Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city that stands as one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico. More than a million tourists visit this site annually to learn about Mayan culture and architecture. As educators, it is crucial to teach our students about the significance of Chichen Itza, including its history, location, and culture. Here’s how you can effectively teach your students about Chichen Itza inside the classroom.
First, give an introduction to the site and the Mayan civilization. Chichen Itza was a significant city during the Late Classic and Early Postclassic periods of Mayan history. The site is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, and features unique architectural designs and ingenious engineering abilities. You can use various materials, such as posters, pictures, or virtual tools, to give your students an idea of what the site looks like and how it was significant.
Next, provide a brief overview of the city’s most notable structures and their significance. Students can learn about the Temple of Kukulcan (also known as El Castillo), which stands at more than 80 feet high. This temple was believed to be a place of worship for the Mayan people, and its architectural design reflects the Mayan calendar. The Temple of Warriors is another impressive structure that features over 200 columns carved with images of warriors. Students can learn about the role of warriors in Mayan society and the significance of the carvings.
You can also teach your students about the Ball Court, which is the largest ball court in Mesoamerica. This ball court has two parallel walls where the players had to shoot a 10-pound rubber ball through stone rings without using their hands or feet. The winning team was believed to have been granted blessings from the gods.
Additionally, you can use visual aids such as videos and images to explain the significance of other structures, such as the Observatory, the Temple of the Jaguar, and the Tzompantli.
After giving a brief overview of the site, you can introduce the historical significance of Chichen Itza. Students can learn about the Mayan civilization and their way of life, their economy, their political structure, and the role of religion in their society. You can also educate them on the decline of the civilization and the theories surrounding its downfall, such as drought, disease, or invasion.
Finally, to ensure that your students understand the significance of Chichen Itza fully, it is vital to provide them with hands-on activities and resources such as books, articles, and videos that enhance the knowledge gained during the lesson. These resources and activities can include creating a Chichen Itza diorama, drawing Mayan symbols, singing Mayan songs, and even learning about the Mayan calendar.
Teaching students about Chichen Itza inside the classroom is vital in helping them appreciate the importance of ancient civilizations and their role in shaping our world today. By providing your students an in-depth understanding of this historical site, they can better understand the world around them and appreciate the cultural diversity that our modern society has to offer.
