WebQuest

The Aztec Civilization

Teacher Page

Teacher Introduction

This WebQuest is designed to allow students to experience different aspects of the Aztec Civilization. This journey is a 5 day period, to allow students to process the new information, and create their own thoughts on the Aztec Empire through a journal. Due to the heavy information, students will use a work sheet that has been designed and o note important information. Students can look back on their notes to help create their journal entries. The worksheets are located at the bottom of the page, is separate word documents.

Students should have an introductory lesson of the Aztecs culture. Lessons should include these major aspects of the Aztec civilization:

Job Specification/Roles
Religion
Food and Farming Method

Student can display their new information by creating a journal with 5 different topic entries. Learning can be assess by level of completion and accuracy of worksheet. Worksheets may be modify for your classroom. Allow enough time in class for students to share their journals with the class. This can be done in pairs, or presentations.

Learners

This WebQuest is designed for 5th grade students who are learning about the Mesoamerican civilizations. Depending on the class size, abilities or teacher preference, this WebQuest can be done individually or in pairs. Only completing worksheets can be done in partners. Students must create their own journal entries and cover page.

WebQuest may be new to your students. Provide a demonstration on SMART board or regular projection model of how to complete the WebQuest prior to the assignment. Vocalize and present written material of the expectations when completing the WebQuest.
Regarding technology resources, students can use iPads, laptops or desktops to complete the WebQuest. Due to videos, you may wish to consider headphones if WebQuest is done individually.

Teacher Process

Assess students knowledge on the Aztecs prior to introducing the topic. Most likely, students will be at different spectrum of their knowledge on the Aztecs. From here, you can establish where to begin when introducing the unit. Provide students basic concepts of the Aztec culture without giving too much information. The purpose of the WebQuest is to allow students research and explore the Aztec Empire.

Allow for students to ask questions during the WebQuest and encourage discussion based on the concept they are exploring for a specific day. It is critical for students to reflect on their learning and develop their own perspectives on the civilization. Group discussion will also assist in students reflective writing in the journal throughout the WebQuest. Ideas and concepts can be clarified during discussion.

After students complete the WebQuest and final product, give time for debriefing. This can be done by asking students to write down their thoughts of the Aztec Empire or create a group discussion. Students will be able to reflect on their new information.

Standards

Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects
RI. 5. 9. - Students will be examining and exploring texts from informational websites in order to complete the correlating worksheet and journal entry.

W. 5. 1a. - Students will be gathering information during the WebQuest to then create a final product, a journal. The journal will be organized in sequencing order from days 1 to 5. The task is to have students complete a journal entry based on the concept of the Aztec culture they explored they reviewed that day. Students will be using their new learned information and own opinions/perspectives to create the journal entries.

W. 5. 10. - The WebQuest is divided into a 5 day period. Students will be writing a journal entry after reviewing a specific concept for homework throughout the 5 days. 1 journal entry per day.

SL. 5. 4. - Prior to turning in their final product, students will summarize their journal and discuss their experience with exploring the Aztec Empire.

Other

Resources

Worksheets for each day of the WebQuest are provided in the Social Studies Kit, under WebQuest tab.

Below are resources that may benefit the instructor implementing this WebQuest.

Why use WebQuests?

Rules for Using Technology
Go over these easy to follow rules prior to assigning the WebQuest with your students so they know what is expected of them during this projects