Mayan Empire Group Project
Directions: Each group will be assigned a specific aspect of the Mayan Empire. Groups will be responsible for researching the topic using reliable websites and present their information to the class in a 4-6 minute mini lesson. Students may use PowerPoint, Prezi or a poster to complete this assignment.*
The categories for each group are listed below. Be sure to answer AT LEAST the corresponding questions underneath each category and be sure to expand upon each:
Group 1: Geography of Mayan Civilization
-What lands did the Mayan Empire encompass and when?
-What is the climate of this region?
-Explain the terrain of the region?
-What impact did these features have on Mayan life?
- Interesting facts?
Group 2: Culture and Daily Life
-What were the major religious beliefs and practices?
-Did the Mayans use currency? If so, what was it?
-What was their clothing like?
-Did they have formal schools or education systems?
-Did they have major buildings or architecture? Do they still exist?
-What was the population of the Mayan Empire? What was it important?
- Interesting facts?
Group 3: Technological and scientific innovation
-What were major advancements in:
+Mathematics
+ Sciences (especially astronomy!)
+ The Calendar
- What was the importance of Agriculture? What were its effects?
- Interesting facts?
Group 4: The Collapse of Mayan Civilization
-How did the Mayan civilization come to an end?
- Be sure to touch upon prevailing theories as to why the Mayans disappeared.
-Are there any Mayans left today?
- Interesting facts?
You may use, but are not limited to, the following websites to help you out!
CIA World Factbook-
Mr. Donn-
Anneberg Learner-
Be sure not to plagiarize! Put information into your own words and cite your sources!
*If there is another form of presentation you would like to employ that is not listed above, please ask Mr. Lefer for approval.
CATEGORY / 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / Points EarnedContent/Organization / The project contains most the required information and has evidence of research. Project is historically accurate. It is very well organized and easy to follow. / The project contains many required information and shows evidence of research. Few problems with historical accuracy. Well organized and easy to follow / The project has some required information. Some problems with historical accuracy. Has some errors in organization / The project contains little information with several factual errors. Disorganized and difficult to follow. / The project contains no information not related to the assigned project and/or is very historically flawed. Significantly lacks organization.
Spelling/Grammar / There are no spelling or grammar errors. / There are a few grammar and spelling errors. / There are several grammar and spelling errors. / There are many grammar and spelling errors. / Spelling and Grammar errors impede the message of the project
Understandings / Student clearly understands the deeper meanings of the issues presented and makes important connections to related concepts / Student shows good understanding ofissues and the deeper issues represented. / Students show some understanding of concepts represented. / Student shows limited understanding of concepts represented. / Student shows no understanding of concepts represented.
Neatness and Effort / The project has no distracting errors, corrections or erasures. It is readable and shows a great deal of effort. / The project has a few errors, corrections and erasures. It is readable and shows some effort / The project has some corrections, erasures and is untidy. / The project has many corrections, erasures and is untidy. / The project has some corrections, erasures and is untidy.