Chapter 9: Ancient America
Chapter Objectives
Analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of South America and Mesoamerica.
Lesson 1: The Geography of the Americas
- Analyze physical features of the Americas, including rivers, mountain ranges, and climate.
- Give details about the geography of the Andes.
- Locate Mesoamerica and list details about its geographical features.
- Language Objective: Formulate statements in a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the geographies of the Andes and Mesoamerica.
Lesson 2: Ancient Andean Civilizations
- Characterize two of the oldest Andean civilizations, the Chavín and the Nazca.
- Describe key features of another ancient Andean civilization, the Moche.
- Language Objective: Analyze facts to draw logical conclusions.
Lesson 3: The Olmec of Mesoamerica
- Analyze the earliest civilization in the Americas—the Olmec.
- Characterize the Olmec culture and define its legacy.
- Language Objective: Classify the lesson vocabulary by category to make the text more comprehensible and meaningful.
Lesson 4: The Mayan Civilization
- Analyze the rise of Mayan civilization, including the location of key Mayan cities.
- Describe daily life among the Maya, including distinctions among social classes and religious practices.
- Summarize the cultural accomplishments of the Maya.
- Language Objective: Create a mural showing Mayan life.
