Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Cortez Defeated the Aztecs

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore the cultural aspects of the Aztec Indians and their beliefs and knowledge base at the time of Cortez's invasion. They explore how their beliefs impacted the results of Cortez's invasion. Students synthesize information...
Writing
Curated OER

Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortez

For Students 5th - 8th
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.
PPT
Curated OER

The Age of Early European Explorations & Conquests

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Your students' world will literally take shape in this presentation, which chronicles the growing edges of the (flat) earth during European Exploration of New Worlds. Dias, da Gama, Magellean, and Columbus are key players in this game of...
Organizer
Curated OER

Explorers

For Students 6th - 8th
In this Explorers study guide instructional activity, students respond to 3 questions regarding Prince Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, Columbus, Magellan, Cortez, Pizarro, Drake, and Cartier. Answers are included.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Drama and Dance

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students create a dance that tells a story then they use the dance for inspiration and write their own. In this drama and dance instructional activity, students discover how the May and Aztec would dance to covey a concept or story....
PPT
Curated OER

Clash of Cultures and Marching North

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Each of the 23 slides that comprise this presentation are intended to enhance or support lessons on shifts in religion and the colonization of the Americas. Students are guided through the changes in religion that ultimately lead to the...
Worksheet
Curated OER

"Chocolate" Reading Comprehension-- Informational Passages

For Students 4th - 5th
In this reading for information worksheet, students read a one page text about the history and origins of chocolate. Students answer 5 comprehension and 5 vocabulary multiple choice questions.
Website
Other

Timeline Index: Cortez, Conqueror of Mexico 1519

For Students 6th - 8th
A chronology of the life of Hernando Cortez up to the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs.
Primary
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: An Aztec Account of the Spanish Conquest

For Students 9th - 10th
Fordham University provides an excerpt of an Aztec account of the initial encounter of Montezuma and the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes, as published by noted anthropologist Miguel Leon-Portilla. The meeting-turned-massacre,...
Graphic
Other

Aztec Centers in the Region of Lake Texcoco

For Students 9th - 10th
A map of Lake Texcoco, showing the Aztec centers in the region at the time of the Spanish conquistadors. The entry route of Cortes into the city of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, is designated along with causeways into the city. A few...
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Aztec Empire for Kids: Spanish Conquest

For Students 9th - 10th
Kids learn about the Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire including Hernan Cortes and Montezuma II on this site.
Website
University of Calgary

University of Calgary: Hernando Cortes Exploration

For Students 9th - 10th
This account of "The Conquest of the Aztec Empire" tells the story of Cortes' encounter with the Aztecs and the fall of the empire.
Website
Other

Heritage History: Montezuma

For Students 3rd - 8th
Historical information about Montezuma II, ruler of the Aztecs at the time of the Spanish Conquest. The information is taken from heritage history books written for young people.
Handout
San Jose State University

San Jose State University: Conquest of the Cities of Gold: Europe's Interactions

For Students 6th - 8th
The arrival of Hernan Cortez in Mexico, his encounters with the Aztec ruler Montezuma II and the Spanish defeat of the Aztecs are described.
Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: Age of Exploration: The Spanish Conquest of Mexico

For Students 9th - 10th
Lengthy description of the life of Hernan Cortes, the Spanish conquistador who brought down the Aztec Empire in Mexico. How this came to be is explained, with many details of the sophistication of Aztec civilization.
Primary
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Hernan Cortes

For Students 9th - 10th
Fordham University gives the text of Cortes' second letter to King Charles V, describing the Aztec capital city, Tenochtitlan, and the people who lived there.
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Cortes in Mexico, 1519

For Students 9th - 10th
A map showing the expedition of Hernan Cortes in 1519. This expedition was the third to the mainland and took him all the way into Mexico. This map shows the route from the Battle of Cintla (Tabasco) to Veracruz (Villa Rica de la Vera...
Graphic
Curated OER

Hernan Cortes

For Students Pre-K - 1st
hernan cortes