Friday Feb 9, 2018

Classwork: Today we finished the Chapter questions and moved ahead in studying 12 specific characterics of Aztec Daily Life.  Students were asked to fill in a picture and answer a discussion question for 12 different areas. 

Homework: Describe to your parents one thing you learned about one of the 12 different areas of Aztec daily life. 

Thursday Feb 8, 2018

Classwork: Today we finished the Aztec Power Point notes and started the Chapter reading questions in the text book.

Homework: discuss the size and scope of Tenochtlitlan with your family

Tuesday February 6, 2018

Classwork:

First, we read about a new discovery from National Geographic about newly rediscovered artifacts and settlements of the Mayas.  Click here for more info https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/02/maya-laser-lidar-guatemala-pacunam/

Then we analysed primary source documents of Aztec sacrifice depictions.  Discussion centered around why this was a central idea in their religion.  We also discussed modern day similarities in blood symbolism with the following:

Christianity
Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe
Vampires
Harry Potter

In all the cases, we discussed how blood is seen as having a special power that can manipulate things in the world.  Similarly, the Aztecs felt that blood could alter things in nature and appease their gods.

Homework: Please watch the Mayan Documentary tonight at 7 PM on National Geographic. 

Monday February 5, 2018

Classwork: Today we started Day I of our study of the Aztecs.  Students learned a brutal origin about how the Aztecs arrived at Lake Texcoco and started their civilization.  This study will have many grotesque details about human sacrifice so be prepared to have mature conversations about religion!

Homework:  Discuss with your parents the beginning of the Power Point notes.