Unravel the Maya Mystery: Why Did a Thriving Civilization Collapse?

Engage students in a captivating exploration of the enigmatic Maya collapse!

This reading comprehension worksheet delves into various theories, from warfare and environmental challenges to religious upheaval, using captivating text, thought-provoking questions, and a primary source analysis. Uncover the secrets hidden beneath majestic pyramids and unravel the fascinating puzzle of the Maya's decline.

What's Inside:

• Intriguing reading passage: Explores historical accounts, archaeological evidence, and potential factors like warfare, environment, and religion.
• Diverse question types: Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions assess various comprehension levels and critical thinking skills.
• Primary source analysis: Analyze an authentic excerpt from the Chilam Balam, deepening historical understanding and source evaluation skills.
• Comprehensive answer key: Save time and ensure accuracy with a detailed answer key for all questions.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the different theories surrounding the Maya collapse.
• Analyze primary sources to gain insights into historical events and societal perspectives.
• Evaluate the potential impact of warfare, environmental challenges, and religious factors on the Maya civilization.
• Develop critical reading, comprehension, and analytical thinking skills.
• Foster curiosity and engage in discussions about the complexities of ancient societies.

Common Core Standards Addressed:

• RI.4.1, RI.5.1, RI.6.1: Read closely and determine what the text says explicitly and implicitly.
• RI.4.2, RI.5.2, RI.6.2: Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development.
• RI.4.3, RI.5.3, RI.6.3: Analyze how and why authors use evidence to support their claims.
• RI.4.7, RI.5.7, RI.6.7: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information.
• WHST.4.2, WHST.5.2, WHST.6.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information.