Council for Economic Education
Economic Systems of the Incas and Aztecs
The Inca and Aztecs created vast economic empires in South America, but how did economics play a role? A simulation activity and reading help scholars evaluate the kinds of markets these great civilizations created. They then consider...
Smarter Balanced
Aztec Empire
To set the stage for a study of the Aztec Empire, groups use the provided definition of civilization and generate a list of elements that make up our modern day civilization. The whole class then examines an image of an Aztec city and...
University of California
Tenochtitlán
Behold, the Great Aztec empire! Scholars use primary sources to understand the impact of the Aztec city Tenochtitlan. Academics complete a worksheet and participate in group discussion to understand how Tenochtitlan was a melting pot for...
Mexic-Arte Museum
El Dia de los Muertos
Celebrate the traditional Mexican holiday El Dia de los Muertos! Explore the intricate history behind the traditions, compare other cultural rituals honoring the dead, and create sugar skulls. Learners read informational text on Aztec...
Agriculture in the Classroom
Chocolate Taste-Testing: Introduction to Loco for Cocoa
Is the price of chocolate a good indicator of taste? Your learners will approach this question through experimentation and analysis, and will then delve into the rich history and complexity of cacao and chocolate.
Council for Economic Education
India and the Caste System in 200 B.C.E.
Many young people know India had a caste system that prevented social mobility and structured Indian society. The connections between the caste system and economics may not be as clear, however. A reading, chart activity, and PowerPoint...
American Museum of Natural History
Making a Field Journal
Trowels and brushes are certainly important tools for an archaeologist working on a dig. Perhaps more important, however, is the archaeologist's field journal. Christina Elson, an archaeologist working with the American Museum of Natural...
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans the Aztec Empire
[Free Registration/Login Required] This nonfiction passage provides information about the ancient Aztec Empire, including the significance of Montezuma and Tenochtitlan. This passage reinforces essential reading comprehension skills....
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas Tenochtitlan
[Free Registration/Login Required] A retelling of a legend about the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas Cuzco: City of Gold
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the Incan city Cuzco. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas the Land of the Four Quarters
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the Incan empire. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas the Mayans
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the Mayan civilization. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans Tenochtitlan
[Free Registration/Login Required] This nonfiction passage shares the legend of the creation of the Mayan city of Tenochtitlan. This passage reinforces essential reading comprehension skills. Opportunities for vocabulary acquisition are...
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans Cuzco: City of Gold
[Free Registration/Login Required] This nonfiction passage describes the ancient city of Cuzco, the center of activity during the Inca Empire. This passage reinforces essential reading comprehension skills. Opportunities for vocabulary...
Read Works
Read Works: Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans: The Mayans
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage shares facts about the Mayan civilizations. This passage reinforces essential reading comprehension skills. Opportunities for vocabulary acquisition are also included....
Study Languages
Study Spanish: Los Conquistadores
This resource on Spanish conquistadors focuses on Cortes, Alvarado and Pizarro. Additional links are provided for more information on this topic. Great reading selection for beginning and intermediate Spanish students.