2. Instructions
• You will use this webquest to gather information
about each of 3 ancient civilizations that existed in
the Americas before the arrival of European
explorers.
• The webquest will guide you to Internet resources,
including informational websites and videos.
• Use the arrows to advance through the webquest.
• You will use your worksheet to record facts that you
learn.
• When you are done, you will write one question for
an online quiz especially for your class
3. Essential Questions
• What Native American Civilizations lived in
Central and South America before 1492?
• How did these pre-Columbian civilizations
live?
• How were these civilizations affected by
European exploration?
9. Congratulations!
You are now an expert on
pre-Columbian
civilizations!
Use what you know to
write one question about
the Mayans, the Aztecs,
or the Incas. You and
your class will get to play
a game with all of the
questions you ask.
10. A webquest created by Peggy Harvey,
Instructional Technology Specialist,
Blanchard Memorial School
Boxborough, MA
Based on Massachusetts DOE Social Studies Curriculum Standards:
• 5.2 Identify the three major pre-Columbian civilizations that existed in Central and South America
(Maya, Aztec, and Inca) and their locations. Describe their political structures, religious practices,
and use of slaves. (H, G, E)
• 5.4 Explain why the Aztec and Inca civilizations declined in the 16th century. (H)
• A. the encounters between Cortez and Montezuma
• B. the encounters between Pizarro and the Incas
• C. the goals of the Spanish conquistadors
• D. the effects of European diseases, particularly smallpox, throughout the Western hemisphere
