Early American Civilizations Mayas Incas and Aztecs DO

Early American Civilizations: Mayas, Incas and Aztecs DO NOW: Using your prior knowledge of components of society, label under which category each of the following fall under. Gods q Bridges q Andes Mountains q Trade q Ruler (leader) q Sports q

Location

DO NOW: The Mayas Hieroglyphics is a system of writing where pictures or symbols are used to represent words. n Why was this system of writing so important for the Mayan civilization? n

The Mayas Calendar n Astronomy n Glyphs n Mathematics n

DO NOW: The Incas lived in Peru and their civilization stretched through the Andes Mountains. n How might they have to adapt their daily life because of living in the mountains? n

Incas Suspension Bridges n Pyramids n Terraces n

DO NOW: The Aztecs are often referred to as “People of the Sun. ” They performed human sacrifice on a daily basis to ensure that the sun rose everyday. n Why do you think they worshipped the sun and felt that it was so important? n

Aztecs Chinampas – “floating gardens” n “People of the Sun” n Human sacrifice n

Archaeologist Activity § § § With your sheet and pen/pencil in hand, your group will be traveling to each station in numerical order. As a group, investigate your site’s “artifacts. ” Categorize them properly (use the “topic bank”). Together, answer the discussion question as they relate to your site. Write down your thoughts and what this tells about these civilizations. * If your group finishes within the allotted time at a station, you can work on creating questions for Extra Credit.

Archaeological Experts You and your group members are to act as our residential experts. On chart paper, title your station’s topic and write down your answers to your discussion questions. n On a Post-It Note write the positive things about this activity and some things that could be improved upon for next time n You have 10 minutes to prepare. n Get ready to present to the class! n

Read Aloud and Research We will be doing a class read aloud on each of the Early American Civilizations. n We will record our observations, information, and discussions points onto an organizer. n Groups will be working together to complete these organizers and have the opportunity to earn points. n These organizers will help for your “Postcards from the Past Project. ” n