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...
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...
Curated OER
Aztec Gods
The Aztec people had many gods in their pantheon. Your class gets to learn about three of them. They read about each of the three main gods, then create a god of their own. They use what they've learned about each god to make and...
Curated OER
Aztec Culture and Lifestyles
Students explore the lifestyles of the Aztecs. In this ancient culture lesson, students jigsaw into groups that divide up various aspects of Aztec culture. Students reform as a class in order to discuss and share their findings.
Curated OER
Aztec Culture
Learners 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.
Curated OER
The Conquest of the Aztec Civilization
High schoolers use the classroom atlases, the Internet or textbooks to draw a freehand map. They work in groups using the maps in the book The Broken Spears (Portilla) and The Conquest of New Spain (Diaz) to draw a freehand map...
Curated OER
Aztec History
Students explore facets of Aztec history. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students map landmarks in Mexico, read excerpts from The Sad Night: The Story of an Aztec Victory and a Spanish Loss, by Sally Mathews and design concept...
Curated OER
Aztec Myths 1
Young scholars write a diary entry or a letter from the viewpoint of a character in a myth. In this Aztec myths lesson, students define myths and read "The Heart of Copil" and "The Eagle of Tenochtitlan" and find the land of...
Curated OER
Conquistadors: Hernán Cortes
Learners discover the accomplishments of Hernan Cortes. In this Exploration Age lesson, students discuss the attributes of Cortes and his role as a conquistador. Learners then conduct further research to participate in a debate about...
Curated OER
Aztec Leaders
Students research the accomplishments of Aztec leaders. In this early civilizations lesson, students research Itzcoatl, Montezuma I, Ahuizotl, Montezuma II, and Cuaucht moc. Students use their research findings to create...
Curated OER
Common Good in Aztec Culture
Students investigate the Aztec religion and its symbols. In this Aztec religion lesson, students develop understanding of why the Aztecs gave sacrifices. Students write an essay looking at the Aztec religion and can explain its...
Curated OER
Mesoamerica: The History of Central America
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...
Curated OER
Aztec Dance
Seventh graders study Aztec dance to learn about their culture and civilization. In this Aztec study lesson, 7th graders watch a video of Aztec dancers and describe the dance on an index card. Students visit a website to learn the...
Curated OER
Bible: Aztec Gods
Learners create a visual representation of an aspect of Aztec religion. In this Aztec religion instructional activity, students work in groups to read a passage and create a visual way to remember the important information in...
Edible Schoolyard
Pan de los Muertos
Accompany instruction and the celebration of El Dia de los Muertos with a loaf of Pan de los Muertos. Here, scholars measure ingredients precisely to create tasty bread, write a remembrance for someone who has...
Curated OER
What is Sacrifice?
Seventh graders explore different forms of sacrifice. In this World History lesson, 7th graders determine the reasons why people make sacrifices. Students write a personal goal to make a small sacrifice.
Curated OER
Mayan Culture
Students use RAFT prompts to write about Mayan society. In this instructional activity on Mayan culture, students research and then explain the Mayan hierarchy and social structure. As a culminating activity each student will write a...
Curated OER
Come On Over To Maya Place
Fifth graders analyze the Mayan culture. For this Mayan culture lesson, 5th graders study the Mayan culture noting similarities and differences between the Mayan culture and their own. Students examine hieroglyphic writing and the Mayan...
Curated OER
Mesoamerican Cultures
Students compare and contrast the Mayan and Aztec cultures. In this Mesoamerican cultures lesson, students visit classroom stations that feature the landmarks, popular foods, and gods of the 2 cultures. Students discuss their favorite...
Curated OER
Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortez
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.
Curated OER
Nahuatl Culture
Students read stories, look at maps, and write journal entries to learn about the language and artwork of Nahuatl culture. In this Nahuatl culture lesson plan, students research the Nahuatl culture and present their findings.
Curated OER
Chapter 9: A Surprising Day and A Little Bit About China
Fifth graders complete activities with Chapter 9 of the book The Fastest Pig in the West by Randi Hacker. In this literature lesson, 5th graders discuss the concept of saving face and how it affects the main character's decisions....
Curated OER
Understanding Primary and Secondary Sources
Students identify legends in Tennessee and U.S. history, and differentiate between primary and secondary sources. They list examples of primary and secondary sources, participate in a field trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and...
Curated OER
CRM in Tennessee
Eleventh graders examine the the Civil Rights Movement in Tennessee. In this state history lesson, 11th graders create a timeline of events. Students write journal entries about their visit to the Nashville Public Library.