A Teacher's Review of Instructomania's Aztec, Maya, Inca Complete Unit Plan

HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!

What happened during the age of exploration? Discovery, that's what. The Americas became a novelty, an entire world full of life and culture would collide with the conflicts of the church reformation and the Scientific Revolution. Central and South Americans resisted the advances of European explorers, hoping to preserve their heritage. You have to teach your middle graders all about them, so why not use this fantastic....

Aztec, Maya, Inca Complete Unit Plan

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(More on Mr. and Mrs. P below)

I can give you five good reasons to check out this bundle. First, the price. With over $80 in combined product, the creators bundle up your savings and offer this for UNDER $20. I don't care where you teach, that is some serious savings.

Secondly, the versatility of this bundle will not outgrow future classes. You can pick and chose from 30 notes formats, worksheets and activities. Remember that price I mentioned? Now, if you could use it for the next 10 years in 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, or 8th grade, isn't that a good investment?

Thirdly, variety. This history lesson plan package provides 50 pages within four categories: 1) Notes, PowerPoint, and close readings, 2)Activities, Worksheets, and primary source readings 3) Review and fun games, and 4) Common Core Literacy and Writing Aligned multiple choice tests. We'll take a closer look at some of these below.

Lastly, it's proven to engage and entertain students. Many of our reviewers state how much fun their students had and how they often either couldn't use all the activities or they ended up spending more time on pre-Columbia cultures because their students loved it! Between the student centered activities, visual graphic organizers, and interactive games its sure to make learning happen for every level learner in the classroom. 

Bonus: less work for you. Everything is included, making the hardest part for you clicking the print button. Instructomania's motto isn't just fancy words. They did the work so you can do your job well: teaching young minds! Be the teacher they'll remember, the one with the fun teaching resources.

Now let's take a closer look at some of this bundles included U.S. ancient history curriculum:

With up to 16 words to offer, this Americas Vocabulary Set offers a textbook independent vocabulary lesson sheet and engage student learning with multiple angles. In addition to the worksheet, two games are offered. One is individual while the other is a PowerPoint group activity. And of course, there is a quiz to double check their understanding.

Needing to check geography off your list for your Americas unit? There are not one but two Where In The World activities in this bundle. Student centered and just plain fun, these scavenger hunt style games will have your students feeling like detectives. Great labeled maps make learning major landmarks easy and interesting. If you want to make it more of a challenge, you can set a time limit or have student teams race to see who can come up with all the locations first!

The Aztecs created a writing system, and your students can become language specialists with the Aztec Pictography analysis activity. They'll use primary resources and amazing Aztec art to show evidence for their claims, and relate them to key social science concepts.

Common Core paragraph writing instructional materials and writing templates offer more chances to engage students. Students use literacy skills in the two handout readings, math skills to create population decline bar graphs and even learn science with the information about smallpox.

Other activities included in this bundle that make it worth more than El Dorado:

 Printable one pager notes for all three civilizations (Aztec, Maya, Inca)

Aztec, Inca AND Maya Close Readings, Analysis Guide and Annotation Activities (Aztec,Maya, Inca)

Fantastic visual PowerPoint notes for all three civilizations (Aztec, Maya, Inca)

Printable graphic organizers for all three civilizations (Aztec, Maya, Inca)

Geography Mini Bundles with seven activities included for each geographic region:South America AND Mexico

An Americas Vocabulary Lesson Set with lots of options, review games and a content/academic vocabulary quiz. 

Engaging Aztec Religion Reading with Common Core Worksheet

An Aztec/ Conquistador Shadow Silhouette Perspective Activity with examples, template and youtube instructional link.

Common Core paragraph writing instructional materials and writing template

Printable homework worksheets based on the notes for all three civilizations (Aztec,Maya, Inca)

FaceTime Interviews for Monteczuma, Pizarro, Atahualpa and Cortez. Includes Common Core and Interview Activity Options

Common Core literacy and math population decline from smallpox bar graphing activity

Aztec Pictograph Analysis Activity

Vocabulary Set with an assignment, two review games and a quiz in both PDF and Word!

An Aztec, Maya, Inca Interactive "People Pass" Review Activity

A Flyswatter game with answers that is a review for all three civilizations (exclusive to this bundle)

A Venn diagram that compares all three civilizations with answer key (exclusive to this bundle)

A student directed review activity for all three civilizations that includes an answer key (exclusive to this bundle)

A fun PowerPoint driven "Human Multiple Choice" game (exclusive to this bundle)

Here is what teachers are saying about the Aztec, Maya, Inca Complete Common Core Unit Plan: 

"This content supplemented my unit on Latin America in my World Geography class really well!" ~The Strawser Social Studies Store

"I highly recommend this bundle. It is well-prepared and provides much rigor to challenge my students. I love how they are liable for providing evidence throughout the entire unit." ~Anonymous Buyer

"I love these resources! They are very thorough in their inforamtion and the activites are creative and hands on. My grade eights really enjoy the lessons. I also love how I can use these cross curricular." ~Amanda Russell

Want to see a complete activities list for this 50 page social studies bundle, as well as more about the creators Mr. and Mrs. P? Click the link below for all the details on their 26 years combined teaching experience and how they were literally student nominated as superheroes!

INSTRUCTOMANIA, INC.

A Teacher's Opinion on Instructomania's Scientific Revoluton Notes and Activities Bundle

Earlier this week we reviewed the Enlightenment bundle by Instructomania, which many teachers were wrapping up their unit on. Many are moving further into history, revolutionizing the classroom with the scientific method, inventions, and forward thinkers of their time during the Scientific Revolution. As the sun comes out and students get antsy being cooped up, you might consider today's product review as a way to engage students in some inventive activites and note taking with the 11 options in the...

Scientific Revolution Notes & Activities Common Core Bundle

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(More on Mr. and Mrs. P below)

This bundle has so much FUN in it! If you take a look at the reviews on the page, they can't stop talking about how much their students loved activities like the lollipop/ dum dums lab that gives a hands on way to understand the Scientific Method, or one of our favorites, the Create a playlist activity shown below. 

This one offers students the opportunity to take the accomplishments and ideas of big thinkers and doers of the Scientific Revolution such as Ptolomy, Decartes, Issac Newton, Copernicus, Keplertand and create fun track titles and playlists. Some students not musically inclined? No problem! A sample list is included, and this is a great one to split students up into teams for. Take it a step further and have them come up with some lyrics.

The Scientific Revolution notes and activities bundle recently got upgraded with this five page DBQ Historical Snapshot activity, which is great for reviewing this middle grade social studies timeline through a close reading lesson. The vocabulary and rich text meaning analysis is great for any 6th graders, 7th graders, and even 8th graders! It's the perfect interactive middle school lesson plan!

One of the major debates of the Enlightenment's transition to the Scientific Revolution was the battle between religion and science. Many were caught in the cross fires of this. The primary resource analysis of the "Was Galileo a Heretic?" project will have students' critical thinking in full swing.

Other activities included in this bundle that make it worth its word count in gold....

 Power Point Notes (Can be printed 6 slides to a sheet for easy pairing with graphic organizer)

Graphic Organizer- Fill in the blanks for Powerpoint Notes 

Build A Cut Out Scientist Activity 

A Facebook Scientist Biography Profile Page

Galileo on Trial! Common Core Reading and Common Core writing Guide Activity

Spirit of Innovation, Invention Extension Activity 

Newsela Science Article Analysis Common Core Extension Activity with printable article example

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Galileo on Trial!: A Common Core Reading and Writing Activity 

Please note, this bundle DOES NOT come with an assessment option, but we'd recommend pairing it with our Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution test and quiz, which includes vocabulary, common core literacy, common core writing, and matching key concepts to enlightenment thinkers and scientists of the revolution.

Here is what teachers are saying about the Scientific Revolution Notes and Activity Common Core Bundle: 

"Worth every penny - this will be in my teacher toolbox for many years! Students were engaged and loved the activities!" ~Susanne P.

"Thorough and easy to implement! Thanks!" ~Erika F.

"Lots to choose from and will be a great way to wrap up my year! Thanks :)" ~Jennifer P.

Want to see a complete activities list for this 30 page social studies bundle, as well as more about the creators Mr. and Mrs. P? Click the link below for all the details on their 26 years combined teaching experience and how they were literally student nominated as superheroes!

INSTRUCTOMANIA, INC.

Review of Common Core Based Enlightenment Bundle for Middle Graders

The enlightenment was a time of reason and discovery of self in Europe, and a general moving away from traditional ideas and methods. That's just want your 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students will do with this fun and engaging...

Enlightenment Thinkers Age of Reason Activity Bundle Common Core

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(More on Mr. and Mrs. P below)

If you're looking for common core related activities that stimulate your students, get them up and moving, their brains geared up, and connecting their synapses, then this is the bundle for your Enlightenment unit!

Enlightenment Thinkers Power Point & Notes

It has 13 activities, assessments, and class exams to let you be the super star teacher without all the work! 

This great middle grade lesson plan offers ideas adapted by U.S. from important figures of the Enlightenment including Baron de Montesquieu, Beccaria, John Locke, Voltaire and Hobbes.

Would your students rather be reading page after page of information that they'll have a hard time retaining come test time? NO! This bundle offers games and activities that will have them competing to show off their knowledge of important Enlightenment quotes, and engaged with important U.S. documents inspired by that time period such as the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

The best part? You'll be using graphic organizers and awesome activities that still align with common core requirements for your classroom! Your students will be learning, and you'll have fun teaching them about the Enlightenment!

Here is what teachers are saying: 

"A+++++" ~Anthony R.

"These Instructomania bundles might be the best social studies resources on TpT. They are always a hit. My kids are now masters of Enlightenment philosophy." ~Michael W.

"Great resource, really had the students thinking and analyzing the information." ~Rob C.

Want to see a complete activities list for this 30 page social studies bundle, as well as more about the creators Mr. and Mrs. P? Click the link below for all the details!

INSTRUCTOMANIA, INC.

A Little Crazy about Visuals

You’ve heard us talk about primary sources before. I, Tony, will admit I’m a little crazy about history, and primary sources are, in my opinion, some of the best ways to engage students. Using paintings, maps, lithographs, and other visual and dynamic primary sources engages your students. These documents help students understand and get excited about the “big ideas” of history teaching standards we’ve been forced to include in curriculum.

Why is this important? Let me get metaphorical. Say your friend tells you about an awesome movie he saw. Your interest may spark as he speaks, but the next day you may have forgotten the title. If, however, you happen to see the trailer on another movie you rented or online, chances are all the bits and fragments sewn together with explosions or themed music will lead you to  eventually see that movie.

The same goes for students. The more excitement you create with visual aids and original pieces of that big idea’s history, the more likely they are to remember the facts and major concepts they need to. Voila, instant teacher assistance! Example: The civil war could get lost in the sea of history pages on one war or another until you show students a collection of civil war photographs. The distinct style of the time or locations of these pictures could be the difference between your students’ recollection and bad testing.

Of course, this leads me to our newest product, an incredible 35 page U.S. History Primary Source packet complete with over 22 visual primary sources to jump start that excitement we talked about above. It “encourages creativity, intelligent reflection, and decision making that will help you take an active approach to teaching while inspiring your students to make their own explorations of history, writing, and reading.” You can check it out here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/US-History-Working-with-Primary-Source-VISUALS-Activity-Bundle-1608749

Do you use visual primary sources as well as literary ones in your classroom? Do you focus them on details or the big ideas of your lesson(s)? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Importance of Primary Sources in Teaching Curriculum & Activities We Use

In recent years, there’s been a push for the use of primary sources in teacher circles. Many factors contribute to this increased interest. With the Internet’s overabundance of information and clunky textbooks making students eyes glaze over, sometimes it’s hard for students to connect with what they are learning or even feel like they are getting accurate information on the subject. Primary sources not only provide a deeper, more personal look into our world's past, but they also give realistic qualities to abstract curriculum.

When children read primary sources such as ship logs, historic figures’ diaries, and government documents, it encourages them to seek more information. It also fosters active reading and response to what they are learning. (Read: a helpmate to common core.) Primary sources seem to help students become better learners.

Since primary sources are often bias or incomplete, students have to build on their previous knowledge and pair the primary sources to discover patterns. They also must struggle with conflicting information and face the complexity of history head on. In small ways, this might also help them develop compassion, and form a sharper sense of their individual morals.

Document Based Questions (often referred to as DBQ) are also a handy tool to pair with primary sources to exercise students’ critical thinking skills. They’re increased importance are being called the future of state assessments, and teachers are feeling the pressure equal to that applied when common core began taking hold.

Still further, primary sources and their applications are expanding into advanced exams in schools. A shiny example is New York’s Regent Exams. These intense, subject-based tests are giving teachers a realistic assessment of their student’s knowledge and focus on subject matter.  The regents lay classroom expectations that put New York’s students way above the common core curve. A lot of that expectation can be met with primary sources and accompanying activities offered by teachers. Many states are expected to chart the same course as New York.

As you can see, primary sources are vital to every aspect of student’s learning. With this in mind, we’ve created and utilized middle grade curriculum and activities dedicated to taking advantage of their unique glimpse into the past. Below are a few links, but feel free to check out our Teachers Pay Teachers store for additional options.

• Analyzing pictures/artwork for primary sources (ancient pictographs, renaissance artwork, medieval artwork). See ideas under Egypt pictographs, renaissance, and Aztecs in TPT store.

• Who said it perspective quotes. Students go to sides of the room, or hold up fingers, or compete with flyswatters hitting pictures on the board in paired competition. So many options! Example would be explorers versus Native Americans.

• Bumper sticker main idea summaries for paragraphs in a primary source. Fun. Modern connection. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spanish-Inquisition-and-Spain-Bumper-Sticker-REVISED-212717

•  Interview a historical figure on FaceTime. I love this one. Common Core, interactive, ownership, students draw themselves.http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FaceTime-Interview-World-History-Activity-Bundle-1259884

• Found poem with primary sources. Portions of sentences, sometimes just words on each line. Cool and easy for students.http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Civil-War-Quote-Activity-Bundle-Working-with-Primary-Sources-120920

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