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Mesoamerica

From BrainPOP

Mesoamerica
4th5thSocial Studies
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Summary

Welcome to the Western Hemisphere’s very own cradle of civilization! In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby head south to explore the region known as Mesoamerica. Discover what makes this narrow strip of land between North and South America the textbook example of a “culture area.” Get a glimpse of some of the most advanced civilizations in the history of the New World, including the Olmec, the Maya, and the Aztec--all of which called Mesoamerica home! And see how maize, calendars, pyramids, and other Mesoamerican innovations link all of these civilizations together into one big cultural family! Don’t be scared by the creepy serpent gods--click on this movie!

Viewer safety

Ages 7+

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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

A few questions to talk through after watching Mesoamerica:

  1. What is one new thing you learned about mesoamerica?
  2. Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
  3. Where might you see this in the real world?
  4. What is one question you still have?

Quick work-a-long

Try it:

  • Write one sentence explaining mesoamerica.
  • Draw or give one example of your own.