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Time Explorers Lesson One- The Ancient Maya - Twinkl Home Educators
Grades
5 to 12
Twinkl Home Educators' "Time Explorers Lesson One--The Ancient Maya" is a forty-four-minute YouTube video. The video explores who the Ancient Mayans were, what their beliefs were, and...more
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Twinkl Home Educators' "Time Explorers Lesson One--The Ancient Maya" is a forty-four-minute YouTube video. The video explores who the Ancient Mayans were, what their beliefs were, and how they lived. It is recommended that you have an atlas and a copy of the Activity Sheet Maya Map, which you will find in the planning pack linked below the video. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): central america (26), mayans (32), mexico (46)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the activity sheet. Students can use one of the tools at KnightLab reviewed here to create a trip highlighting different Ancient Mayan cities. Finally, students can create a 3D map of the geography of Ancient Mayan civilization using Google My Maps reviewed here.Mayan Exploration Center - Mayan Exploration Center
Grades
5 to 12Discover this collection of high-quality, downloadable maps related to ancient Maya civilization. The site includes maps of important cities, regions, and trade routes, as well as depictions...more
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Discover this collection of high-quality, downloadable maps related to ancient Maya civilization. The site includes maps of important cities, regions, and trade routes, as well as depictions of the Maya world at different points in history. These resources are designed to support classroom lessons, research projects, and student exploration of Maya geography and culture. The maps are detailed yet easy to understand, making them a valuable visual aid for enhancing history and social studies instruction at multiple grade levels.
tag(s): central america (26), mayans (32), mexico (46)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to virtually visit the area. Students can research the cities and create a Padlet reviewed here to post facts about the cities. Finally, students can create a 3D model of the city.Digital Maps of the Ancient World: The History of the Maya - Knowledge Unlimited Inc.
Grades
5 to 8Digital Maps of the Ancient World: The History of the Maya is a free website that shares an overview of the Ancient Mayan civilization. The site highlights the Mayan culture's...more
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Digital Maps of the Ancient World: The History of the Maya is a free website that shares an overview of the Ancient Mayan civilization. The site highlights the Mayan culture's rise, accomplishments, religion, and decline.
tag(s): central america (26), mayans (32), mexico (46)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to virtually visit the areas. Students can host a virtual question and answer with a Mayan scholar. Finally, students can host a podcast using Podcast Adobe, reviewed here to share the accomplishments of the Ancient Mayan civilization.Nova's Cracking the Maya Code - Nova
Grades
5 to 8View this interactive exploration of 15 significant ancient Maya cities, spanning from Chichen Itza in Mexico to Copan in Honduras. Each site features detailed descriptions highlighting...more
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View this interactive exploration of 15 significant ancient Maya cities, spanning from Chichen Itza in Mexico to Copan in Honduras. Each site features detailed descriptions highlighting architectural marvels, cultural practices, and historical significance, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the Maya civilization's complexity and achievements. This resource is ideal for educators seeking to enrich lessons on ancient civilizations, geography, or archaeology, allowing students to virtually explore the Maya world and engage with its rich heritage.
tag(s): central america (26), mayans (32), mexico (46)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Maps reviewed here to virtually visit the sites. Students can host a virtual question-and-answer session with a Mayan scholar. Finally, students can create a Word Cloud reviewed here of words that describe the Mayan culture.Inca Empire Resource Set - Colorado Department of Education
Grades
4 to 12The Colorado Department of Education's Inca Empire Resource Set provides educators with curated resources to teach about the history, culture, and achievements of the Inca civilization....more
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The Colorado Department of Education's Inca Empire Resource Set provides educators with curated resources to teach about the history, culture, and achievements of the Inca civilization. This site includes primary sources, lesson plans, and instructional materials aligned with social studies standards to help teachers present accurate, engaging, and meaningful content. Focusing on Inca society, architecture, agriculture, and governance, these resources support inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and discussions about the legacy of the Inca Empire.
tag(s): agriculture (52), architecture (84), inquiry (30), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Have students investigate the Inca road system and its significance for communication, trade, and military control. Using materials like string, paper, or clay, students can design and model a section of an Inca road or bridge, discuss how geography influenced Inca engineering, and then compare it to modern transportation networks. Introduce students to quipu, the Inca system of knotted cords used for record-keeping, and have them create a quipu-inspired message using yarn or string, encoding data such as population counts or food supplies. Students explore Inca myths, such as the legend of Viracocha or the story of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo. Students can create a comic strip using ToonyTool, reviewed here or a digital storybook using ePubEditor, reviewed here retelling the myth in their own words.Ancient Africa's Kingdom of Kush - Duckster Ancient Africa's Kingdom of Kush
Grades
3 to 6Ducksters Ancient Africa's Kingdom of Kush link briefly overviews the Kingdom of Kush. It highlights its location, length, capitals, similarities to Ancient Egypt, iron and gold, culture,...more
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Ducksters Ancient Africa's Kingdom of Kush link briefly overviews the Kingdom of Kush. It highlights its location, length, capitals, similarities to Ancient Egypt, iron and gold, culture, and interesting facts. There is a ten-question multiple-choice quiz. There is a recorded of the site towards the bottom of the page.
In the Classroom
Have students compare and contrast the ancient kingdom of Kush to another ancient civilization using the Venn diagram features of Figma, reviewed here. Students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to take a virtual field trip to where the ancient kingdom of Kush was located. In addition, students can use My Lens, reviewed here to highlight important events from the ancient kingdom of Kush.The Latin Rhythms of Despacito - Teach Rock
Grades
4 to 8The Latin Rhythms of Despacito lesson plan from TeachRock introduces students to four Latin American music styles- Reggaeton, Musica Jibara, Cumbia, and Salsa- and examines their...more
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The Latin Rhythms of Despacito lesson plan from TeachRock introduces students to four Latin American music styles- Reggaeton, Musica Jibara, Cumbia, and Salsa- and examines their influence on Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's hit song "Despacito." Through video content and musical analysis activities, students learn how producers Mauricio Rengifo and Andres Torres incorporated elements from these genres into the track. This lesson encourages students to identify and discuss the integration of these musical styles within "Despacito" and to explore the broader impact of Latin American music on popular culture.
tag(s): hispanic (36), music theory (48), rhythm (22)
In the Classroom
Play short clips of Reggaeton, Musica Jibara, Cumbia, and Salsa to introduce students to the rhythms discussed in the lesson. Ask students to identify the unique rhythm patterns in each style and discuss how these rhythms are used in modern music. Divide the class into small groups, each assigned to one of the four Latin genres (Reggaeton, Musica Jibara, Cumbia, Salsa). Have groups create a playlist of songs that exemplify the genre and explain why these songs fit within the musical style. Introduce students to the dance styles associated with each genre (e.g., salsa dancing and Reggaeton movement). Discuss how music and dance are culturally interconnected and how they reflect the communities from which they originated. Have students listen to "Despacito" and analyze the lyrics for their cultural references, themes, and storytelling techniques. Students could compare the lyrics of "Despacito" to another popular song, discussing similarities and differences in themes, cultural references, and music styles. Compare lyrics using a tool such as ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. You can click on the right side to choose between a two or three-circle Venn diagram.Mayans - Teacher Planet
Grades
3 to 8Teacher Planet offers a comprehensive collection of lesson plans, worksheets, activities, and teaching resources to help students explore the Mayan civilization. Educators can find...more
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Teacher Planet offers a comprehensive collection of lesson plans, worksheets, activities, and teaching resources to help students explore the Mayan civilization. Educators can find engaging materials on Mayan history, culture, achievements, and daily life, making it easy to integrate into social studies lessons. With printable worksheets, interactive activities, and creative project ideas, this resource supports diverse learning styles and helps bring ancient history to life in the classroom!
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tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Make a 3D model of a Mayan pyramid. Consider using technology such as CoSpaces, reviewed here. Have students make a Mayan calendar. Students can use Mayan glyphs and write messages to each other to decode. In ELA class, students can write short stories mentioning daily activities they learned in class for a cross-curricular activity. Create and share the stories using Sway, reviewed here.Ancient Maya: Knowledge through Art- Lesson Plan - PBS Newshour Classroom
Grades
9 to 12This lesson plan from PBS NewsHour Classroom introduces students to the art and knowledge of the ancient Mayan civilization. Through video transcripts, discussions, and hands-on activities,...more
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This lesson plan from PBS NewsHour Classroom introduces students to the art and knowledge of the ancient Mayan civilization. Through video transcripts, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will explore how Mayan art reflects their understanding of astronomy, mathematics, and daily life. The lesson includes critical thinking prompts and extension activities to help students make connections between ancient and modern cultures. With its engaging and interdisciplinary approach, this resource is perfect for bringing history, art, and science together in the classroom!
In the Classroom
Prepare a Maya Chocolate drink for everyone to try with the recipe listed on the web page (Check for allergies!). Create a short diary or scrapbook of daily life. Use ePubEditor, reviewed here or create a presentation using Google Slides, reviewed here template to make this online. Copy a glyph on a poster board and include an explanation. Create a map of a Mayan city on paper or digitally using MapHubs, reviewed here.The Mayan Empire - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12Discover the Maya Empire with PBS LearningMedia! This educational resource provides an engaging introduction to the Mayan Empire, perfect for upper elementary and middle school students....more
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Discover the Maya Empire with PBS LearningMedia! This educational resource provides an engaging introduction to the Mayan Empire, perfect for upper elementary and middle school students. Through a short, informative video, students will explore the achievements of the Mayan civilization in architecture, astronomy, and writing. The resource includes discussion questions and activities to reinforce learning and encourage critical thinking. With its high-quality, standards-aligned content, this tool is a great way to bring history to life in the classroom!
In the Classroom
Set up stations around the classroom with images and short descriptions of Mayan achievements (architecture, astronomy, writing, calendar system). Have students rotate in small groups, taking notes and discussing how each achievement impacted Mayan society. Introduce students to the Mayan writing system by showing examples of glyphs. Then, have them create glyphs to represent their names or a short message. They can trade with classmates to decode each other's symbols! Have students create a Venn diagram comparing the Mayan civilization to modern society. Topics could include government, architecture, writing, and timekeeping. Consider using Canva, reviewed here to make the Venn diagram online. Students can work in pairs or small groups to create a mini "Maya codex" using folded paper, illustrating aspects of Mayan daily life, beliefs, or achievements. Encourage students to include drawings and glyphs to mimic the real codices.Mayan Civilization Lesson Plan: Time, Continuity, and Change - BrainPOP
Grades
3 to 8This engaging lesson plan from BrainPOP Educators helps teachers introduce students to the Maya Civilization's rich history and cultural contributions. It features interactive videos,...more
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This engaging lesson plan from BrainPOP Educators helps teachers introduce students to the Maya Civilization's rich history and cultural contributions. It features interactive videos, discussion questions, and activities. The lesson encourages critical thinking and historical analysis. Teachers can access various resources, including quizzes, graphic organizers, and extension activities, to deepen student understanding. With its user-friendly format and standards-aligned content, this lesson is a great way to bring ancient history to life in the classroom!
In the Classroom
Use the Make-a-Movie feature under Deepen and Extend to create a video diary from the perspective of a person living in Maya society that describes a day in your life. Make a concept map using BrainPOP's Make-a-Map feature or MindMup reviewed here identifying key features and contributions of Maya society and culture. Creative Coding on the BrainPOP website can enable students to code a museum with artifacts representing key elements of Maya civilization.The Mayan Civilization - Stuff You Should Know
Grades
9 to 12Stuff You Should Know: The Mayan Civilization is a fifty-three minute video podcast on YouTube. The video starts by highlighting the other podcasts they have done on the Ancient Mayan...more
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Stuff You Should Know: The Mayan Civilization is a fifty-three minute video podcast on YouTube. The video starts by highlighting the other podcasts they have done on the Ancient Mayan and sharing other Ancient Mayan podcasts they will be doing. Over the course of the fifty plus minute podcast, narrators Josh and Chuck share the highlights of the civilization, the cities, whether or not the civilization is really gone, the geography, the different periods/ages of the civilizations, and comparisons to other civilizations, regions, and/or societies. Note that there is a reference to genocide, mass graves, human sacrifices, and more. We always recommend previewing if you are unsure if the content is appropriate.
tag(s): mayans (32), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can use Miro, reviewed here to highlight important information that they learned from the podcast. Students can create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here. Finally, students can research one highlight of the Mayan civilization in depth and share it using Ourboox, reviewed here or ePubEditor, reviewed here.Mayan Civilization - Learn Bright
Grades
5 to 6Learn Bright's Mayan Civilization contains lesson plans that introduce students to the Mayan Civilization and the events during its time in history. The lesson plans teach about the...more
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Learn Bright's Mayan Civilization contains lesson plans that introduce students to the Mayan Civilization and the events during its time in history. The lesson plans teach about the origins of the civilization, places, people, and things, beliefs, daily life, and more. You must sign up for a free account to access the lesson plans. The lessons are aligned to the Common Core Standards for ELA literacy.
tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Have your students complete the activities on the website. Then, the students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare the Mayan civilization to another civilization. Alternatively, students can create a timeline using My Lens, reviewed here.Geography - American Association of Geographers and Esri
Grades
3 to 12Geography.com is an engaging educational resource that helps teachers bring geography to life in the classroom. The site offers interactive maps, quizzes, articles, and videos covering...more
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Geography.com is an engaging educational resource that helps teachers bring geography to life in the classroom. The site offers interactive maps, quizzes, articles, and videos covering physical geography, human geography, climate, and world cultures. It provides student-friendly explanations, real-world examples, and multimedia content to support lessons on global issues, ecosystems, and geographic concepts. With its interactive approach, Geography.com is a valuable tool for fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and spatial awareness in students of all grade levels.
tag(s): climate (85), critical thinking (136), cultures (211), ecosystems (83), maps (224), multimedia (55)
In the Classroom
Have students explore Geography.com to find answers to questions about landforms, climates, and world regions. Create a bingo-style worksheet with prompts like "Find a fact about the Amazon Rainforest" or "Identify a country with multiple time zones". Using interactive maps from Geography.com, students choose a continent or country to study, and create an illustrated map that includes physical features, climate zones, and key cultural landmarks. Students can present their maps and explain how geography affects life in that region. Each student picks a country or city and writes five geography-based clues about it. Clues should include landforms, climate, population, or cultural features found on Geography.com.6888th Central Postal Directory Battilion - Library of Congress
Grades
7 to 12Explore this detailed guide to the history of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. It highlights...more
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Explore this detailed guide to the history of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. It highlights the battalion's critical role in clearing a massive backlog of mail to boost troop morale and their perseverance in the face of racism, sexism, and challenging conditions. The guide offers access to primary sources, such as photographs, official records, and news articles, along with historical analysis that situates their contributions within the broader context of the war and civil rights. This resource is a valuable tool for educators, featuring side tabs with timelines, related collections, and teaching resources, making it ideal for lessons on women's history, African American history, and military history.
tag(s): black history (135), civil rights (217), women (152), womenchangemaker (37), world war 2 (162)
In the Classroom
Ask students to write letters imagining they are members of the 6888th Battalion, describing their experiences and feelings about their mission. Using a tool like Google Earth, reviewed here students can map the journey of the 6888th Battalion, highlighting key locations like Birmingham, England, and Rouen, France. Include descriptions of the battalion's challenges and accomplishments at each site. Assign students to create a podcast episode or short video using tools like Spotify for Podcastors, reviewed here or Buzzsprout, reviewed here where they tell the story of the battalion's contributions. They can include interviews (real or role-played), primary source excerpts, and reflections on the battalion's legacy.Maya Masks - twinkl
Grades
3 to 6Mayan Masks gives a brief overview of the importance and value of masks in the Mayan civilization. It also briefly describes the different types of masks that the Mayans created. ...more
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Mayan Masks gives a brief overview of the importance and value of masks in the Mayan civilization. It also briefly describes the different types of masks that the Mayans created. Finally, it challenges you to design your mask.
tag(s): crafts (74), mayans (32), mexico (46), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can create their own event or death mask. They can also research other cultures that used masks and compare the masks. Use a Venn diagram maker to compare the masks, such as Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Finally, if students create an event mask, they can research the god or animal that inspired it.Library of Congress Research Guides - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12Explore this valuable tool for educators; it offers curated collections of primary sources, historical documents, and research materials across a wide range of subjects. These guides...more
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Explore this valuable tool for educators; it offers curated collections of primary sources, historical documents, and research materials across a wide range of subjects. These guides help teachers incorporate authentic historical artifacts, government records, and literary works into their lessons, enhancing students' critical thinking and research skills. With ready-to-use teaching resources, topic guides, and bibliographies, this site supports interdisciplinary learning and provides rich content for inquiry-based projects in history, literature, civics, and more.
tag(s): african american (119), architecture (84), black history (135), branches of government (65), civil rights (217), civil war (140), conservation (102), energy (133), engineering (137), environment (252), foreign policy (13), hispanic (36), industrialization (12), jews (50), latin (23), literature (221), middle east (50), native americans (117), nutrition (139), photography (131), politics (118), population (51), religions (112), Research (88), sports (84), statistics (121), Teacher Utilities (203), women (152), womenchangemaker (37), womens suffrage (52)
In the Classroom
Assign students to explore a Library of Congress guide on a historical event (ex., Civil Rights Movement, World War II) and have them read and summarize a firsthand account or diary (or blog) entry. Students can then write a journal entry or letter from someone who lived through the event. Try a simple blogging tool like Telegra.ph reviewed here. Choose a literature-focused research guide related to a classic novel or author (such as To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby) and have students create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or a newspaper front page using a template from Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here.NPR- Breaking News, Analysis, Music, Arts, and Podcasts - NPR
Grades
K to 12NPR (National Public Radio) is a valuable resource for educators, offering high-quality news, podcasts, and articles on current events, culture, science, and history. The site features...more
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NPR (National Public Radio) is a valuable resource for educators, offering high-quality news, podcasts, and articles on current events, culture, science, and history. The site features engaging audio stories, in-depth journalism, and educational content that can enhance classroom discussions and critical thinking skills. Teachers can use NPR's stories to connect lessons to real-world events, introduce students to diverse perspectives, and encourage media literacy. Additionally, NPR's student-friendly resources, such as NPR Ed and Student Podcast Challenge, provide interactive and project-based learning opportunities.
tag(s): civil rights (217), cultures (211), journalism (74), news (226), podcasts (114), scientists (71), space (220)
In the Classroom
Have students listen to NPR's Student Podcast Challenge winners for inspiration and assign them to create a short podcast episode on a topic related to your curriculum. Use free tools like NPR's podcast resources or Buzzsprout, reviewed hereto guide their scriptwriting and recording process. Choose an NPR article and a similar report from another news source and have students analyze the tone, word choice, and sources used. Use NPR's science and history archives to explore a key discovery or event. Have students present their findings through a timeline project using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Generator, reviewed here.The Oriental Museum's Indus Valley Myster - The Oriental Museum's Indus Valley Myster
Grades
8 to 12The Oriental Museum's Indus Valley Mystery is a site that allows you to gain information on the mystery of the Indus Valley civilization. The site helps you answer the when, ...more
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The Oriental Museum's Indus Valley Mystery is a site that allows you to gain information on the mystery of the Indus Valley civilization. The site helps you answer the when, where, who, what, why, and how through artifacts and photographs. There is a disclaimer that there are images of human skeleton remains.
In the Classroom
Students can debate the mystery of the Indus Valley and how the civilization ended. Students can create a timeline from the beginning to the end of the Indus Valley civilization using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here, Figjam, reviewed here, or Google Drawings, reviewed here. Students could virtually interview a scientist or historian to learn about the Indus Valley Civilization.Indus Valley Civilization Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Embark on a journey to one of the world's earliest and most mysterious urban cultures with our comprehensive collection of Indus Valley Civilization resources. This list unveils the...more
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Embark on a journey to one of the world's earliest and most mysterious urban cultures with our comprehensive collection of Indus Valley Civilization resources. This list unveils the secrets of an advanced Bronze Age society that flourished along the Indus River and its tributaries from about 3300 to 1300 BCE. The collection showcases the civilization's technological marvels, from their advanced drainage systems to standardized weights and measures, offering insights into their sophisticated urban planning and trade networks. Examine virtual exhibits and videos of intricately carved figurines, jewelry, and pottery that reveal the artistic prowess and daily life of Indus Valley inhabitants. Use these engaging resources to help your students who may need extra support. Share these resources with your students for research projects, history lessons, and invention units.