Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: The Influence of Mesoamerica on Mexican Art
A unit on Mexican art, Frida Kahlo, Native Civilizations in Mesoamerica, and Mayan culture. The site includes lesson plans, bibliographies, and much more.
Other
Mysterious Places: Chichen Itza
This site provides pictures and a description of Chichen Itza. Includes a brief history of the Mayan people.
Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: Understanding the Ancient Americas
A collection of lesson plans with background information on ancient civilizations in the Americas. Includes topics such as Aztec and Mayan mythology, Hispanic influence, religious practices, artwork, and artifacts. The materials were...
Other
Maya Stories
This site has a collection of Maya stories and myths which can be used as primary sources.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Unmasking the Maya: Story of Sna Jtz'ibajom
This Smithsonian website looks at the Maya of today in the Chiapas region of Mexico with a brief overview of their history.
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies
Famsi: Cancuen Regional Archaeological Project (2000)
Preliminary study indicates temple pyramids were built when natural mountains were not present in the geography of the area. Text is available in Spanish.
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies
Famsi: Chichen Itza:the Palace of the Sculptured Columns (1996)
Color images of the Palace of Sculptured Columns at Chichen Itza and the Osario (High Priest's Grave).
Mex Connect
Mexconnect: Periods of Civilization in Mesoamerica 300 900 Ad
Details Teotihuacan, Cholula, and Monte Alban as the foremost Mayan centers. Be sure to see the timeline that places developments in Mesoamerica with developments in other parts of the world.
Other
Mayan Kids
Explore the history, beliefs, people, and culture of the ancient Maya in this enchanting website. It includes games, clip art, and a glossary of terms.
Climate Literacy
Clean: Climate and Civilization: The Maya Example
Learners use geophysical and geochemical data collected by the Ocean Drilling Program to examine climate in Central America during the recent past. They also have the opportunity to investigate the link between climate change and...
Lin and Don Donn
Lin and Don Donn: Maya Empire for Kids: Daily Life
A history teacher shares ideas as well as lesson and unit plans for teaching about the Mayans.
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies
Famsi: Analysis of Kaqchikel Skeletons: Iximche, Guatemala
Report of structural and chemical analysis of skeletal items offers insights into human sacrifice procedures and diet.
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies
Famsi: Economic Foundations of Mayapan Project (2001)
Although this excavation is still in progress, preliminary reports indicate occupants produced pottery for local and regional consumption. Also the production of tools and jewelry depended on materials from other parts of the region.
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies
Famsi: Northern Belize Coastal Project, 1999
Archaeological investigations at Saktunja site in Belize focuses on inter-region trade networks and diversification strategies. Site can be viewed in English and Spanish.
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies
Famsi: Temple 22 Facade Reconstruction Project (2001)
Preliminary research indicates that structure was a sacred mountain used as a political center. Discussion of sculpture meanings is included.
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies
Famsi: Investigations of Architecture at Blackman Eddy,belize
Excavation report from Blackman Eddy site in Belize discusses ritual deposits and artifacts. Site can be viewed in English and Spanish.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Mayan Achievements
Discusses the Maya system of astronomy and their calendar.
Curated OER
University of St Andrews: Mayan Mathematics
This site from the University of St. Andrews provides indepth information about the mathematics of the Mayan civilization, and shows just how advanced they were.
PBS
Pbs Nova Online: Be an Archaeologist
Ancient artifacts tell archaeologists a lot about the lives of prehistoric people. Sharpen your archaeological skills by reassembling broken pieces of a clay pot. See before and after photos of ruins, plus a film of a projected...
Soft Schools
Soft Schools: The Classes of the Maya Quiz
Take this interactive, multiple choice quiz over the Mayan social classes, and then check your answers for review after answering the questions.
Other
Global Exchange: Guatemala, a Brief History
What a rich history Guatemala has. Study it on this Global Exchange page, from the Maya civilization to the conquest of Spain, to the independence of the nation and its civil war.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Maya Architecture
This article covers Mayan urban design, types of structures and building processes.
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies
Famsi: Study of Classic Maya Ritual at Copan (2002) [Pdf]
Analysis of burial deposits offer insights into ritual behaviors.