Lesson Plan Format

Name: Maria Franciosa

Date: December 4, 2014

Subject: Social Studies

Topic: Aztec Culture

Grade Level: 5

Purpose: To have students demonstrate their Aztec knowledge through the creation of their own Aztec Codex.
Core Standard(s):
Massachusetts Social Studies Frameworks:
5.2: Identify the three major pre-Columbian civilizations that existed in Central and South American (Maya, Aztec, and Inca)
and their locations. Describe their political structures, religious practices, and use of slaves.
Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework. (2003, August 1). Retrieved November 16, 2014,
from http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/hss/final.pdf
Common Core Standards:
RI.5.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the
text.
SL.5.2: Summarize a written text, read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually,
quantitatively, and orally.
http://www.corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/ELA_Standards.pdf
National Core Arts Standards:
VA:Cr2.1.5a: Experiment and develop skills in multiple art-making techniques and approaches through practice.
VA:Cr2.2.5a: Demonstrate quality craftsmanship through care and use of materials, tools, and equipment.
http://nationalartsstandards.org/sites/default/files/Visual%20Arts%20at%20a%20Glance%20rev.pdf
Objective(s):
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the Aztec culture by creating their own codex detailing the different
aspects of Aztec culture in picture and in written description.
Assessment:
Formative: Teacher will observe students while working on their codices and assist when necessary, especially
checking in with the fence sitters.
Summative: Students will be graded using a rubric on an expectations scale (attached) containing the different
required aspects of the project.
Materials Needed for Learning Experience:
Teacher: Example Codex, Smart Notebook, note pages from previous lessons
Students: Codex cover, pages, glue stick, crayons/colored pencils/markers, pencil, paper clip, notes from previous
lesson
Anticipated Length of Learning Experience: 1 hour
Student Grouping: Students seated individually at their desks, working individually.
Prerequisite Knowledge:
Teacher:
The different aspects of Aztec culture
Student: Background knowledge in Aztec Culture

Procedure:
1. Introduction:
Today we will be creating an Aztec Codex like we talked about last class. We will be using lots of
different materials and there will be several instructions. It is important that you follow instructions and
share materials with your neighbors when necessary.
Show example codex.
You will need to reference the notes that we have taken in the previous two lessons.

2. Body of Learning Experience:
Hand out materials: do not touch materials until told to do so.
2 pieces of legal sized paper, glue stick, coloring materials, pencils
Construction of codex:
Take one sheet of paper and fold lengthwise (hot dog style)
Fold in half, fold accordion style into 4ths
Glue open side together
Do the same with the other sheet of paper.
Once complete begin working on your drawings and descriptions. Remember you are working right to
left- starting with the home, moving to food, game, and then god.

When you are finished come to the back table to assemble your codex.


3. Conclusion:

Clean up materials and desk, clean up floor space.
Line up by desk groups quietly and head off to specials.
Child Guidance: 5,4,3,2,1 to gain attention after group work. Check in with P,P,S,C,S,J to make sure they are on the right
track and getting the steps completed.
Differentiation: Should a student struggle have them pair up with a stronger student to help through the activity should I not
be able to help them through.
Resources Used:
Banks, J (2000).United States: Adventures in Time and Place (Teachers Multimedia Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Smith, M. (2005, December 1). The Aztecs, Empire Builders. Calliope.
Steele, P., & Bateman, P. (1997). The Aztec News. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.
Wood, T. (1992). The Aztecs. New York: Viking.