Spanish Conquest of Mexico Lesson Plans

Students study the conquest of Mexico and the role of La Llorona. They review the geographical locations of the Aztec civilization and present day Mexico. They compare and contrast an Aztec city and a Spanish city. They create a timeline of Spanish conquest including Dona Marina's role. They research her life and simulate a trial.

Sixth graders research the history of chocolate and write short answers to provided questions. They read about the Mayan and Aztec civilizations and the Spanish conquest.

Eleventh graders investigate the impact of religion and exploration. In this Spanish conquistador lesson, 11th graders analyze primary documents that reveal how Native Americans were impacted by the conquistadors. Students discuss the role of religion as a motivation for Spanish settlements and write "I Am" poems as a culminating activity.

Students comprehend that Mexico is a country. They identify two types of regions in Mexico. Students comprehend that many people in Mexico speak Spanish. They use three Spainsh words. Studnents begin to relate simple words with corresponding pictures.

Students research and write an essay about the use of technology to change war tactics. They investigate the technology that influenced three historical conquests: the Battle of Crecy, the Ottoman takeover of Constantinople and Cortes in Mexico.

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 examine the influences of the Hispanic groups from Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico. In groups, they research the history of Mexico and read excerpts from a book in Spanish to practice their vocabulary. To end the lesson, they write letters to the Embassy of Mexico in New York to ask for information about the Hispanic cultures in the American Southwest.

Go on an electronic field trip. Discover Spanish-speaking countries through Internet exploration. Students participate in a whole group discussion to general knowledge about the location, cultural background, independence and current affairs of the countries encountered. 

Students simulate the research process of investigating a shipwreck. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, and develop and write a proposal for excavation of the archaeological site.

Students simulate an Independent Counsel to represent the Spanish and the Aztecs to formulate a policy for the Roman Catholic Church in 1527. They conduct research, graph the similarities and differences, create a poster, and write a position paper.