Magnificent Maya
Grades 4–7, 60 minutes
Integrates with studies of
- Primary characteristics of a civilization
- The Maya
- Ancient civilizations
- Archaeology
Program Description
Investigate Classic Period Maya culture and people through the clues left behind in their tools, buildings, and writing. Learn how archaeologists and other scientists unravel the mysteries of past cultures and what they mean today. This presentation encourages student participation, including discussion and handling artifacts. The class takes place in the Encounters with the Americas galleries and is also available in Spanish.
“We felt that the experience was ideal for our 5th graders. It gave them opportunities to display, reinforce, and deepen the material covered in class. Your exhibits also expanded upon our unit in ways that support critical thinking skills and enabled kids to apply their learning.”
—4th Grade, Gordon School East Providence, Rhode Island 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.
- Gallery Hunt
- Watch a video on the Multimedia page: what a colorful Maya mural in the gallery reveals about ancient Maya music.
