Four fabulous activities immerse amateur astronomers into measuring objects that we cannot handle. The experiences are applied to NASA's Space Interferometry Mission, which will take measurements of planets around stars other than our...

Students use the Internet to research Mayan culture, religion and economics. They develop a logbook to record their research.

Students analyze the meaning of Maya glyphs. In this Mayan communication lesson plan, students use Mayan symbols to calculate their birthdates according to Maya Long Count.

Students compare the traditional Mayan clothing to their everyday clothing. For this multicultural appreciation lesson, students look at images of traditional Mayan clothing and discuss its importance.

Giving gifts has been a part of the human experience since modern man walked the earth. Upper graders explore the culture of gift giving in Mayan times through an artistic analysis. They analyze gift giving and palace life as seen on an...

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.

High schoolers research the use of pyramids in different cultures. In this ancient civilizations lesson plan, students watch "Inside the Pyramids." High schoolers conduct further research on the topic and create...

Students discover beliefs and practices of the Mayans.  In this Mayan gods lesson, students discuss "The World Tree" of the Mayans, the three layers of the tree, and their meanings.  Students discover the manner and purpose of...

Young scholars discuss ways homes, buildings and cities are designed for a particular climate and geography. Students use a chart and conduct library and online research to explore ways the Mayans and Incas developed their land based on...

Pupils observe the shapes and lines that make up Aztec sculpture, study Pre-Columbian art as they discover the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas. They create a small-scale Aztec tile using pasta. Creative, clever and engaging.

First graders become familiar with Mayan culture, Aztec civilization and the Inca Empire.

High schoolers explore an ancient Mayan city. In this world history instructional activity, students watch a video about the ancient Mayan civilization, discussing information prior to and after watching the video. High schoolers then...

Students explore the culture of the Mayans through a variety of activities. In this activity about Maya, students analyze pictures in books and on websites, produce scale models of Maya architecture, and create Maya mosaics. Students...

Students study the myths of various African cultures and of the Mayan people. They identify unique characteristics of African myths and Mayan myths. They define and recognize the style and tone of the Mayan myths and create their own...

Young scholars compare and contrast the Mayan and Aztec cultures. For this Mesoamerican cultures lesson, students visit classroom stations that feature the landmarks, popular foods, and gods of the 2 cultures. Young scholars discuss...

Students research the Mayan number and calendar system. They translate a variety of math problems from base-10 Arabic numbers into a base-20 Mayan representation. They discuss current challenges faced by the people in today's Guatemala.

Students create a map of Mesoamerica using construction paper, clay or by drawing it.  In this World Geography lesson, students determine the location of Mesoamerica, make a map, then present their map to their class.

Imagine recycling food scraps and using them to make paper. The directions are all here in a seven-page packet that details several paper-making strategies.

Students research the Mayan civilization and complete an artifact dig. In this archeology activity, students watch an IMAX video about the Mayan civilization. Students discuss archaeology related vocabulary and then work in teams to...

Eighth graders draw the paths of the planets in the solar system. In this astronomy lesson, 8th graders calculate speed of objects using distance and time information. They research about the work of scientists in the 16th and 17th century.

Students investigate the Maya civilization. In this Maya civilization lesson, students view a PowerPoint presentation and record notes. Students explore several important landmarks, such as the "Magician's Palace" at Uxmal.

Young scholars examine the role of women in Mesoamerica. They watch segments of the Discovery video "Mesoamerica: The History of Central America". After conducting further research pertaining to specific Mayan women, they write...

Students examine what their diets would be like without the inclusion of staple crops such as corn, wheat and sugar, and discover the value that chocolate had for the Mayan people. They create display boards for a food festival.

Middle schoolers examine a piece of pottery and make conclusions about the culture. They demonstrate the skills used in digging at a dig site. They also make inferences about the responsibility archaeologists have when excavating a site.