Curated OER
Traveling Through Time, Wetland Style
Learners create a timeline on the development of the Pajaro Valley Area. In this social science lesson, students discuss the changes that took place in the area over the past 300 years. They draw a pictures of how the area has changed...
Curated OER
Jose' Clemente Orozco
Students analyze the art of Mexican artist Jose' Clemente Orozco and complete analysis activities. In this Mexican art analysis lesson, students read about Orozco's Zapatistas and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
El Ballet Folklorico de Mexico
Students conduct Internet research on the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico. They complete a worksheet answering questions about the Ballet Folklorico, and create an award and write a speech to present to the class.
Academy of American Poets
Teach This Poem: "When There Were Ghosts" by Alberto Ríos
Before cell phones, tablets, and computers with access to YouTube, before gleaming multiplexes and even before television, there were small theaters with Saturday night black and white movies. Alberto Ríos's poem "When There Were Ghosts"...
Museum of Tolerance
The Pursuit of Democracy and Diversity: The Trial of Pro-Social Injustice in Historical Documents and Accounts
Class members investigate The Indian Removal Act of 1830, U.S. Theft of Mexican Territory Timeline, and President Abraham Lincoln’s letter to Horace Greeley, 1862, and then conduct a mock trial of each of these documents to determine...
Curated OER
Calavaras Puppets
Fifth graders view skeleton images used in the Dia de los Muertos festival and hear the Mexican tale "Sister Death and the Healer." They identify the view of death held by the Mexican people.
Curated OER
Hispanic Heritage: Introduction to Hispanic Culture
Third graders locate the country of Mexico on a map and discuss its relationship to the United States. They examine the Mexican flag and discuss the colors and symbolism used in the flag. They create an original and accurate drawing of...
Curated OER
International Festival - Masks
Students study the influence masks had on Hispanic society. After investigating uses of masks in various cultures, they create masks that relate to their own experiences. In groups they create an Hispanic mask and a mask representing...
Curated OER
God's Life
Students explore the Huichole culture. They create a craft that is typical of the Huichole culture. Students partake in a variety of traditional Spanish foods and music. They use Spanish vocabulary while creating their craft.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
History of Immigration Through the 1850s
Everyone living in the United States today is a descendant from an immigrant—even Native Americans. Learn about the tumultuous history of American immigration with a reading passage that discusses the ancient migration over the Bering...
Curated OER
Let's Have a Fiesta!
First graders plan a Mexican fiesta, create a paper flower and cook a tortilla to eat with a fruit drink. They listen to Gary Soto's, Too Many Tamales and June Behrens', Fiesta! Cinco de Mayo.
Curated OER
Should Art Be for Art's Sake?
Young scholars examine how European-America aestheticians (philosophers of art) do not all agree about the value and definition of art. students examine how some cultures do not have a distinct word or definition for art.
Curated OER
Metal Tooling with Colored Pencils
Take your art class back centuries to the art of metal tooling. This is an art technique also referred to as embossing, or repajado in Mexico and South America. This is a fun project to introduce a new technique and new materials. This...
Smithsonian Institution
Latino Expression
How much of your daily life is influenced by Latin American music? Take a listen—the answer may surprise you! High schoolers keep a journal to note any instances they see Latino culture represented, including the media, their school, and...
Curated OER
Colored Pencil Repoussé
Artists employ a basic metalworking technique by embossing lines and textures into a soft metal. They look for examples of embossed metals in historical and contemporary examples. This fascinating process has been used by many cultures...
Curated OER
La Marcha Dance
Fourth graders are presented with a wedding song and dance of another culture. They also make a connection between the beat of a song with various dance movements.
Curated OER
Spanish Culture Lesson - Cinco de Mayo
Students role play the characters and events which led to the holiday of Cinco de Mayo. In this Cinco de Mayo lesson, students dance the "La Raspa" dance. Students complete a Cinco de Mayo word search.
Curated OER
Claycrete Calaveras - Dia de los Muertos
Students create skeletons to celebrate the Day of the Dead. In this visual arts lesson, students explore the importance of the Day of the Dead celebrations in the Mexican culture. They create skeletons and decorate them with paint,...
Curated OER
A Cultural Celebration
Students explore the Mexican ritual of Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. They make sugar skulls using math measurement and artistic expression and become more aware of this Mexican holiday.
Curated OER
Crossroads: Chicano Identity and Border Culture
Students identify and explore complex ways that the theme of "frontiers" or socio-political borders affect Chicano identity in the US and examine notions of "resistance" and "affirmation" as a fundamental ideology in Chicano life,...
Curated OER
The Eagle Has Landed: Aztecs Find a Home
Students investigate the Aztec civilization and locate it on a map. They explain the legend of the city of Tenochtitan and investigate the symbolism of the Mexican flag.
National Woman's History Museum
Dolores Huerta: The Life and Work of a 20th Century Activist
Extra! Extra! High schoolers read about Dolores Huerta, the social activist who helped organize the United Farm Workers. Researchers read primary and secondary sources about Huerta's work and craft a headline, supported by three pieces...
Curated OER
Mexican "Tona" Animal Masks
Students study the Mexican legend related to masks. They select an animal with traits they can identify with and recognize in themselves. Afterward, they create a mask that will retain some human features, but take on the life of the...
Curated OER
Mexican Paper Bag Poncho
Students investigate the culture of Mexico. They are given a brief history of Cinco de Mayo and learn about the poncho as being an essential piece of clothing. Students will create their own poncho using their choice of design and colors.