecs on the graphic organizer.
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Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Online Exhibition: The Cultures and History of the Americas

For Students 9th - 10th
Examine some of the rare books, maps, prints and other artifacts in this online exhibition. The exhibition explores several themes on the cultures and history of the Americas. The collection focuses on the period of pre-contact through...
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Handout
Other

Chapala.com: Warfare in Ancient Mexico

For Students 9th - 10th
In depth look at the warfare practiced in Ancient Mexico. Excellent information about the weapons and the destiny of the warriors.
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Lesson Plan
University of California

The History Project: Aztec Life as Revealed in the Codex Telleriano Remensis

For Teachers 6th - 8th
The Aztec pictorial manuscript later known as the Codex Telleriano-Remensis was created in sixteenth-century Mexico, about a generation after contact. It is considered one of the most beautiful and informative remaining works by the...
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eBook
OpenStax

Open Stax: The Americas

For Students 11th - 12th
After reading this section, students will be able to locate on a map the major American civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish, discuss the cultural achievements of these civilizations and also the differences and similarities...
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Graphic
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Aztec Stone Sculpture

For Students 9th - 10th
The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides this informative page on Aztec stone sculpture. With information and pictures this in a nice resource for study.
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Handout
National Earth Science Teachers Association

Windows to the Universe: Aztec Mythology

For Students 9th - 10th
By clicking on one of the links provided, you can learn about seven different Aztec myths. Choose information based upon level of difficulty at the top.
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Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: The Aztecs Mighty Warriors of Mexico

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Unit plan to teach about the Aztec civilization. Includes websites, worksheets, activities, and extending the lesson.