Thinking About History... The Maya

Part of the exciting "Thinking About..." range, this set of 20 A5 cards is designed in collaboration with Dr Diane Davies, a leading expert in Maya archaeology. Each card features a photograph on one side, showcasing key aspects of Maya history, architecture, beliefs, and society. On the reverse, you'll find five questions or activity suggestions that engage students in critical thinking, encouraging them to explore the Maya civilisation from various perspectives. The questions and activities are designed to suit different abilities, making this set versatile for use with individuals, small groups, or whole-class work. Perfect for a starter or plenary activity, or to form the foundation for an in-depth exploration of the Maya civilisation.

Key Features:

• 20 A5 Cards: Each card presents a photograph of a key Maya artefact, site, or scene, with a set of five questions or activity suggestions on the reverse.
• Variety of Activities: Designed to promote a range of skills including observation, descriptive writing, and critical analysis of Maya society, beliefs, and culture.
• Differentiation: Activities can be adapted for different abilities, ensuring that each student can engage with the content at an appropriate level.
• Skill Development: Fosters enquiry-based learning, with a focus on developing students' historical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of ancient cultures.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for whole-class discussions, small-group activities, or individual tasks. Can also serve as a comprehensive starter or plenary activity for any Maya topic.

Historical Context:
The Maya civilisation, which flourished from around 2000 BC to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, is one of the most remarkable ancient cultures of the Americas. Known for their impressive achievements in architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and writing, the Maya created monumental temples and pyramids, and developed a complex calendar system. They also had a deep spiritual belief system, with gods associated with natural forces and the cosmos. This set offers a window into their advanced society and provides insight into their incredible cultural legacy.

Educational Purpose:

• Maya History: A perfect resource for teaching about the Maya civilisation, including their cities, religious beliefs, architecture, and scientific advancements.
• Cultural Understanding: Encourages students to explore the cultural achievements and way of life of the Maya people.
• Analytical Skills: Develops questioning and critical thinking skills through a range of stimulating prompts and activities.

Ideal For:

• Classroom Activities: A valuable resource for history lessons on the Maya civilisation.
• Interactive Learning: Engages students in historical inquiry and encourages them to form opinions and reflect on Maya life.
• Project Work: Suitable for students conducting research on the Maya, providing a rich resource for creative writing, descriptive tasks, and group discussions.

These Thinking About... The Maya activity cards provide a fantastic, engaging way for students to explore the wonders of Maya civilisation, making history come to life through observation, questioning, and active learning.