Aztecs: People of the Sun

How It Works: Aztecs: People of the Sun is a thematic unit that traces the history and contributions of the Aztec culture.  Students  explore the rich history and traditions of the Aztec people in order to better understand this ancient civilization. Using new technologies, students research and create historical artifacts representing all aspects of the Aztec Culture. This unit incorporates hands-on and project-based lessons to enhance student learning and critical thinking skills. 

Standards: 
Language Arts: 
Understands the function of story elements to include theme, setting, conflict/problem. 
Reads and identifies literary forms such as fables, myths, folktales, and oral traditions.
Reads and listens to a variety of multicultural materials.
Develops an understanding of culture through literature.

Social Science:
Identifies significant early civilizations in a region.
Describes significant contributions made by an ancient civilization.
Arranges significant historical events of a culture on a timeline.

Science:
Describes the characteristics of stars, such as our Sun.
Describes the Sun as a major source of natural energy.

Technology:
Produces a document using appropriate word processing skills.
Utilizes spreadsheets to organize collected data.
Selects and uses appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks.
Selects and uses a variety of web resources to gather appropriate data.
Uses graphics programs for a variety of purposes including multimedia.
Uses integrated software packages.

Estimated Class Periods To Complete:  10 or more

Software Materials Used: Scanner, color printer, Internet, Paintbrush/Drawing program, Kid Pix, Microsoft Word, Print Shop, art supplies, maps, globes.

Keywords: : conquistadors, calendar, artifacts, glyphs, codex, rituals, solar/lunar cycle, chronological, myths, folk stories, mythology

Students: This project is designed for 6^th grade geography students, but can be modified for lower grades.

Overall: The intent of this project is to provide an opportunity for students to gain an appreciation for the different cultures that inhabit the Earth by focusing on the ancient civilization of the Aztecs.  The Aztec culture is rich in traditions and history, and provides an excellent beginning for multicultural studies.  This unit bridges the physical walls that divide the cultures of the world and opens the eyes of students to the customs and traditions of the people of Latin America and their heritage Through the use of new technologies, student can experience first-hand life in ancient times.  This project integrates multimedia to both captivate and enhance the learning of students.  Students are engaged in a variety of tasks that are collaborating, motivating, and meaningful.

Tips: Create a checklist of all materials. Bookmark all Internet sites.

About the Teacher: Morris Gil is in his 10^th year in Miami Dade County Public Schools. He is the Technology Resource Teacher at Fienberg Fisher Elementary.  He is responsible for all the technology training and management of the school-wide network. 

He has been a Middle School Social Studies Teacher and Team Leader.  He has work in the private sector as a Training Specialist in Educational Technology.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership/School Administration; he also acts as a Parent Trainer and School Site Coordinator for the school Citibank FamilyTech program.

Subjects:  Language Arts, Social Science, Science

Grade Levels: 6

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