Curated OER
Rich Chocolate: Mayan and Aztec use of Chocolate
Students conduct Internet research to discover how Mesoamerican's used chocolate. For this South American history lesson, students work in pairs to complete an activity worksheet and engage in class discussion.
Curated OER
The European Conquest of the Americas
Witness the birth of the Americas in this presentation, which details the European Explorers who contributed to adding vital details on our modern-day maps. Viewers' worlds will literally expand after seeing the results of Cortes and the...
Curated OER
Spanish Conquistadors
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...
Council for Economic Education
The Columbian Exchange
What did you have for dinner last night? Many scholars ask that question without considering the history behind the foods they eat. Using a simulation, scholars investigate how the foods they eat are the product of the Columbian...
Curated OER
Where is Mesoamerica?
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.
Mexic-Arte Museum
El Dia de los Muertos
Celebrate the traditional Mexican holiday El Dia de los Muertos! Explore the intricate history behind the traditions, compare other cultural rituals honoring the dead, and create sugar skulls. Learners read informational text on Aztec...
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
Advanced Native American Civilizations
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.
Curated OER
Bible: Compare/contrast Religions
Students study creation myths. In this Meso American culture instructional activity, 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...
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.
Curated OER
The Conquest of the Aztec Civilization
Young scholars use the classroom atlases, the Internet or textbooks to draw a freehand map. They work in groups using the maps in the book The Broken Spears (Portilla) and The Conquest of New Spain (Diaz) to draw a freehand map...
Curated OER
What Death Brings to Life - English Component
Learners are introduced to the characteristics of ancient Indian, Chinese and Aztec cultures. They consider what was valued by these cultures and compare the cultures' values to their own. They write an essay on their reflections.
Curated OER
Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortez
In this essay worksheet, students research why the Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortez invaded the Aztec Indian lands. Students research this question and the effects it had on the invasion of the Aztec people and write an essay about it.
Curated OER
Huichol Yarn Painting
Young artists of many ages apply yarn painting techniques in combining their ideas and their art. After viewing actual examples of yarn paintings created by the Huichol people, learners choose an important scene from their own lives...
New York City Department of Education
Geography and Early Peoples of the Western Hemisphere
Young historians discover the early people of the western hemisphere. The unit explores how the land changed, how it was used and homes of early Americans such as Incas, Mayans, Inuits, Aztecs, and Pueblos. Individuals also examine these...
Agriculture in the Classroom
A Rafter of Turkeys
How did that turkey get from the early Aztec culture to your table? Learn about the history of wild and domesticated turkeys in North America, as well as their inclusion in Thanksgiving traditions, with a two-part agricultural science...
New York State Education Department
Global History and Geography Examination: August 2010
Three major faith traditions have shaped world history: Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Using secondary sources from textbooks, as well as primary source documents, such as Aztec legends, pupils explore the interplay of these...
Curated OER
Theobroma Cacao "The Food of the Gods"
Sixth graders research the history of chocolate and write short answers to provided questions. They read about the Mayan and Aztec civilizations and the Spanish conquest.
Curated OER
Primary Sources: Diaz and Cortes
Provided are two descriptions, both from famous Spanish explorers. Pupils read each passage and then answer 2 inference questions based on how they think each description shows what Cortes and Diaz felt about the Aztecs. Show images of...
Curated OER
Mesoamerica: The History of Central America
Young scholars examine the role of women in Mesoamerica. They watch segments of the Discovery video "Mesoamerica: The History of Central America". After conducting further research pertaining to specific Mayan women, they write essays...
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
Comparing the Oneota of Wisconsin to the Aztecs of Mexico
Students study the Oneota Indians of Wisconsin. They compare and contrast them to another group of natives in the Americas around the same time. They conduct intelligent discussion of the Oneotas that gives evidence to support statements.
Curated OER
Mandalas: Geometric Link between Medicine and Histor
Students explore Mandalas. They observe a PowerPoint presentation explaining the history of Mandalas and the Aztecs of Mexico. Students discover the connections between geometry, medicine, and ancient history. They describe the geometric...
Curated OER
Book: First Encounters Between Spain and the Americas: Two Worlds Meet
Students, after reading Chapter 1 in the book, "First Encounters Between Spain and the Americas: Two Worlds Meet," design and create a map of the Aztec Empire at the time of the first contract with the Spanish. They create the map from...