Author: User

The Maya Civilisation
Here are some ideas that you can research about our new topic.
You don’t have to do the tasks in this order: just choose the ones which interest you. It’s up to you how you present your information: a picture, a fact file, a PowerPoint, a video, a model… Or simply, just enjoy finding out about the Maya by reading and watching the BBC videos.
I can’t wait to see what you choose.
Please share them on our class blog or email me on t.rees@birdwellprimary.org.uk

The Maya Civilisation - useful websites
Here are a selection of websites which are useful for finding out about the Maya.
The BBC websites have short video clips for you to watch.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zq6svcw
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/history-ks2-introducing-the-maya-civilisation/znk3cqt
https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/history/mayans/
https://www.ducksters.com/history/aztec_maya_inca.php
https://www.touropia.com/ancient-mayan-temples/
https://mayas.mrdonn.org/geography.html

The Maya Civilisation
Who were the ancient Maya people?
When and where did they live?
How did the Maya become so important?
What was life like for the ancient Maya?
Why were tattoos important to the Maya?

Maya Food
What was the main food of the Maya people?
How was this grown?
Why was this so important to the Maya people?
What other types of food did they eat?
What were cacao beans used for?

Maya Cities and Monuments
Find out about some of the Maya cities, such as Chichen Itza, Tikal, Tenochtitlan, Mayapan...
Which was the largest Maya city?
Find out about some of the famous temples and monuments built by the Maya people.
Try building a 3D Maya village.

Maya Food
What was the main food of the Maya people?
How was this grown?
Why was this so important to the Maya people?
What other types of food did they eat?
What were cacao beans used for?

Maya Recipes
Try making some ancient Maya tortillas and enjoy them with your family at tea time.

Maya Drink
Make some ancient Maya hot chocolate (which only the rich and nobles got to drink.)

Maya Cities and Monuments
Find out about some of the major Maya cities.
Which was the largest Maya city?
Find out about some of the famous temples and monuments built by the Maya people.
Try building a 3D Maya village.

Religion and Gods
Religion was an important part of the ancient Maya culture.
Find out about the different Gods.
Who was the supreme God?
Which God guarded the underworld?
What jobs did the priests do?
Why did the Maya perform blood-letting rituals?

The Maya Number System
The Maya had a good understanding of numbers and they developed a complex number and counting system which was advanced for their time.
How did the Maya write numbers and try writing them yourselves.
Write yourselves some maths calculations and see if someone in your family can solve them. Or alternatively post them on the blog for the rest of the class to solve.

Maya Writing
What does the Maya writing system consist of?
How are words constructed?
What were Maya books called and how were they made?
You could make your own codices using paper folded like a concertina and drawing a picture that show scenes of your everyday life at the moment as well as hieroglyphics.

Art and Craft ideas - Maya Masks
Masks played a central role in Maya culture. They were made for a variety of occasions and purposes.
Can you find out what masks were used for and how they were made?
Masks were often inspired by animals; they were vibrant and colourful. The Mayas believed that animals represented the spirits. For example, many Maya often associated strong kings with jaguars.
Try making your own mask. You could use card or papier mache.

Art and Craft ideas - Maya Jewellery
The Maya created jewellery such as beaded necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, ear plugs and rings.
What type of materials did they use to make jewellery?
Decorate yourselves with your very own Maya jewellery.

Art and Craft ideas - Maya Headdresses
The more important the person, the bigger the headdress.
Make yourself important!
Use card to make the basic shape and attach string to tie it on the head. You could use feathers, paint, sequins and beads to decorate.

Art and Craft ideas - Weaving
The Maya would spin thread and weave it into cloth.
You could use cardboard and string to set up your own loom and have a go at weaving using different coloured wool.