Students are introduced to the Inca Empire by first exploring Machu Picchu. Then they learn about various elements of life in the Inca Empire. Next, they focus on the Spanish conquest of the empire by Francisco Pizarro and explain how he was able do it with so few soldiers. Finally, they explain what they would most like to see and understand about Machu Picchu.
Students are introduced to the Inca Empire and its mountainous setting, then consider what it would be like to live in a high mountain environment. They imagine reading a newspaper announcing the discovery of an ancient lost city and post responses to a class wall explaining what they would want to know about the city, who they would want to talk to, and how they would explore it. Students then briefly discuss their ideas with a nearby classmate.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives. Prompt students to share and compare their ideas about exploring a lost city, then facilitate a brief whole-class discussion using student wall responses.
Students examine images of Machu Picchu and learn that it was rediscovered in 1911. They watch Machu Picchu 101 and explore the related interactive to understand the site’s location, how it was preserved, and how people lived there. Students answer multiple-choice questions about why Machu Picchu’s remains are still intact and how residents obtained food. They then post to a wall describing mysteries that still surround Machu Picchu. Next, students view images of Inca sculptures and watch The Rise and Fall of the Inca Empire, then post to a wall identifying important features of the Inca Empire.
Teacher MovesDiscuss student ideas about the mysteries of Machu Picchu, emphasizing that its original purpose and reasons for abandonment remain unknown and that it was part of a wider network of Inca sites. Lead a class conversation about why preserving places like Machu Picchu is valuable. When students share features of the Inca Empire, highlight key points such as Inca stone architecture and roads, the capital at Cusco, the quipu record-keeping system, and religious practices including human sacrifice.
Students view an image of quipu and then read Incas Summary to learn more detailed information about the Inca Empire. They answer a multiple-choice question about when the Inca Empire dominated much of western South America. Students complete a table explaining what quipu is, then post to one wall about the role of gold in the Inca Empire and to another wall about how and why the Inca Empire ended.
Teacher MovesUse the provided answer key to check student understanding of the Inca time period, quipu, the importance of gold, and the Spanish conquest under Francisco Pizarro. Then invite students to share and discuss other interesting features of the Inca Empire that they discovered during their reading.
Students view an image of Francisco Pizarro and read background text explaining that a relatively small Spanish force, led by Pizarro, conquered the vast Inca Empire using unfamiliar weapons, horses, and diseases. They read Pizarro & the Fall of the Inca Empire and then post to a wall explaining what advantages the Spaniards had that allowed them to take control of the empire.
Teacher MovesClarify that Spanish advantages included gunpowder, horses, and the Inca’s lack of defenses against these, as well as enslavement and the spread of deadly diseases. Use student responses to reinforce how these factors contributed to the rapid fall of the Inca Empire.
Students view an image of a tourist and a llama near Machu Picchu and read that people from around the world now visit the ruins. They post to a wall describing what they would most want to see and understand about Machu Picchu if they could visit, and explain why. Students then review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesDiscuss student responses, encouraging connections between their interests as visitors and what they have learned about Inca history, culture, and architecture.
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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