Core Knowledge Foundation
Maya, Aztec, and Inca Civilizations
Here are a series of lessons on the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan civilizations. This incredible, 15-lesson unit would be perfect for any fifth grade study on these important civilizations. Learners focus on the complex nature of the cultures,...
Curated OER
Conquistadors: Inca Rebellion
Students explore the Incan culture. In this Incan history lesson, students research the rebellions that occured upon the arrival of the Spanish conquistdors. Students write essays regarding the rebellions and whether or not they could...
Curated OER
Tangled Text
Students list different forms of communication, assess importance of writing, read and discuss article "String, and Knot, Theory of Inca Writing", research system of writing, and create "How It Works" posters.
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...
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.
Virginia Department of Education
World History and Geography to 1500 A.D.
Here's a great resource for your curriculum library. The 240-page packet, organized into units by topics, includes sample lesson plans, links to primary and secondary source documents, worksheets, activities, and sample assessments.
Curated OER
Conquistadors:Francisco Pizarro
Students determine the reasons for Francisco Pizarro's success in vanquishing the Incas. They research the factors that played the greatest role in the conquest of the Inca Empire and write a paper explaining their conclusions.
Curated OER
Poverty Point Earthworks: Louisiana's Ancient Inhabitants
Students research the prehistoric earthworks site at Poverty Point, Louisiana. They compare the Louisiana artifacts and structure to the remains and knowledge of other ancient cultures. They present their research to the class.
Curated OER
The Irish Potato Famine and Immigration
Fifth graders study how the potato famine affected the Irish population. They speculate on how the Irish were viewed by the English and the new Americans. They examine why the Irish immigrated to the new colonies. and evaluate how new...
Curated OER
Self-Portrait Unit - Lesson #1
Fourth graders create self-portraits using artistic elements found in Hispanic culture and, specifically, the art of Frida Kahlo. The lesson plan can be adapted for any culture/country and requires an outside person with cultural...
Curated OER
Mesoamerican Codex Books
Fifth graders recreate Mesoamerican Codex Books using brown paper bags, paints, glue, an iron, and books on Mesoamerican Glyphs in this 5th grade instructional activity in the Art classroom. Resource links and book references are...