The Maya

This quarter our topic in Discovery is The Maya. Below you will find a variety of activities to have a go at: 

• Imagine you are flying over the jungle in a plane and you spot the ruins of an undiscovered Mayan city. Draw a picture of what you might see. 

• Using https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zq6svcw/articles/zv4x6yc create a newspaper report about the discovery of Pakal the Great's tomb.

Masks played a central role in Maya culture. They were made for a variety of occasions and purposes. In fact, they were even used to decorate temples. Masks were often inspired by animals; they were vibrant and colourful. The Mayas believed that animals represented the spirits. For example, many Maya often associated strong kings with jaguars.

Mayas were buried with a death mask, which was intended to protect the wearer on their journey to the afterlife. The death mask of King Pakal is one of the most famous Maya artefacts.

• Design a Maya mask. Decide whether you want to design an event mask or a death mask.
• The Mayans believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods. To them, cacao beans were more valuable than gold. See if you can bake/make something using chocolate. 
• I was so impressed with Maya universe designs that you all drew! Could you use that design to make the universe? 

• Can you build a Maya Pyramid? You could use anything you can find around the house to make one!  
• Research the game Pok-A-Tok. Can you write a set of instructions on how to play?