This integrated module covers topics relating to the rain forest ecology, ancient Maya civilization and how archeology uncovers the pieces to the past. Students read Jaguar during this study and participate in an online collaborative 3D project re-recreating a lost civilization.

An introduction to the way archaeologists work using the lost civilization of the Maya as the basis. In the process of learning about these examples students explore how to find and excavate archaeological sites, how to date the past, and how to interpret archaeological data.

Learning about the Mayan people and their culture is achieved in this module through visuals, writing and developing computation in Mayan. This module will help the students become aware how our modern hierarchies are similar to their own social structure.

Students will realize the great contributions in astronomy and math by identifying calendar symbols.

Students also explore the Ancient Mound Builders and Mississippian Culture.
 

Objectives:

At the end of this module students should be able to:

  • Develop an awareness of the complex nature of a given culture: its history, geography, art, religion, architecture, communication and social structure.
  •  Understand the concept of region in relation to race, religion and culture.
  • Understand how belief systems affect a society's actions and their accomplishments as architects and artisans
  • Understand the development of a system of hieroglyphic writing.
  • Create an interactive 3D Mayan Exhibit .

 

Assessment

Students complete a variety of written assignments and final projects to assess progress. All work is archived in individual student folders at the WiloStar3D site. Final multimedia projects are showcased at the WiloStar3D site and are archived into personal student portfolio CD's at the end of the school year to document progress and student growth.

WiloStar3D teachers provide written daily feedback on all student assignments. Students have password protected learning portals where assignment feedback is stored along with their e-gradebook. Students have access to this area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

These include:
 

  • Rain forest Mini-Web
  • 3D Rain forest Exhibit
  • Jaguar Essay Test

Module Resources

Jaguar by Roland Smith

Self-Selected Novel