Students explore a timeline of significant political events in the development of the Mexican government. They learn about the constitution of 1917 and the form of government created as a result. Then they compare Mexico’s government to the U.S. government. Students are introduced to the economy of Mexico and focus on the history of chocolate as part of the economy, past and present. Finally, students consider what it would be like to use an agricultural product as a form of money.
Students read an introduction explaining that after gaining independence from Spain, Mexico experienced many challenges as it developed its own government, and that they will study Mexico’s government and economy in this lesson. They examine a historical photo of armed men with a cannon and post responses describing what they think is happening and the context of the image.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives. Guide students in analyzing the photo by explaining that it shows fighters in the Mexican Revolution in 1911, and prompt them to connect this event to other revolutions they know about.
Students read background text about Mexico’s political changes from 1810–1917 and examine the Mexico Profile – Timeline. Using a graphic organizer, they record key political events for specific years and periods, from independence through the Mexican Revolution and into the early 2000s. They then read Mexican Revolution to understand the causes and course of the revolution and respond to a poll selecting a word that best describes the political climate around that time. Next, they read Mexican Government to learn about Mexico’s current governmental structure and complete a comparison organizer showing similarities and differences between the Mexican and U.S. governments.
Teacher MovesSupport students in interpreting the timeline by clarifying major events and their significance. After the poll, emphasize that the period around the revolution was chaotic, with leaders frequently being overthrown. When students compare governments, remind them of the three branches and key features of the U.S. system so they can more accurately identify parallels and contrasts with Mexico’s government.
Students read Mexican Economy to learn about Mexico’s contemporary economy and answer a multiple-choice question about the 1980s economic crisis and its causes. They then view an image related to chocolate and read text introducing chocolate as a defining Mexican agricultural product. Students read A Brief History of Chocolate in Mexico and watch the video A Brief History of Chocolate to explore how chocolate has been produced and used over time in Mexico and beyond. They post responses describing the different ways chocolate has been used throughout history.
Teacher MovesClarify key points about Mexico’s modern economy, including the impact of fluctuating petroleum prices and government debt. After students learn about chocolate, highlight examples of its historical uses—such as gifts, taxes or tributes, money, medicine, religious offerings, and soldiers’ wages—to deepen understanding of how a single agricultural product can influence culture and economic systems.
Students imagine a society that uses an agricultural product as money. They choose a specific product and write 1–2 paragraphs explaining the advantages and disadvantages of using it as currency, considering convenience, inconvenience, and how it would shape daily life and economic exchange. They then read classmates’ paragraphs and respond to at least two peers with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesHelp students brainstorm possible agricultural products by prompting them to think about items they use and value, such as corn, wheat, rice, fruits, vegetables, coffee, eggs, or sugar. Encourage them to estimate “prices” for goods and services using these products and to be creative while reinforcing that barter and commodity-based exchange have historically formed the basis of many economies.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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