Contextualization

Introduction to Mayan Civilization

The Mayan civilization is one of the most intriguing and advanced ancient civilizations in the world. Flourishing in the rainforests of Central America, specifically in areas that now encompass modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, the Mayans left behind a rich and complex culture full of fascinating achievements.

The Mayans were known for their remarkable architectural achievements, creating impressive stone cities that featured massive pyramid temples, palaces, and observatories. They were also skilled astronomers, developing a highly accurate calendar system that is still in use today and making significant contributions to the understanding of celestial bodies and events.

Another notable attribute of the Mayans was their sophisticated writing system, which included the use of hieroglyphics. They recorded their history, mythology, and astronomical observations on stone monuments, codices (bark-paper books), and even on pottery.

The Mayans were also a highly stratified society, with a ruling class of nobles and priests, a warrior class, and a working class that included farmers, artisans, and traders. They had a complex system of governance and were deeply religious, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses that played a central role in their lives.

Significance of the Mayan Civilization

The Mayan civilization flourished from around 2000 BC to 1500 AD, and during this time, they made significant contributions to various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, art, and architecture. Their calendar system, for instance, was remarkably precise and sophisticated, demonstrating their deep understanding of celestial events.

The Mayans were also advanced in agriculture, developing innovative techniques such as terracing and irrigation that allowed them to sustain a large population in a challenging environment. This has important implications for modern-day society, where issues like climate change and sustainable agriculture are increasingly relevant.

The Mayans' legacy also extends to their complex religious and mythological beliefs, which provide valuable insights into their worldview and societal structure. By studying the Mayans, we can gain a better understanding of the diversity of human cultures and the complex ways in which they interact with their environment.

Sources for Further Study

• "The Maya" by Michael D. Coe and Stephen D. Houston
• "The Ancient Maya" by Robert J. Sharer and Loa P. Traxler
• Maya Civilization - Ancient History Encyclopedia
• The Mayan Civilization - The British Museum
• Maya Civilization - National Geographic
• Maya - The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Exploring the Mayan World - A Journey into the Past"

Objective of the Project

The main goal of this project is to provide an in-depth understanding of the Mayan civilization, its culture, achievements, and societal structure. Moreover, this project aims to foster teamwork, research skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities among students.

Detailed Description of the Project

For this project, students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5. Each group will be tasked with creating a "Mayan Civilization Kit" that includes a 3D model of a Mayan city, a working model of a Mayan calendar, a collection of hieroglyphics, and a short play or a documentary showcasing a day in the life of the Mayans.

This project is designed to be collaborative and interdisciplinary, incorporating elements of history, art, mathematics, and language. It will require students to conduct comprehensive research, apply critical thinking, and effectively communicate their findings to their peers.

Necessary Materials

• Cardboard, clay, or any other suitable material for creating the 3D models.
• Colored markers, pencils, or paints for decorating the models.
• Poster board or large sheets of paper for creating the hieroglyphics.
• Internet access for research.
• Books or online resources about the Mayan civilization.
• Digital camera or smartphone for documenting the process.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

Step 1: Research (5 hours)

• Each group should start by conducting comprehensive research on the Mayan civilization using the provided sources as well as additional resources.
• They should focus on understanding the societal structure, achievements, culture, and religious beliefs of the Mayans.

Step 2: Plan and Design (2 hours)

• Based on their research, each group should plan and design their Mayan city model, Mayan calendar, and hieroglyphics.
• They should also decide on the structure and content of their short play or documentary.

Step 3: Building the Models and Hieroglyphics (4 hours)

• Using the materials provided, each group should begin building their models and hieroglyphics.
• They should ensure that their models and hieroglyphics accurately reflect their research findings.

Step 4: Creating the Short Play or Documentary (3 hours)

• Each group should prepare a short play script or a documentary script that showcases a day in the life of the Mayans.
• They should rehearse their play or plan the shots for their documentary.

Step 5: Presentation and Discussion (1 hour)

• Each group will present their project to the class, explaining the details of their models, hieroglyphics, and the play or documentary.
• After each presentation, there will be a Q&A session where students can ask questions about the project.

Project Deliveries

Each group will deliver the following:

1. A 3D model of a Mayan city.
2. A working model of a Mayan calendar.
3. A collection of hieroglyphics.
4. A short play script or a documentary script, and a recording if possible.
5. A written report detailing their project.

The report should be structured as follows:

1. Introduction: Provide an overview of the Mayan civilization, its historical context, and the objective of the project.
2. Development: Detail the process of creating the models and hieroglyphics, the research conducted, and the methodology used. Discuss the main findings from the research and how these were incorporated into the project.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on the learnings obtained from the project, the challenges faced, and the solutions found. Discuss their understanding of the Mayan civilization based on the project.
4. Bibliography: List all the sources used for the research and project development.

Project Duration

The project is estimated to take around 15 hours per student over a period of one month. This includes research, planning, model building, script development, rehearsals, and report writing. The project will culminate in a presentation and discussion of the projects in the classroom.