Ancient Civilizations: Maya
These websites are about the Mayas and their culture. There are lesson plans, maps, timelines, quizzes, and cartoons. There is information about their culture, government, religion, and more. Includes a link to eTheme resources on Native Americans: Maya and Ancient Western Civilizations.
Grades
- 3,
- 4,
- 5,
- 6,
- 7,
- 8
Links
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Maya Kids
This fun site has information about the Mayas, their culture, and where they lived. Includes maps and a glossary. NOTE: Internal pages contain Google and Amazon.com ads.
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Mythology of the Mayas
Read about Maya mythology and how it is connected to space and the solar system. You can choose "Beginner," "Intermediate," or "Advanced" reading level.
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The Mesoamerican Ballgame
Learn about the ballgame that the Mayas and other Mesoamericans played. In the "Explore World" section there is a section on the Mayas that describes their culture, artwork, and how they played the ballgame. Click on "Experience the Ballgame" to play the game.
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Kidsnewsroom: Maya Government
This site includes information about Maya culture, daily life, geography, and more. The "Maya Other" section includes student artwork.
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ThinkQuest: From Our World to Theirs
This website about the Mayas was created by students. Includes information about Maya writing, Maya cities, and the Maya people today. Click on "Our Classroom" for activities and games. The site includes pictures and video clips. NOTE: Needs Shockwave to play some videos.
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ThinkQuest: The Maya Explorer
This website was created by students. There is information on various Mayan topics, as well as a quiz, and other interactive features. NOTE: The site includes a discussion board.
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Mayan History
Learn about Maya religious beliefs, mathematics, architecture, and more. Includes a map and a timeline with nice pictures.
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Collapse: The Mayas
Explore the reasons why the Maya civilization might have collapsed. Click on "Why Did Copan Collapse" to look at different artifacts such as skulls of the Mayas and monuments they built.
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The Mayan Calendar
Read about the Maya calendar which was actually 365 days per year.
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The Maya Astronomy Page
Read about the Maya's accomplishments in astronomy. The text is for older students and teachers, but there are some interactive features that younger students might enjoy. NOTE: Needs Shockwave to play some videos and contains ads by Google.
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Scholastic: Maya Calendar and Numbering
Here are some activity ideas for studying the Maya calendar.
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Images of the Maya
This is a photo essay that explores the culture of the Maya people. Click on the arrow at the bottom of the page to enter the exhibit.
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Climatologist's Toolbox
Read about how a change in climate might have contributed to the Maya's sudden decline.
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Lost King of the Mayas
This site has video clips of a Maya scholar talking about their rulers, hieroglyphics, and more. There is also a map of the Maya world.
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Welcome to Jaguar Sun!
Learn some words and rules of the Mayan language. There are audio clips of some simple words and phrases, such as "Yes," "No," and "Thank You." Click on "Continue" at the bottom of the page to learn more Mayan words.
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FactMonster: Maya
Read this encyclopedia article about the Maya. Click on the different topics to read more.
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NASA studies the Mayans
Video: This site has a 13 minute video detailing NASA's research into the ruins of the Mayan civilization. Learn about Mayan architecture and why many ruins have yet to be identified. NOTE: The video is available for QuickTime, RealPlayer, and Windows Media.
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Mayan History
Click to enter site. This site describes the eras of the Mayas: pre-classic, classic, and post-classic. Pictures are included of Mayan artifacts.
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Mayan Adventure
Learn more about the regions, culture, and ruins of the Mayan civilization by seeing photos and participating in learning activities.
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eThemes Resource: Native Americans: Maya
These sites are about the regions, lifestyle, history, art, and religion of the Mayan people. Students can view Flash movies, videos, maps, and photographs.
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eThemes Resource: Ancient Western Civilizations
Explore the ancient civilizations of the Maya, Inca, Aztec, Cahokia, and Anasazi. Includes pictures, audio clips of music, and 360-degree virtual realities.
Education Standards
- AR
- AL
- MO
- NV
- UT
- IL
