KS2 Maya - Achievements

Take learning outdoors with this engaging cross-curricular unit exploring the ancient Maya through history, maths, and science. Through hands-on, enquiry-based activities, pupils will crack ancient codes, explore the Maya number system, and investigate how this remarkable civilisation designed impressive cities in harmony with the stars while developing historical understanding, mathematical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Lesson Plans

Maya writing system

Ignite your pupils’ curiosity with this immersive outdoor lesson exploring the fascinating world of Maya hieroglyphics. This engaging session empowers children to become historical investigators, using natural materials and inquiry skills to decipher and create their own ancient symbolic messages.

Learning objective:

To understand the importance of the Maya writing system and its features.

Understanding the Maya number system

Challenge your pupils to crack the code of the ancient Maya by recreating their unique number system using natural materials. This hands-on outdoor session brings history and maths to life as children explore advanced concepts like the shell for zero and base-20 place value through active discovery.

Learning objective:

To understand the Maya number system.

Infulence of astronomy

Discover how the ancient Maya used the stars to master time and agriculture in this immersive outdoor lesson on celestial alignments. Your pupils will become expert astronomers as they explore complex solar and sacred calendars, bringing ancient history to life through active, hands-on discovery.

Learning objective:

To understand how astronomy influenced the Mayans everyday life.

Features of Maya architecture

Step into the role of ancient architects and uncover the secrets behind the Maya’s magnificent stone cities in this hands-on outdoor lesson. Your pupils will explore the fascinating links between grand structures and the stars, designing and constructing their own Maya-inspired pyramids using natural materials.

Learning objective:

To identify the key features of Maya architecture and explain their importance.

Before you get started

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