Uncovering the Ancient Mayans: Daily Life and Achievements

This activity will immerse Year 6 pupils in the fascinating world of the Ancient Mayan civilisation. Through a 'gallery walk' and research task, children will explore different facets of Mayan life, from their complex writing system and advanced mathematics to their farming techniques and social hierarchy. The aim is for pupils to develop a deeper understanding of this significant historical period and appreciate the ingenuity of the Mayan people. This aligns with the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum objective to study 'a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history – for example, ancient Sumer; Ancient Egypt; the Shang Dynasty of ancient China; the Indus Valley Civilisation; the Ancient Americas (Mayan civilisation); Baghdad in the Abbasid Caliphate; or Benin.'

1. Introduction (10 minutes): Begin by asking pupils what they already know about the Mayans. Show a world map and locate Mesoamerica. Briefly introduce the concept of an ancient civilisation and its importance. Explain that today they will become 'Mayan Explorers' to uncover key aspects of this civilisation.
2. Gallery Walk Setup (10 minutes): Prepare several 'information stations' around the classroom. Each station should focus on a different aspect of Mayan civilisation, such as:
   • Station 1: Geography & Environment (e.g., rainforest, climate, crops like maize)
   • Station 2: Social Structure (e.g., kings, priests, nobles, farmers, slaves)
   • Station 3: Daily Life (e.g., food, housing, clothing, family life)
   • Station 4: Achievements – Writing & Maths (e.g., hieroglyphs, Vigesimal system, concept of zero)
   • Station 5: Achievements – Astronomy & Calendar (e.g., accurate calendars, observatories)
   • Station 6: Religion & Rituals (e.g., gods, temples, ball games)
   • Station 7: Decline & Legacy (e.g., theories for decline, modern Mayan people) Provide each pupil with a 'Mayan Explorer's Journal' (worksheet) with sections for notes and questions related to each station.
3. Gallery Walk (20-25 minutes): Divide pupils into small groups (3-4 children). Assign each group a starting station. Explain that they will spend approximately 3-4 minutes at each station, reading the information and making notes in their journals. Use a timer to signal when it's time to move to the next station. Encourage them to look for interesting facts and key vocabulary.
4. Consolidation & Discussion (15 minutes): Bring the class back together. Facilitate a whole-class discussion, asking groups to share one interesting fact they learned from each station. Use prompts like: 'What surprised you most about Mayan maths?' or 'How was Mayan society organised?' Record key vocabulary and facts on the board.
5. Creative Task (30 minutes): Challenge pupils to create a 'Mayan Fact File' or a 'Day in the Life of a Mayan Child' short story/report using the information gathered. They should aim to include details about daily life, social standing, and at least one significant achievement. Provide templates or allow free-form creation. This can be completed in pairs or individually.
6. Plenary (10 minutes): Share some of the completed fact files or stories. Revisit the learning objective and ask pupils to reflect on what they have learned about the Mayans and why their civilisation was so advanced.

• Information Sheets/Posters: Create clear, concise information sheets or posters for each of the seven 'Mayan Explorer' stations. Include images, diagrams, and key facts. Ensure language is accessible for Year 6.
• Mayan Explorer's Journal/Worksheet: A simple worksheet with headings for each station, prompting pupils to record key facts, vocabulary, and perhaps draw a small illustration.
• World Map: To locate Mesoamerica.
• Timer: For managing the gallery walk.
• Art Supplies (optional): Coloured pencils, felt-tip pens, paper for the creative task.
• Example Mayan Artefacts (optional): Pictures or replicas of Mayan glyphs, pottery, or tools to enhance engagement.