Mayan_Civilization

=**The Influence of Mayas, Aztecs and Olmecas**= //**Task:** Students will research and distinguish the difference between Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmecas and how they have contributed to our understanding of astronomy, numbers and calendars.//

Questions:
 * 1) Will the world end in 2012?
 * 2) What is the relationship between the 260 day cycle and the 365 day cycle?
 * 3) How did the Mayans and Aztecs handle leap year?
 * 4) Did the Mayas invent zero?
 * 5) We base our system of math on 10. Describe the basis of the Mayan system of Mathematics.

Step One

 * From the library homepage [|www.umreads.org], select Online Database Subscriptions.
 * In the Social Studies area, choose Daily Life.
 * Find a basic artcile about the calendars of the Mayans and the Aztecs OR use the books on the cart.

Step Two

 * Use the Internet links below or perform your own search, but be sure you find credible sources.
 * Minnesota State University - http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/topics/calendars.html
 * Calendars Through the Years - http://webexhibits.org/calendars/calendar-mayan.html
 * Aztec Calendar - http://www.azteccalendar.com/
 * Maya World Studies Center - http://www.mayacalendar.com/mayacalendar/Home.html
 * Dr Mills - Univerisy of Delaware - [|http://www.cis.udel.edu/~mills/maya.html]
 * Convert Mayan dates to Gregorian dates http://www.michielb.nl/maya/calendar.html

Step Three

 * You are to compose an essay 1.5 to 2 pages explaining as a famous archeologist how the Myans and Aztecs have contributed to our society and/or civilization. Give numerous examples and your opinion. **