The Ancient Mayan City of Tikal
Grade Levels: 3 - 5
Overview
Students imagine the splendor of a once great civilization as they explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tikal.Objectives
- Students will use vocabulary related to ancient Mayan civilization.
- Students will understand the functions and construction features of ancient Mayan temples.
- Students will appreciate Mayan customs and contributions to our modern world.
Materials
- The Ruins of Tikal activity worksheet
- Journey Through Tikal website (http://www.destination360.com/tikal/guide.htm)
Procedures
- Introduce key vocabulary: altar, chamber, commemorate, flourish, rubble, temple.
- Have students work with partners or in small groups to complete The Ruins of Tikal activity worksheet after they visit Journey Through Tikal.
- Set up a time when students can share the information they discovered.
Assessment
Use a checklist to assess students' understanding of the temple ruins in the ancient Mayan city of Tikal.
Extension Activities
- Go to the website Looking for Clues at Copan (http://www.learner.org/exhibits/collapse/copan/index.php).
Have students work with partners or in small groups to solve the mystery
of the collapse of the ancient Mayan city of Copan, following the instructions
found on the site. Students should record notes as they read.
- Invite students, as a whole class, to brainstorm the possible reasons for Copan's collapse and to explore whether or not the same could happen to a modern city today.
