Curated OER
Why did the Aztec and Inca civilizations disappear?
Middle schoolers can analyze primary source documents to answer the question, "Why did the Aztec and Inca civilizations disappear?" They will read the provided excerpts then answer 11 different questions to uncover the ultimate answer.
Smithsonian Institution
Conflicting Voices of the Mexican War
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...
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
Aztecs Meet the Spanish
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...
Curated OER
World History: Legacy of the Conquistadors.
Students examine the influence of the Spanish conquistadors on ancient South American Cultures. In four separate lessons, they discover the relationships of Cortes and the Aztecs, Pizarro and the Incas, Orellana and the Amazons, and...
Curated OER
Cortes & Montezuma Worksheet
In this world history worksheet, middle schoolers utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about Cortes and Montezuma. A short answer question is included as well.
Curated OER
Tenochtitlan Needs a Drink
Students engineer a way to provide drinking water using Aztec technology. In this engineering a way to provide drinking water using Aztec technology lesson, students find a way to deliver fresh water to a city surrounded by salt...
Curated OER
The Search for the Lost City of El Dorado
Ninth graders research the reasons to why people want to find the city of El Dorado. In this Spanish exploration activity, 9th graders read an article and answer guided reading questions. Students present their findings to the...
Curated OER
Conquering North America
Students create a study guide on colonization of North America. In this American Colonization instructional activity, students complete a chart of explorers and their conquests. Students complete a crossword puzzle using explorer facts....
Curated OER
Conquistadors: Francisco Pizarro
Students examine the work of Spanish conquistadors. In this Inca lesson, students research factors that led to Pizzaro's conquest of the Inca and compose essays pertaining to their findings.
Curated OER
Coronado: Misfortune's Explorer
Fourth graders discuss the importance of Coronado's expedition through Texas and the trials his men endured during the journey. They view and discuss a map of Coronado's route, the effects of weather on the Great Plains, and Buffalo....
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Moctezuma Ii
Under Moctezuma, the Aztec empire was strong and expanded its borders. However, when the Spanish arrived, their superior power and weapons enabled them to conquer the Aztecs. Read about Moctezuma's life, his interactions with the Spanish...
University of California
University of California at San Diego: Aztec Chronology
An extremely detailed chronology of the Aztecs and their predecessors, stretching from 600 AD to 1521, their conquest by the Spaniards. Scroll to the end to find a genealogical chart of the Aztec royal house.
PBS
Pbs: The Conquistadors: Aztec Life and Times
Read about what life was like for the Aztecs before the Spanish Conquest. This is part of a larger PBS site about the conquistadors.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Land of the Brave: Hernando Cortes Facts
Interesting biographical facts on the life of Hernando Cortes, the man who conquered the Aztec empire.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Hernando Cortes 1485 1547
Furnished is a brief summary of the life and explorations of Spanish explorer, Hernando Cortes. Take a look at the photos and maps of his journey of what today is called Mexico.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Explorers for Kids: Hernan Cortes
Investigate the biography and life of Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernan Cortes. Read about how he conquered the Aztec Empire.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Cortes in Mexico, 1519
A map showing the expedition of Hernan Cortes in 1519. This expedition was the third to the mainland and took him all the way into Mexico. This map shows the route from the Battle of Cintla (Tabasco) to Veracruz (Villa Rica de la Vera...