Mayan of Mesoamerica: Astronomers, Mathematicians, and Builders of Pyramids
In this three week class, students will learn about the exciting civilization of the Maya of Mesoamerica in Central America.
Stacey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(171)
What's included
3 live meetings
1 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
The ancient Maya civilization at its height was filled with astronomers, mathematicians, inventors, creators of highly accurate calendars, skilled artists, and builders of great structures such as astronomical observatories, pyramids, and sport courts! This thriving civilization flourished in Mesoamerica beginning almost 4,000 years ago. The ancient Maya lived in highly organized city-states. This course will introduce students to these defining aspects of ancient Maya civilization as well as explore the Maya religion and everyday life thousands of years ago. We will also learn about the Spanish infiltration and eventual conquest of the Maya, discussing the implications that it caused and what it meant for the Maya. We will explore some of the archaeological and historical traditions that formulate our view of the Maya as well as first person viewpoints left from that civilization (Popol Vuh). We will acknowledge that the current people of the Maya live under a European-style society because of the forceful actions of their conquerors. Let’s explore this Mesoamerican civilization! Course will include an engaging slideshow and leading questions will be asked to students to promote discussion. Course Outline: Day 1 Geography of Mexico (locating the homeland of the Maya, major bodies of water surrounding Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula) Climate and terrain of Mexico Mesoamerica Major city-states of the Maya Exploring the city-state of Chichen Itza and its structures (pyramids, observatory, temples, ball courts) Exploring the city-state of Tikal and its structures (pyramids, temples) Governmental organization of city-states Day 2 Review Mayan inventions Innovations and technology in agriculture Additional innovations The Mayan calendar Mayan Art Mayan writing and numerical system Day 3 Review The religion of the Maya (Maya codices, Popul Vuh) Everyday life of the Maya (what they ate, how they were housed, what they wore, common domesticated animals) First contact with the Maya by the Europeans, the Spanish infiltration of the Maya region, and the implications of the Spanish conquest of the Maya Final review
Learning Goals
Students will broaden their knowledge of a Mesoamerican civilization, the Maya. Students will be able to identify the region on a map of the ancient Maya homeland. Students will learn at least two major city-states of the Maya. Students will be introduced to the Maya religion, their inventions, their writing system, and the everyday life of the Maya. Students will understand the implications of the Spanish conquest into the homeland of the Maya.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students may or may not know that the Maya exist today. This course will make clear that while we are learning about the ancient Maya, the Spanish conquest of the Maya had severe repercussions for the Maya of the past as well as for the Maya of today. We will examine the concept of colonization and how this concept applies toward the Maya past and present.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The Maya, Michael Coe (source material for class)
Popol Vuh (source material for class)
Reviews
Live Group Class
$7
weekly or $20 for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
35 min
Completed by 43 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-7 learners per class
