7th Grade Social Studies Enrichment Resources
Unit 6: Civilizations of the Americas
Types / Resources
from www.teachtci.com / Writing Ideas
from www.teachtci.com / Comments / Additional Ideas
Biography
Resources / Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui (1438 - 1471) / Students create a mosaic that represents the life and accomplishments of Inca emperor Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. / A graphic organizer would clarify this assignment for students working independently. / ·  Students might work in small groups or pairs to organize the information before starting the mosaic.
Literature Resources / Poem by Nezahualcoyotl (1402 - 1472) / Students read an excerpt from a poem by Aztec poet Nezahualcoyotl, exploring the concept that life is transitory. They write an original poem on the same topic, in the same style. / This would work nicely coupled with a literature unit on poetry. / ·  Students can write poems on other topics complimentary to their study of the Aztecs, such as poetry in praise of the gods, or poetry celebrating the beauty and power of nature.
·  Students can research more examples of Aztec poetry, and write a “review” of their favorite author or work.
Investigating
Primary Sources / The Popul Vuh / Students create an illustrated encyclopedia entry explaining the Popul Vuh. / This is an interesting primary source; students may be curious to read more excerpts from the Popul Vuh. / ·  Create a museum exhibit of the Popul Vuh.
·  Write a new Mayan myth to add to the Popul Vuh. Illustrate the cover and explain its significance on the back.
Internet Project / Unit 6: Civilizations of the Americas
Internet Connections:
http://www.indians.org/Resource/natlit/natlit.html
http://www.pantheon.org/ / Students write a narrative about a “day in the life” of a Mayan. / Students will enjoy taking on the role of a Mayan. The text offers good support for this assignment, as well as the internet connections.
. / ·  Write the narrative in the form of several journal entries, with illustrations, or a series of letters between two Mayan characters.
·  Create a web site with links to teach about daily life in Tenochtitlan.