Chichen Itza Lesson Plans

Students create brochures and postcards that might have been created by and for travelers to ancient Mayan cities. They read and discuss the Times article, 'In Maya Ruins, Scholars See Evidence of Urban Sprawl.'

Students create a map of Mesoamerica using construction paper, clay or by drawing it.  In this World Geography instructional activity, students determine the location of Mesoamerica, make a map, then present their map to their class.

Fifth graders analyze the Mayan culture. In this Mayan culture lesson plan, 5th graders study the Mayan culture noting similarities and differences between the Mayan culture and their own. Students examine hieroglyphic writing and the Mayan influence on astronomy.

Students examine world geography by identifying the wonders of the world.  In this world history lesson, students discuss what they think the ancient wonders of the world are and then discover the true list.  Students answer questions about the wonders of the world after reading information in their textbook.

Third graders are introduced to the use of glyphs and relief carving by Mesoamerican cultures. They complete worksheets, view PowerPoint presentations, participate in a Webquest and create an original glyph carving in sandstone.

Students locate famous landmarks around the world. They identify the location of natural and manmade landmarks using a worksheet that provides ten clues.

Learners complete a WebQuest in which they determine the meaning and symbolism behind Ancient Mesoamerican writing, Glyphs. They investigate the Mayan Calendar system and identify relief carvings found on Mayan temples. They present their favorite glyphs while working in pairs and carve glyph examples in sandstone.

Students conduct Internet research about ancient civilizations to produce a newspaper that reflecting the cultural, political, economic and religious views of the ancient civilizations of Egypt or Mexico.

Students read and discuss the vocabulary related to a news article about the new version of the Seven Wonders of the world. They read the article, define key vocabulary terms, identify relative clauses from the article, and complete comprehension worksheets.

Students investigate world history by researching the history of the Mayans.  In this insect lesson, students discuss the impact of bees on the Mayan culture and how they were used in agriculture and everyday life.  Students complete a true or false activity, checking their answers afterwards.