English National Curriculum - History
Mission Objectives
Understand that the Maya developed a writing and number system
Explain the Maya writing or number system
Ask further questions about the Maya writing or number system
Save files related to this lesson
Words and meanings to learn
glyphs
symbols used to represent sounds, words, and ideas
numerals
a symbol or a group of symbols that represents a number
codices
ancient Maya books made of folded bark paper
decode
work out what something in an unknown language says
conquistadors
Spanish explorers and soldiers who led expeditions through the Maya civilisation
Resources: Poster-making materials, e.g., colouring pencils and pens, paper or card. Optional: Research tools such as books and online sources.
Research tool: The handout provides information about each of these areas of study: the Maya writing system, the Maya number system, Maya codices and Maya calendars.
Core Handout (2): The handout provides a space for children to create a poster that demonstrates their knowledge about one of the four areas.
NOTE: Developing Experts recommends that pupils requiring support research ‘Why are there only four codices left?’ and pupils requiring stretch research ‘How accurate was the Maya calendar?’
Expert film
Mission assignment film
Archaeologist
An archaeologist studies the past by finding and examining objects left by people long ago. They ...
Mathematician
A mathematician is like a super-solver of puzzles, but with numbers and shapes! They use their cl...
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2026 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →