Why were there more than 3,000 steps built at Machu Picchu? Why did the Aztecs roam Mexico for nearly 200 years before finding a place to settle? How did the Maya study the movements of the stars and the planets? Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas! With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids takes kids ages 7 to 10 on a guided tour to experience the history, culture, economics, and daily life of the Aztecs, Maya, and Incas. Travel through humid rainforests, coastal zones, and rocky peaks to spot majestic ruins rising above the jungle, such as the Maya city of Tikal with its steep pyramids, the ruins of Machu Pichu, where the stones were cut so precisely that not even a knife can fit between them, and the Aztec temple Templo Mayor, where people once climbed the steps up the temple to be sacrificed to the Aztec gods. The daily lives from thousands of years ago are brought to life through fun illustrations, fascinating facts, essential questions, and hands-on STEAM projects such as constructing model bridges and pyramids, planting floating gardens, and translating hieroglyphics. Kids explore the knowledge that has filtered through the centuries from past civilizations and are encouraged to think critically and creatively to recognize the foundations on which people build modern societies.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.