Grade 6
World History
Chapter 9: Ancient America
Lesson 1: The Geography of the Americas
Objectives
Analyze physical features of the Americas, including rivers, mountain ranges, and climate.
Give details about the geography of the Andes.
Locate Mesoamerica and list details about its geographical featuers.
Vocabulary
isthmus
tropical
Mesoamerica
Yucatán Peninsula
slash-and-burn agriculture
Lesson Main Ideas
Physical Geography
Major landforms and rivers
Variety of climates
Geography of the Andes
Tall Peaks of the Andes
High Plateaus of the Andes
Geography of Mesoamerica
Land of Mesoamerica
Climate of Mesoamerica
Lesson Summary
Lesson Review
3. Why are the seasons reversed in North and South America?
4. Why is farming a challenge in the Andes?
5. How did farmers grow crops in the rainy lowlands of Mesoamerica?
6. Why did farmers in the Andes and in Mesoamerica develop advanced agricultural techniques?
7. What might have happened if ancient peoples in the Americas had not adapted to their environments?
Grade 6
World History
Chapter 9: Ancient America
Lesson 2: Ancient Andean Civilizations
Objectives
Characterize two of the oldest Andean civilizations, the Chavin and the Nazca.
Describe key features of another ancient Andean civilization, the Moche.
Language Objective: Analyze facts to draw logical conclusions
Vocabulary
Chavin
textile
Nazca
aquifer
Moche
Lesson Main Ideas
The Chavin Civilization
The Chavin Ruins
Chavin Religion and Art
The Nazca Civilization
Irrigation and Agriculture
Nazca Art and Nazca Lines
The Moche Civilization
Moche Agriculture
Moche City Structures and Art
Lesson Summary
Lesson Review
3. How do archaeologists know that the Chavin influenced other cultures?
4. What are the Nazca lines?
5. How have recent discoveries increased understanding of the Moche?
6. Compare and contrast characteristics of the Chavin, Nazca, and Moche civilizations.
7. Why is it difficult to know more about the Chavin, Nazca, and Moche cultures?
Grade 6
World History
Chapter 9: Ancient America
Lesson 3: The Olmec of Mesoamerica
Objectives
Analyze the earliest civilization in the Americas--the Olmec.
Characterize the Olmec culture and define its legacy.
Vocabulary
Olmec
mother culture
Lesson Main Ideas
Earliest American Civilization
Geography
Cities
Olmec Culture
Olmec Art
Religion and Learning
Olmec Legacy
Influences
Lesson Summary
Lesson Review
3. How were classes in the Olmec social structure ordered?
4. What does Olmec art tell us about their religious beliefs?
5. What was the effect of Olmec trade in Mesoamerica?
6. Why did historians change their minds about how people lived in ancient Mesoamerica?
7. How was the rise of Olmec civilization similar to that of ancient Egypt?
Grade 6
World History
Chapter 9: Ancient America
Lesson 4: The Mayan Civilization
Objectives
Analyze the rise of Mayan civilization, including the lcoatin of key Mayan cities.
Describe daily life among the Maya, including distinctions among social classes and religious practices.
Summarize the cultural accomplishments of the Maya.
Vocabulary
Maya
maize
stele
glyph
codex
Lesson Main Ideas
The Rise of the Maya
Early Settlements
Classic Period
Mayan Life
Daily Mayan Life
Mayan Religious Beliefs
Mayan Culture
Art, Math, Science, Writing
Abandoned Cities
Lesson Summary
Lesson Review
3. What happened during the Classic Period in Mayan civilization?
4. Who belonged to the m ain classes in Mayan society?
5. Why did the Maya develop a calendar?
6. Why do you think archaeologists were ablet o find many Mayan sites?
7. How did the Olmec influence Mayan culture and religion?