Pre-Columbian Americas

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

8

Overview

This video from Khan Academy gives an overview of pre-Columbian cultures including the Incas, Aztecs, Olmecs, and Mayas. The video can be used to introduce a lesson on these cultures.  It is 7 minutes and 41 seconds in length.

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 8

SS10.8.14

Describe key aspects of pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas including the Olmecs, Mayas, Aztecs, Incas, and North American tribes.

UP:SS10.8.14

Vocabulary

pre-Columbian tribes (Olmec, Maya, Moche, Aztec, Inca, Anasazi, Iroquois) confederation conquistador mound builders Mississippian isthmus Montezuma

Knowledge

Students know: Key cultural aspects of various pre-Columbian groups, including the Olmecs, Mayas, Aztecs, Incas, and North American tribes. Migration and trade patterns for pre-Columbian groups location of pre-Columbian groups and the influence of geography on individual cultures. The influence of religion and spiritual beliefs on pre-Columbian culture, architecture, and art.

Skills

Students are able to: Understand textual evidence of primary and secondary sources. Locate places on a map. Describe how geography influenced culture. Understand map symbols and trace a series of events on a map. Describe the influence on art, architecture, language, and religion.

Understanding

Students understand that: There were important developments in the pre-Columbian civilizations of the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca, Inuit, and North American tribes.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

Khan Academy

License Type

Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
ALSDE LOGO