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...

What a creative approach to studying about the ancient Mayan civilization! Learners will become investigators in the case of the "disappearance" of the Classic Maya by examining a variety of primary and secondary source material,...

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, 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.

Scholars join a field expedition team to unearth a plethora of treasures from Central America. Artifacts listed in alphabetical order come with an informational blurb and a picture designed for participants to color. Activity pages...

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 plan, 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...

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

In this Mayan multiplication activity, students read about the Mayan number system, then use our number system to write Mayan multiplication and division problems as equations.

Young scholars discover beliefs and practices of the Mayans.  In this Mayan gods instructional activity, students discuss "The World Tree" of the Mayans, the three layers of the tree, and their meanings.  Young scholars...

Students 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 their...

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.

The ancient Mayans had a complex calendar and number system with a rich history. In fact, the date 12/21/2012 was the center of much controversy as to whether or not it was the end of time. It wasn't the end of time, but...

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

Students explore an ancient Mayan city. In this world history lesson, students watch a video about the ancient Mayan civilization, discussing information prior to and after watching the video. Students then come to understand more about...

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

Pupils 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...

Students compare and contrast the Mayan and Aztec cultures. In this Mesoamerican cultures instructional activity, students visit classroom stations that feature the landmarks, popular foods, and gods of the 2 cultures. Students discuss...

Learners 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 lesson, 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.