King for a Day
Grades 5–8, 60 minutes
Integrates with studies of
- Ancient civilizations
Program Description
A virtual field trip using Skype to highlight the monuments, buildings, and symbols associated with royal power in Maya and Aztec civilizations.
Students learn to read the built landscape to understand the responsibilities and benefits of leadership. A museum educator brings a live video camera into the exhibition to show examples of a codex, architectural models, rare stele, altars, and a obsidian sword as he asks and answers students’ questions. A companion PowerPoint slide show provides maps and photographic support to put the artifacts in context. The class is broadcast to your classroom from the Encounters with the Americas galleries.
See the FAQ for key information and technical requirements.
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Related Resources
- Free Teacher Guide contains new vocabulary, readings, and activities, such as having students design their own civilizations.
- Exhibit Extras engages students and chaperones during their visit.
- Watch a video on the Multimedia page: what a colorful Maya mural in the gallery reveals about ancient Maya music.