Smarter Balanced
Aztec Empire
To set the stage for a study of the Aztec Empire, groups use the provided definition of civilization and generate a list of elements that make up our modern day civilization. The whole class then examines an image of an Aztec city and...
Teaching Ideas
The Aztecs
Did you know the Aztecs had two different calendars? Or that Aztec men could have more than one wife? Find out more about this ancient civilization including how they lived, what they ate, and their cultures and beliefs with a set of 20...
Council for Economic Education
Economic Systems of the Incas and Aztecs
The Inca and Aztecs created vast economic empires in South America, but how did economics play a role? A simulation activity and reading help scholars evaluate the kinds of markets these great civilizations created. They then consider...
Curated OER
Common Good in Aztec Culture Lesson 2: Aztec Religion
Students examine human sacrifice and read about Aztec gods and religious practices. They study Aztec sacrifice while looking at opportunity costs of doing things for the common good.
Curated OER
Aztec Culture
Students research the Aztec culture in Mexico. They focus on their religious practices. They write a goal to personally sacrifice something. They also write about the costs and benefits of a sacrifice.
Core Knowledge Foundation
Unit 2: Early American Civilizations
Fifth graders explore early American civilizations in a four-week ELA unit. Every lesson offers an opportunity to read and discuss a selected passage followed by word work that covers vocabulary, grammar, and morphology. Learners write...
Core Knowledge Foundation
Early American Civilizations Tell It Again!™ Read-Aloud Anthology
Bridge subjects ancient history and English language arts together with a unit all about the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. Eleven lessons begin with a read-aloud followed by a whole-class discussion in preparation for practice by...
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans the Land of the Four Quarters
[Free Registration/Login Required] This nonfiction passage describes the Inca Empire and shares a theory about how the civilization disappeared. This passage reinforces essential reading comprehension skills. Opportunities for vocabulary...
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans Cuzco: City of Gold
[Free Registration/Login Required] This nonfiction passage describes the ancient city of Cuzco, the center of activity during the Inca Empire. This passage reinforces essential reading comprehension skills. Opportunities for vocabulary...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Clash of Cultures: Indigenous America and the Conquistadores
A learning module that begins with "Clash of Cultures: Indigenous America and the Conquistadores" by USHistory.org, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF...