Mexican History Lesson Plans

Young scholars stage a debate about immigration between the United States and Mexico. Half the groups the "pro" position of the question and half the groups the "con" position. They research and print online information about U.S.-Mexican

Sixth graders study the Olmec civilization. They develop a map of Mexico and a map of the area of the Olmec civilization. They research Olmec art, religion, and architecture. They construct Olmec symbols including giant heads, altars, and sculptures.

Young scholars complete a unit about the geography and culture of Mexico. They compare and contrast the weather of their own city and Mexico, read books about Mexico, count in Spanish, color in a flag of Mexico and the Mexican Coat of Arms, sing various songs, and make different recipes.

Students tour a virtual gallery of Mexican Art and create a glossary of art terms. They explore the history and culture of Mexico through studying Mexican art. They access websites imbedded in this plan to study the artwork.

Students investigate Spanish settlements in New Mexico and identify ways in which current ranchos reflect those earlier times. They use maps, readings, and photographs in their search.

Students compare and contrast the culture of Mexico to the United States. They brainstorm what makes up a culture and develop a model of their own culture. Students explore Mexican music and dance. Additional cross curriculum activities are provided.

Students explore oral history and how it is important to historical record. They interview someone who is a U.S. immigrant and create an oral history project/paper based on this interview.

Students study maps of New Mexico examining settlement patterns over time and the location of water sources. They research the history of their community and discover how cultural groups interacted, adapted to their physical environments, and allocated water for their needs. Finally they construct a three-dimensional clay model of land forms in their community.

Learners identify and interpret Spanish heritage, including the Mediterranean culture, language, history, trade, and migration. Following, they began an in-depth study of Egypt, the Middle East, Greece, and Rome and were able to make connections with the Spanish heritage and distant civilizations. Finally, students made the study of Current Events timelier by comparing present-day labor practices in third World countries.

Learners explore the customs and traditions of the United States' southern neighbor. They see that Mexico's land is composed of mountains, deserts, and tropical zones and that Mexican culture and traditions are an integral part of everyday life in Mexico.