Maya Civilization Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

What do you know about ancient civilizations? 

What do you hope to learn about the Maya civilization? 

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 1:23: What are a few differences between the Aztec and Maya civilizations?

Timecode 2:48: Why is Maya script so important to our understanding of the culture?

Timecode 2:09: How can a Maya calendar have a 365 day cycle but very long years?

After the Movie

What are a few ways that we know astronomy was central to Maya culture?

BrainPOP recommends reading  the movie description that appears on the Maya Civilization Topic Page to your class. Then show the movie once through without pausing.  Watch it again, this time using the discussion prompts.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.