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El Misterio del los Mayas (The Mystery of the Mayas)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars, working in groups, research different aspects of the Mayan society of the classical period. They study the rise and fall of the civilization and present the information in multimedia presentations.
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Mayan Civilization

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders are introduced to the characteristics of the Mayan civilization. While viewing a film, they practice their note taking skills by writing down what they believe are important facts. They discuss their notes at the end of...
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Civilizations of the Americas

For Teachers 7th
Study and compare multiple aspects of both Aztec and Inca civilizations. Young historians explain how each of the empires came to be, and how they were both defeated by the Spanish. The resource starts out as a good lesson, but is...
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American Civilization

For Teachers 1st
First graders become familiar with Mayan culture, Aztec civilization and the Inca Empire.
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The Mayan Empire

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students study vocabulary associated with the Mayan Empire; its art, daily life, inventions, and religious beliefs. They examine why the Mayan culture is considered to be one of the most advanced of the ancient civilizations by...
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Understanding Mayan Culture

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study an ancient culture in Mexico whose people were called the Mayans. They compare certain aspects of Mayan culture with Ancient Egypt. They discuss why some other ancient cultures (Egypt and China) were able to survive for...
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Theobroma Cacao "The Food of the Gods"

For Teachers 6th
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.
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A Classical Maya News Report

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the culture of the Mayans. In this early civilizations instructional activity, students research selected Maya city-states including Tikal, Clakmul, Piedras Niegras, and Uaxactun. Students use their research...
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A Mayan Adventure - Special Assignment

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students role-play the role of a reporter for their school's newspaper. Pretending they are visiting Mexico and Central America, they research the answers to questions given to them by their teacher. They discuss their answers and the...
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Ofelia Romero The Maya Culture and Civilization

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate the Mayan culture, number system, alphabet, hieroglyphics, history, civilization, artistry, and sports in this series of lessons.
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The Ancient Maya

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students explore the culture of the Mayans through a variety of activities. For this lesson about Maya, students analyze pictures in books and on websites, produce scale models of Maya architecture, and create Maya mosaics. Students...
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Be That As It Maya

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Creative projects are a great way to engage your class and can be a fun way to assess mastery! Learners create brochures and postcards that might have been created by and for travelers to ancient Mayan cities. They read and discuss the...
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Central American Immigrants to the United States: Refugees from Unrest

For Teachers 6th - 8th
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...
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Will America Fall Apart Like the Maya?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers work in teams to research ancient Mayan civilization as they simulate working for the President of the United States. He is concerned that if a civilization as technologically advanced as the Maya's could disappear, could...
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Exploring the Past: Mayan, Aztec, and Incan Civilizations

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan Civilizations and identify contributions they made to modern society. For this ancient civilizations lesson plan, 5th graders look at maps of where they were located.
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Mayan Culture

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students use RAFT prompts to write about Mayan society. In this lesson on Mayan culture, students research and then explain the Mayan hierarchy and social structure. As a culminating activity each student will write a newspaper article...
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Mesoamerica: The History of Central America

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
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Introduction to the Maya Civilization

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Pupils investigate the Maya civilization. In this Maya civilization lesson, students view a PowerPoint presentation and record notes. Pupils explore several important landmarks, such as the "Magician's Palace" at Uxmal.
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Inside The Pyramids

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research the use of pyramids in different cultures. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students watch "Inside the Pyramids." High schoolers conduct further research on the topic and create...
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Mystery of the Maya

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students research the Mayan civilization and complete an artifact dig. In this archeology lesson, students watch an IMAX video about the Mayan civilization. Students discuss archaeology related vocabulary and then work in teams to...
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Now You're Speaking My Language; Deciphering the Symbols of Early Civilizations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore early attempts at written language. In this early civilizations lesson plan, students investigate first attempts at written communication. Among the civilizations covered are Mayan, Greek, and Egyptian.
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Multiculturalism Through African Folk Tales And Mayan Myths

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners study the myths of various African cultures and of the Mayan people. They identify unique characteristics of African myths and Mayan myths. They define and recognize the style and tone of the Mayan myths and create their own...
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Mayan Culture Logbook

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students use the Internet to research Mayan culture, religion and economics. They develop a logbook to record their research.
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Hungry for History

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine what their diets would be like without the inclusion of staple crops such as corn, wheat and sugar, and discover the value that chocolate had for the Mayan people. They create display boards for a food festival.