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
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
Cultural Show and Tell
Young scholars 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...
Curated OER
World History: Legacy of the Conquistadors.
Students examine the influence of the Spanish conquistadors on ancient South American Cultures. In four separate lessons, they discover the relationships of Cortes and the Aztecs, Pizarro and the Incas, Orellana and the Amazons, and...
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...
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.
Midwest Institute for Native American Studies
Introduction to Pre-Columbian Lessons
Native peoples established civilizations all over Central and North America. Introduce native civilizations with a unit that promotes discussion, reinforces map skills, enhances reading comprehension, and exposes young historians to the...
Curated OER
Drama and Dance
Students create a dance that tells a story then they use the dance for inspiration and write their own. For this drama and dance lesson, students discover how the May and Aztec would dance to covey a concept or story. Students work in...
Curated OER
South American Wordsearch
In this social studies worksheet, students search for 25 words relating to South America. Words in the word search include names of current countries as well as those of ancient cultures of the area.
Curated OER
Linking Civilizations and Personal Heritage Through Multimedia and Art
Students explore images, symbols, and the relationship they establish with their own personal heritage. They discuss Aztec, Inca, and Maya civilizations. Students interview their family about their own personal heritage. Additional cross...
Curated OER
Proud To Be Latino
Students examine and research their Latino heritage. As a class, they read a poem and write their own individual poem about their pride in being Latino. To end the lesson, they read their poems to the class and discuss their various...
Curated OER
Understanding Primary and Secondary Sources
Students identify legends in Tennessee and U.S. history, and differentiate between primary and secondary sources. They list examples of primary and secondary sources, participate in a field trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and...
Curated OER
"Be the Kiwi" - Maori Oral Tradition and Performance
Students create a story similar to those of the Maori oral tradition. In this Whale Rider lesson, students discuss the way that Maori legends were passed down from generation to generation. Students choose a land formation and write a...
Edible Schoolyard
Pan de los Muertos
Accompany instruction and the celebration of El Dia de los Muertos with a loaf of Pan de los Muertos. Here, scholars measure ingredients precisely to create tasty bread, write a remembrance for someone who has passed away, and take part...
Curated OER
Lesson: Tlatelolco: Mexican Student Massacre 1968
The Massacre of Tlatelolco is the focus of a discussion-based lesson plan. Civil-minded learners consider the nature of student movements that have ended in violence based on over-reaction and government oppression. They discuss the...
Curated OER
Celebrate Sunflowers
Young scholars skip count with sunflower seeds. In this interdisciplinary lesson, students discuss the history of sunflowers. Young scholars count by 1's, 2's, and 10's with bags full of sunflower seeds.
Curated OER
Central American Immigrants to the United States: Refugees from Unrest
Students identify the major aspects of Olmec and Mayan civilzations, including economic, political, and religious. They list contributions of these civilizations. Students identify the Central American countries where the United States...
American Museum of Natural History
Making a Field Journal
Trowels and brushes are certainly important tools for an archaeologist working on a dig. Perhaps more important, however, is the archaeologist's field journal. Christina Elson, an archaeologist working with the American Museum of Natural...
Curated OER
Romans of the New World
Who were the Iroquois, and how did they compare with the Romans? Attached is a three-page article and a set of accompanying questions. Only four questions are included, but you could require your readers to write two or three...
Curated OER
Meso-America
Students will identify and locate Central and South America and their countries and features, as well as Meso-American civilizations. Students will compare civilizations and discuss voyages of relevant explorers.
Curated OER
Pre-Colonial Native American Groups
Students investigate U.S. history by researching the Internet and taking a test. For this American Indian group lesson, students identify the many specific Native American tribes and their geographic locations. Students research the web...
Curated OER
Day of the Dead Lesson Plans
Day of the Dead lesson plans can provide a meaningful exploration of the holiday and its importance.