Mesoamerica Mayhem: The Ultimate History Quest!

Activities	Mesoamerican Expedition Launch - Begin with a scavenger hunt where students work in teams to explore clues about Mesoamerican civilizations, using maps and artifacts to uncover hidden knowledge. This will kickstart the unit and engage students with the essential questions. (10 min) Role-Playing Activity Setup - Students choose roles as Mesoamerican leaders or citizens, preparing for a role-play where they discuss societal issues and decision-making processes of the time. This relates to understanding social and political structures. (10 min) Digital Simulation Game Introduction - Introduce students to the concept of creating a digital simulation game where they assume roles of Mesoamerican leaders, making strategic decisions about trade and ceremonies. Discuss initial ideas and expectations. (10 min) Community Partner Engagement - Brief students on an upcoming storytelling session with a community center focusing on indigenous cultures. Discuss the value of hearing traditional Mesoamerican myths and legends and their relevance today. (5 min) Reflection and Feedback - Conduct a short reflective circle where students share insights from the scavenger hunt and initial thoughts on the roles they assume. Encourage peer feedback to promote self-directed learning and critical thinking. (10 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed 'Day in the Life' diary entry with visual representation. 2. Initial outline and elements of the digital simulation game. 3. Research notes and storyboard for the interactive storytelling video. 4. Feedback received and documented from peers and teachers for project improvement.
Preparation	1. Gather maps and create clues for the scavenger hunt. 2. Coordinate with a local indigenous culture center for the storytelling session. 3. Set up virtual reality equipment and materials for exploration. 4. Prepare role-playing materials and scenarios for the debate activity. 5. Provide resources and guidance for digital simulation game and storytelling video projects. 6. Ensure access to a digital platform for project critiques and feedback.

Activities

Mesoamerican Expedition Launch - Begin with a scavenger hunt where students work in teams to explore clues about Mesoamerican civilizations, using maps and artifacts to uncover hidden knowledge. This will kickstart the unit and engage students with the essential questions. (10 min)

Role-Playing Activity Setup - Students choose roles as Mesoamerican leaders or citizens, preparing for a role-play where they discuss societal issues and decision-making processes of the time. This relates to understanding social and political structures. (10 min)

Digital Simulation Game Introduction - Introduce students to the concept of creating a digital simulation game where they assume roles of Mesoamerican leaders, making strategic decisions about trade and ceremonies. Discuss initial ideas and expectations. (10 min)

Community Partner Engagement - Brief students on an upcoming storytelling session with a community center focusing on indigenous cultures. Discuss the value of hearing traditional Mesoamerican myths and legends and their relevance today. (5 min)

Reflection and Feedback - Conduct a short reflective circle where students share insights from the scavenger hunt and initial thoughts on the roles they assume. Encourage peer feedback to promote self-directed learning and critical thinking. (10 min)

Deliverables

1. Completed 'Day in the Life' diary entry with visual representation.
2. Initial outline and elements of the digital simulation game.
3. Research notes and storyboard for the interactive storytelling video.
4. Feedback received and documented from peers and teachers for project improvement.

Preparation

1. Gather maps and create clues for the scavenger hunt.
2. Coordinate with a local indigenous culture center for the storytelling session.
3. Set up virtual reality equipment and materials for exploration.
4. Prepare role-playing materials and scenarios for the debate activity.
5. Provide resources and guidance for digital simulation game and storytelling video projects.
6. Ensure access to a digital platform for project critiques and feedback.