Students study the Mexican legend related to masks. They select an animal with traits they can identify with and recognize in themselves. Afterward, they create a mask that will retain some human features, but take on the life of the...

Students investigate the environmental and human implications to local communities of hosting a major exposition or fair in their region. They study current site conditions and develop a comprehensive plan.

Students discuss the first people to live in North America and the types of evidence we have of their existence. They complete a set of worksheets and explore their answer in group discussions.

Fourth graders discuss the major nations of California Indians, their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends and religious beliefs. They describe the function of Spanish missions and the influence of Catholicism. In...

Students analyze the art of Joaquin Torres Garcia in 'Composition.' In this art analysis lesson, students read about the artist's work and the artist. Students answer discussion and follow-up questions.

Young scholars determine how Spanish-speaking blacks and English speaking blacks were treated differently. In this emancipation lesson, students compare the Mexican and American rules regarding slavery.     

Fourth graders research the details of a California Mission. They design a slide show to present their research.

Students use the Internet to gather historical facts about the county in which they live. Using the information, they discover how to check it for accuracy and present their findings to the class. They write an essay about the history of...

Students learn the history of Christianity in New Spain. They learn the story and significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe. They compare and contrast images of the Virgin and religious art to European counterparts.

Students discuss the life and significance of Saint James. They identify details and features of New Spanish sculpture that make it unique.

Fourth graders read excerpts from Juan Bautista de Anza's diaries. They analyze the impact of primary sources. They write journal entries for characters in stories they have read during the year.

Although the title of this unit is Pre-Columbian America, the primary focus is on historical thinking. The second part of the unit explores the variety and complexity of cultures in Pre-Columbian America. Included are State Standards,...

Examine some of the rare books, maps, prints and other artifacts in this online exhibition. The exhibition explores several themes on the cultures and history of the Americas. The collection focuses on the period of pre-contact through...

Article on pre-Columbian Native American history and culture, including discussion on the impact of the Europeans.

Tom Richey provides a collection of videos, lessons, and assignments to assist with teaching or studying pre-Columbian cultures in the New World through the beginnings of the French and Indian War.

Browse the museum's collection of pre-Columbian art by culture (e.g., Inca, Aztec, May, Olmec) or by medium.

An Exploration of Mesoamerican Cultures and Art is a database of many resources, publications, books, and articles. Click Search and enter the topic. Click Resources for archaeological sites and monuments such as Chichen Itza and Cacaxtla.

Moche architects and artists raised spectacular adobe platforms and pyramids and created exquisite ceramics and jewelry. View pictures and read descriptions of Moche artwork and culture in this essay.

Home page is an extensive search engine to locate artifacts by city or culture.

Interactive collection of presentations from the Library of Congress provides glimpses into the fascinating history of pre-Columbian Americas.

Learn about the art of the ancient Maya of central America and the Yucatan penincula in this overview and image gallery with individual artwork descriptions.

Several PDF reports offered at this site offer insights to the sequence of construction by various cultural groups. Very descriptive details of each step of the excavation process and photographs are provided.

Essay on pre-Columbian cultures of the Americas and the development of a more structured and hierarchical society as populations grew and tools became more advanced.

Using El Mapa de Teozacoalco which was created in 1580 using Mixtec codex paintings, researchers were able to identify and excavate many early Mixtex cities.