TeachersFirst's Maya Civilization Resources
This unique collection of resources offers an immersive journey into the world of the Maya, spanning from their earliest settlements around 2000 BCE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. From the towering pyramids to the intricate hieroglyphic writing system, these carefully curated materials shed light on the multifaceted aspects of Maya life, culture, and intellectual pursuits. Share this compilation with your students. It provides a rich tapestry of information to explore the civilization that once dominated the forests of Central America and southern Mexico. Find many resources for your students to use for research and a deeper understanding of this powerful civilization.
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Early American Civilizations: Myths, Pyramids, and Kings - Texas Education Agency
Grades
4 to 6
Early American Civilizations: Myths, Pyramids, and Kings is a Grade 5 unit plan provided by the Texas Education Agency. It offers educators a comprehensive framework to teach...more
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Early American Civilizations: Myths, Pyramids, and Kings is a Grade 5 unit plan provided by the Texas Education Agency. It offers educators a comprehensive framework to teach students about early American civilizations, including the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca cultures. The unit explores their myths, architectural achievements such as pyramids and temples, and governance structures. Through detailed lesson plans, instructional strategies, and assessment tools, students engage with the cultural and historical significance of these civilizations, deepening their understanding of their lasting impact.
tag(s): grammar (138), pyramids (24), south america (77), spelling (98), writing (323)
In the Classroom
Using materials like sugar cubes, marshmallows, or LEGO bricks, students work in teams to construct a model pyramid while discussing its purpose and significance in early civilizations. Students can also use Delightex (formerly CoSpaces) reviewed here or Tinkercad reviewed here to create digital 3D models. Create a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here to compare the leadership of early American civilizations (ex., kings, priests) to modern government systems. Students can craft their own myths inspired by elements of early American civilizations. They can illustrate their stories and share them with the class. Consider using Imagine Forest reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here to make books to share with the class and families online.Mayas - Aztecs - Incas - Wendy Conklin
Grades
4 to 8Step back in time and explore the incredible civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas! This engaging resource provides a deep dive into the geography, government, religion, achievements,...more
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Step back in time and explore the incredible civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas! This engaging resource provides a deep dive into the geography, government, religion, achievements, and downfall of these ancient empires. Packed with fascinating facts and organized for easy comparison, this PDF is a must-have for teachers looking to bring history to life. Whether you're sparking discussions, guiding research projects, or creating interactive activities, this resource will help your students uncover the brilliance and complexity of these legendary civilizations!
tag(s): architecture (84), religions (113), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Transform your classroom into a bustling market! Assign students roles as Maya, Aztec, or Inca merchants selling goods like cacao, maize, textiles, or gold. Have them barter and trade based on their civilization's economy. Students can analyze Maya glyphs or Inca quipu (knotted cords used for record-keeping). They can try writing their names in glyphs or creating a simple quipu with yarn. Students can research and retell a myth from one of the three civilizations. They can write a short script, perform, or illustrate a comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here. Students could also record a podcast episode using Buzzsprout reviewed here. Students can build Maya pyramids (with sugar cubes), Aztec chinampas (floating gardens using sponges & water trays), or Inca terraces (stacked cardboard "mountains") to explore their engineering feats.Early American Civilizations- Maya, Aztec, and Inca - Core Knowledge
Grades
4 to 6Discover this comprehensive student reader designed for 5th-grade classrooms. It explores the histories, cultures, and achievements of the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca civilizations, providing...more
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Discover this comprehensive student reader designed for 5th-grade classrooms. It explores the histories, cultures, and achievements of the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca civilizations, providing detailed narratives, maps, and illustrations. The resource includes key vocabulary, discussion questions, and historical context, making it an excellent tool for building background knowledge in social studies and literacy. Teachers can use this text to support lessons on early American civilizations, critical thinking, and cross-curricular connections with geography and archaeology.
tag(s): critical thinking (137), literacy (122), maps (224), south america (77), vocabulary (241)
In the Classroom
Make a Mystery Box by placing pictures or replicas of Maya, Aztec, and Inca artifacts (ex., a quipu, a pyramid, a codex) in a box. Have students pull an item, describe it, and infer its use before reading about it in the text. Students create a visual comparison such as a Venn diagram, poster, or digital infographic using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here or Canva Edu, reviewed here showing similarities and differences between the Maya, Aztec, and Inca. They can list areas like government, religion, architecture, and daily life. Students can write a first-person journal entry as a Maya scribe, an Aztec warrior, or an Incan messenger, describing a day in their life while incorporating factual details from the reader.Mayan Crystal - Gen-Z Media
Grades
3 to 7Step into the thrilling world of Mayan Crystal, an action-packed audio drama that takes listeners on an epic adventure deep into the heart of the Mayan jungle. Hosted on GZM ...more
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Step into the thrilling world of Mayan Crystal, an action-packed audio drama that takes listeners on an epic adventure deep into the heart of the Mayan jungle. Hosted on GZM Shows, this immersive story follows a brave young girl who unlocks an ancient power, setting off a high-stakes journey filled with mystery, danger, and mythical forces. With rich storytelling, cinematic sound design, and captivating performances, Mayan Crystal is perfect for listeners who love adventure, mythology, and a dash of magic. Ready to uncover the secrets of the Mayan world? Tune in now!
tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), mysteries (24), myths and legends (42)
In the Classroom
Have students research a Mayan myth or legend and turn it into a short comic strip. They can illustrate their own interpretation of the story or retell a scene from Mayan Crystal in comic form. The comic strip could also be made online using ToonyTool reviewed here or Canva Comic Strip Templates reviewed here. Since Mayan Crystal features immersive soundscapes, challenge your students to create their own sound effects for a short scene using everyday objects. They can record sounds or perform them live in small groups. Ask students to write a new ending or an extra scene for Mayan Crystal. How would they change the story if a key event had played out differently? Assign students different characters from the podcast and have them act out a key scene or participate in a mock interview as their character.Writings of Ancient Maya - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
4 to 8This PBS LearningMedia resource introduces students to the Mayan writing system, one of the most advanced in the ancient world. Through an engaging video and supporting materials, students...more
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This PBS LearningMedia resource introduces students to the Mayan writing system, one of the most advanced in the ancient world. Through an engaging video and supporting materials, students will explore how the Maya used glyphs to record history, communicate ideas, and document daily life. The lesson includes discussion questions and activities encouraging students to analyze and create their own glyphs. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, this resource brings history and language to life through interactive learning!
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In the Classroom
Provide students with a chart of Mayan glyphs and their meanings. Then, give them a short "coded" message using real Mayan glyphs and challenge them to decode it. Doing this introduces them to the complexity of the Mayan writing system in a fun, interactive way. Hide "glyphs" around the classroom or school and have students work in teams to "excavate" and analyze their findings. They must hypothesize what the symbols might mean based on context clues and prior knowledge, like real archaeologists decoding ancient texts. In small groups or individually, students can create a mini "Maya codex" by folding paper in accordion style and illustrating a short story using glyphs and pictures. They can write a key to explain their symbols, like archaeologists do when deciphering ancient texts!
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Time Explorers Lesson One- The Ancient Maya - Twinkl Home Educators
Grades
5 to 12Twinkl 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.History of Maya Civilization for Kids - Bedtime History
Grades
3 to 6The History of Maya Civilization for Kids page on Bedtime History offers an engaging, narrative-style introduction to the ancient Maya civilization, tailored for young learners....more
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The History of Maya Civilization for Kids page on Bedtime History offers an engaging, narrative-style introduction to the ancient Maya civilization, tailored for young learners. Through vivid storytelling, it covers key aspects such as the Maya's agricultural practices, city structures, trade routes, religious beliefs, and notable cities like Tulum and Chichen Itza. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
tag(s): architecture (84), central america (26), mayans (32), mexico (46)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Maps reviewed here to virtually visit the area. Students can create their own 3D temple. Finally, students can use Book Creator reviewed here to create a Mayan notable accomplishment book.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.History for Kids: Ancient Mayans: Facts & Information for Kids - History for Kids
Grades
5 to 8The "Ancient Mayans: Facts for Kids" page on History for Kids is a free, kid-friendly resource that introduces students to the fascinating world of the Maya civilization. It covers...more
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The "Ancient Mayans: Facts for Kids" page on History for Kids is a free, kid-friendly resource that introduces students to the fascinating world of the Maya civilization. It covers key topics such as daily life, religion, architecture, writing, and achievements in math and astronomy. Written in simple language, the site's straightforward layout and engaging content make it a helpful tool for the classroom.
tag(s): architecture (84), central america (26), mayans (32), mexico (46), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Students can create a timeline using Timeline, by ReadWriteThink reviewed here. Students can create a 3D model of the geography of Ancient Mayan civilization. Finally, students can create a collaborative Ancient Mayan fact wall using Padlet 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.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 (76), 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.Maya Archaeologist - Dr. Diane Davies
Grades
3 to 8Maya Archaeologist is a free website that shares information on the making of jewelry and music in the Mayan civilization. The site includes videos on jade and musical instruments....more
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Maya Archaeologist is a free website that shares information on the making of jewelry and music in the Mayan civilization. The site includes videos on jade and musical instruments. Additionally, it gives step-by-step directions on how to make the Mayan death mask, headdress, and whistle.
tag(s): art history (108), mayans (32), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the activities on the website. Students can research more about the usage of jade and other precious metals and their functions. Finally, students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare the different materials that Mayans used with other civilizations.Mayan Civilization Primary Resource - National Geographic Kids
Grades
5 to 8National Geographic Kids' Mayan Civilization Primary Resources allows students to learn about Mayan architecture, agriculture, pottery, hieroglyph writing, mathematics, and calendar-making....more
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National Geographic Kids' Mayan Civilization Primary Resources allows students to learn about Mayan architecture, agriculture, pottery, hieroglyph writing, mathematics, and calendar-making. The site offers a few simple activities that students can participate in. Note: You must scroll to the bottom of the page to download the primary resource PDF.
tag(s): mayans (32), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the activities on the website. Students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare the Mayan civilization to another ancient civilization. Finally, students can use Stickies.io, reviewed here to post facts that they learned about the Mayan civilization.Mysterious Places: Ancient Civilizations Modern Mysteries - Mysterious Places
Grades
4 to 12Students are always fascinated by the mysteries of the past, and wondering how those in ancient history managed feats of construction that would be difficult even today. Perhaps nothing...more
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Students are always fascinated by the mysteries of the past, and wondering how those in ancient history managed feats of construction that would be difficult even today. Perhaps nothing sparks student interest more than the phrase, "no one knows". This site seeks to explore several "mysterious places" in the world--places whose origins or purposes are lost to antiquity. Currently, the featured locations include Easter Island, Stonehenge, Chichen Itza, and the Maya. Each section contains stunning photography, and a variety of resources on the history and mystery of the site. A section entitled "educator link" promises lesson plans and other teachers' resources, but is not finished. The site offers great potential, some of which has already been realized.