Curated OER
Rich Chocolate: Mayan and Aztec use of Chocolate
Young scholars conduct Internet research to discover how Mesoamerican's used chocolate. In this South American history lesson plan, students work in pairs to complete an activity worksheet and engage in class discussion.
Core Knowledge Foundation
Early American Civilizations Tell It Again!™ Read-Aloud Anthology
Bridge subjects ancient history and English language arts together with a unit all about the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. Eleven lessons begin with a read-aloud followed by a whole-class discussion in preparation for practice by...
Penn Museum
Africa
Mask wearing is not just for Halloween! This attractive and informative set of worksheets discusses this important African cultural tradition, as well as a variety of other significant cultural attributes to ancient civilizations, such...
Curated OER
Inside The Pyramids
Young scholars research the use of pyramids in different cultures. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students watch "Inside the Pyramids." Young scholars conduct further research on the topic and create magazine articles that feature...
Curated OER
Ancient Artifacts
Students research the earliest Americans. For this ancient civilizations lesson, students investigate the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas. Students examine artifacts used in the cultures and then determine what the artifacts were used for and...
Curated OER
New Wave Aztec
Students create animation symbols on the computer based on The Aztec Empire work of Keith Haring. In this animation lesson plan, students use drawings and put them into the computer over a series of 8 weeks.
Curated OER
Bring Out the Parasols: Skin Cancer Awareness in the Classroom
Incorporate history, science, and practical sense into teaching kids about the effects of the sun.
Curated OER
Lesson: Double Album: The Collection and the Archive
An open discussion starts this lesson off. The class takes a critical look at five works of art that demonstrate the impact and purpose of identity through collections or archives. They then write a list or draw 10-15 items found in...
Curated OER
Common Good in Aztec Culture What Is Sacrifice?
Young scholars examine contemporary examples of sacrifice while listing the reasons and benefits of these acts. They discuss the idea of when a sacrifice is a violation of human rights. They write a personal goal to make a small sacrifice.
Curated OER
Culture Clash: New World Meets Old
Sixth graders explore the history of Christopher Columbus. In this World History lesson, 6th graders research facts about Christopher Columbus. Students write their own opinion about Columbus's background focusing on three piecesof...
Curated OER
Bible: Compare/contrast Religions
Students study creation myths. In this Meso American culture lesson plan, students research Aztec and Mayan creation myths. Students then compare the myths to the creation story of the Bible and share their findings with their classmates.
Curated OER
Self-Portrait Unit - Lesson #1
Fourth graders create self-portraits using artistic elements found in Hispanic culture and, specifically, the art of Frida Kahlo. The lesson can be adapted for any culture/country and requires an outside person with cultural knowledge.
Curated OER
What's Behind that Mask?
Students use a "spider web" graphic organizer to record information about different types of masks they are familiar with. They write a paragraph about masks. Students read about Native American cultures and compare/contrast the...
Curated OER
HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ANALYSIS
Students examine a variety of maps and documents to identify physical and cultural features of neighborhoods, cities, states, and countries, to explain the historical migration of people, expansion and disintegration of empires, and the...
Curated OER
I AM a Researcher, "I"nca, "A"ztec, "M"aya
Students create and original multimedia presentation on the Incas, Mayans, or Aztecs. In this Meso-American civilization lesson, students research and then compare and contrast the civilizations of the Incas, Mayan and the Aztecs....
Curated OER
Central And South America And Their Ancient Civilizations
Fifth graders listen to lectures on the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans. They construct a mask base and then decorate it in thirds with symbols meaningful to each of the three cultures being studied.
Curated OER
Claycrete Calaveras - Dia de los Muertos
Students create skeletons to celebrate the Day of the Dead. In this visual arts instructional activity, students explore the importance of the Day of the Dead celebrations in the Mexican culture. They create skeletons and decorate them...
Curated OER
Did You Know...
Students research about hispanic history. They complete a true-false worksheet together or in groups. They discover achievements by hispanic members of society.
Curated OER
What is Sacrifice?
Seventh graders explore different forms of sacrifice. In this World History activity, 7th graders determine the reasons why people make sacrifices. Students write a personal goal to make a small sacrifice.
Virginia Department of Education
World History and Geography to 1500 A.D.
Here's a great resource for your curriculum library. The 240-page packet, organized into units by topics, includes sample lesson plans, links to primary and secondary source documents, worksheets, activities, and sample assessments.
Curated OER
Where is Mesoamerica?
Students 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.
Curated OER
Anasazi/Mesoamerican/Andean: Time and Cultural Passages
Seventh graders role play the position of someone in one of six different civilization groups. They research the group's development, advancement and fall of their civilization. They create a presentation to share the information with...
Curated OER
Cultural Show and Tell
Students research their own cultural heritage and share it with the class in a Show and Tell presentation.
Curated OER
Inked Geometric Mandalas
Fifth graders gain an appreciation for mandalas in many cultures. Compare and contrast designs from many cultures. They see geometric design in mandalas and become aware of symmetrical balance and radial balance. They create a mandala...