Pupils examine the Aztec civilization in what is now Mexico. Using a map, they locate the empire and explain the legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan. They explore the symbols on various Mexican flags and what they meant to the Aztec...

Students explore the lifestyles of the Aztecs. In this ancient culture instructional activity, students jigsaw into groups that divide up various aspects of Aztec culture. Students reform as a class in order to discuss and share their...

Here are three interconnected lessons intended to build an understanding of life in Mexico prior to and after contact with Spain. Learners take a "trip" to Tenochtitlan through a series of images, read The Evil of Tezcatilipoca and The...

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.

Students explore facets of Aztec history. In this ancient civilizations activity, 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...

Aztecs created amazing hydroponic gardens called Chinampas, to grow their crops. Learners in grades k-7 engage in four mini-experiments to understand just how amazing floating gardens are. Tip: A perfect way to bring science into your...

Students conduct Internet research to discover how Mesoamerican's used chocolate. In this South American history instructional activity, students work in pairs to complete an activity worksheet and engage in class discussion.

Students identify a topic for an open-ended question and evaluate the question. After developing ideas that lead to inquire, they investigate and research this topic on the Internet, and then create an iMovie.

Americans wanted to fulfill Manifest Destiny, and this pattern continued with the Mexican War. The resource specifically teaches about the Mexican War through a variety of exercises including a research project, group work, brainstorming...

Students will identify and locate Central and South America and their countries and features, as well as Meso-American civilizations. Students will compare civilizations and discuss voyages of relevant explorers.

Students examine a website devoted to sharing smallpox facts. They are to focus on the history of the diesease, how to prevent it and the pathology involved. They discover information about the smallpox vaccine and how it can be used as...

Sixth graders experiment with an atlatl and dart.  In this sixth grade data management mathematics instructional activity, 6th graders explore and determine the most suitable methods of displaying data collected from their...

Students investigate Mayan Numbers. In this algebra lesson, students compare our number system to the number system of the Mayans. They identify base 10 and base 20 numbers including zero in the Mayan symbols. They solve a Mayan problem.

Third graders examine the history of corn. In this agriculture lesson plan, 3rd graders discuss the history of corn and identify the corn belt on a map. Students dissect kernels of corn and discuss their observations.

Students discover what an atlatl is and how to use it. In this Native American lesson, students discuss the history of the Native American atlatl and practice throwing with it. Students will analyze the effects of the atlatl in terms of...

Students use RAFT prompts to write about Mayan society. In this lesson on Mayan culture, students research and then explain the Mayan hierarchy and social structure. As a culminating activity each student will write a newspaper article...