Now we are up to Unit 5 in our Amplify Knowledge series, Early American Civilizations! This unit closely examines the Maya, Aztec and Inca civilizations.
My students always enjoy learning about these 3 civilizations. It ties in so well with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, so they don't have to switch their train of thinking too much.
I tried 2 new things last year: making our own chinampas and Inca weaving. The chinampas were a success - but the weaving was a bit tricky. I am looking forward to trying both again this year, and I'll add updates when we do!
Civilization Chart
I love using the image cards to create a growing civilization chart throughout this unit.
This year my students will be making a civilization book along with me, and this wall is a great reference tool for them.
The Civilization book comes with 3 styles, to allow for more writing space if your students are ready.
I also included Venn diagrams to help analyze 2, or all 3, of the civilizations, as well as writing templates for daily writing.
Click here for a closer look at this resource!
Google Earth and Ambience
Click here to download a copy of this pdf, which includes Google Earth locations, music, website and more for all 3 civilizations.
I also hung up this gorgeous Machu Picchu backdrop throughout the unit - my students and I love this one!
Click here to see all the backdrops I use throughout the year to add some fun to our Knowledge units!
Chinampas
My students are always fascinated by the concept of the floating gardens, so we tried to create our own last year. I couldn't find any samples online, so this was our first attempt - and it was fairly successful!
Each table had a tray to hold their chinampas. They made the raft with a partner using popsicle sticks, and tacky glue.
We didn't have a clear plan, so it was interesting seeing how they decided to create their raft. We did google a lot of pictures of rafts to help them understand how they float.
Then they placed some soil on their raft, added a sprinkle of radish seeds and we were done!
We are fortunate enough to have a 4 big windows and a lot of light, so they grew nicely! We kept them out for about a month, and my class loved watching them grow.
The best part is since this unit takes place in January for us, and NH is lacking in plant life then. These added some lovely life to our room!
Maya Sculptures
First we made our own salt dough:
Ingredients
1 cup salt
1 cup water
This year, I want to try water colors, to see if they can add more details and get more of an aged look.
Inca Weaving
We also tried Inca weaving this year, but unfortunately I don' t have any pictures. The downside to being alone with your class on a celebration day. Check back later for an update to this part!
Books
Ancient Civilizations for Kids
Aztec History for Kids
Archaeology for Kids
DK Eyewitness Aztec, Inca and Maya
The Inca Empire for Kids
Maya History for Kids
Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas!
Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans for Children
DK Find Out! Maya, Incas, and Aztecs
The Inca Empire A True Book: Ancient Civilizations
Aztec Designs Coloring Book
Machu Picchu Site
Build a Temple
They really loved all of these activities, and I am looking forward to trying them all again this year!
Don't miss the other posts in this series!
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