Curated OER
Ponce de Leon: The First Conquistador
Students learn why Queen Isabella waited nearly six years to give approval to Columbus to travel west and what event caused her to suddenly support the voyage of Columbus.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Mexican Culture and History through Its National Holidays
Young historians have an opportunity to study the complex history and culture of Mexico by learning about several holidays: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe), The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los...
Curated OER
The Fountain of Youth
Seventh graders study Ponce de Leon and the Fountain the Fountain of Youth. Using a real life analogy, 7th graders compare the skills of a conquistador to that of a professional basketball player. They discover reasons why the...
Curated OER
Conquering North America
Students create a study guide on colonization of North America. In this American Colonization lesson, students complete a chart of explorers and their conquests. Students complete a crossword puzzle using explorer facts. Students read...
Curated OER
Warrior of the Church: St. James on Horseback
Young scholars discuss the life and significance of Saint James. They identify details and features of New Spanish sculpture that make it unique.
Curated OER
LESSON PLANS
Second graders encounter how the native and Spanish cultures influenced art on Colonial New Mexico. They experience some of the games, art and tools of colonial New Mexico. Students strive to increase new vocabulary. They also access how...
Curated OER
The Maya
Students demonstrate an understanding of the Mayan Culture. This is done by developing and answering questions about cultural traditions. They also label geographical regions on a map to incorporate Geography.
Curated OER
The Aztecs - Mighty Warriors of Mexico
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....
Curated OER
The Eagle Has Landed: Aztecs Find a Home
Students investigate the Aztec civilization and locate it on a map. They explain the legend of the city of Tenochtitan and investigate the symbolism of the Mexican flag.
Teaching Ideas
The Aztecs
Did you know the Aztecs had two different calendars? Or that Aztec men could have more than one wife? Find out more about this ancient civilization including how they lived, what they ate, and their cultures and beliefs with a set of 20...
Curated OER
Why did the Aztec and Inca civilizations disappear?
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.
Curated OER
The Eagle Has Landed: Aztecs Find a Home
Pupils examine the Aztec civilization in what is now Mexico. Using a map, they locate the empire and explain the legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan. They explore the symbols on various Mexican flags and what they meant to the Aztec...
Yummy Math
Happy 14th B’ak’tun, the start of the next Great Mayan cycle
The ancient Mayans had a complex calendar and number system with a rich history. In fact, the date 12/21/2012 was the center of much controversy as to whether or not it was the end of time. It wasn't the end of time, but it was the end...
Curated OER
Impact of Exploration on Americas
In this exploration of the America's study guide worksheet, students respond to 13 short answer questions. The questions correlate to assigned readings in a textbook.
Curated OER
Arizona!! How the Heck Did I End Up Here???
Learners research the historical background of the potato. In this potato research lesson, students cut out the important dates in potato history. Learners make a timeline for the events.
Curated OER
A Study of Panama
In this instructional activity on Panama, students read an introduction about Panama, then read about its history, The Panama Canal, the Kuna Indians and the Endangered Species of Panama. After each selection, students answer a set of...
Curated OER
The Battle of Glorieta Pass: A Shattered Dream
This lesson can be used in American history, social studies, and geography courses in units on westward expansion and the Civil War.
Curated OER
Reading/Vocabulary Development: Post Test
In this reading and vocabulary worksheet, students read a passage and complete multiple choice questions on the vocabulary of that passage. Students complete 10 questions total.
Curated OER
Inca Artifacts and Civilization Lesson Plans
By learning about Inca artifacts and this ancient civilization students can delve into history, geography, and much more.
Curated OER
Vocab-u-lous! Build a Fabulous Vocab: Halloween
In this Halloween vocabulary worksheet, students select the best word to complete the sentence. They are challenged by the complex options that all relate to Halloween.
Curated OER
Conquest of the Americas
Students study the Aztecs and Incas. In this Aztecs and Incas lesson, students discover their similiarities and differences and how the Spainards defeated both. Students create a picture book about one of these empires.
Curated OER
Web Wilderness
Fourth graders write an expository paper using notes taken during a field trip or a guest speaker.
Curated OER
Review
Eighth graders review and assess their knowledge on the big picture of exploration and the origins of early America. They piece together all the pieces of the puzzle from the past two weeks of study on trade, technology, exploration and...
Curated OER
The Effects of European Exploration on the Americas
In this effects of European exploration on the Americas study guide worksheet, students read a brief overview pertaining to the time period in world history and then respond to 2 reflection questions.