Mayan Discussion

Discussion Questions
1.  The Maya built thousands of pyramids and the Egyptians less than one hundred.  Why are the   Egyptian pyramids so much more famous than the Mayan pyramids?  Why are pyramids associated with Egypt and not Central America?

2.  Pyramids played an important role in Mayan culture and life.  What was the significance of these pyramids?  how were they the center of Mayan beliefs?

3.  Pakal the Great was a Mayan king in the 7th century, and builder of one of the greatest  pyramids.  Why did Pakal build his great pyramid?  What was he preparing for with this pyramid?

4.  What is Chichen Itza?  Where is it located?  Why is this place so important to Mayan beliefs and   culture?

5.  To try to solve the mysteries of the Maya scientists and explorers go cave diving.  What are the  dangers of cave diving?  What precautions must divers take to ensure their safety?  Why is cave diving so dangerous?

6.  Many keys to the secrets of the Mayan world are in the Popul Vuh.  What are the Popul Vuh?

 7.  There are no temples or pyramids in Candelaria.  Why do scientists go to Candelaria to solve the mystery of the passage to the Maya underworld?

Helpful Links: 

(from http://www.whiteriver.k12.sd.us/FamilyResearch.htm)
The Palenque Project:  http://www.mesoweb.com/palenque/current_dig.html

Omniglot:  A Guide to Written Language: http://www.omniglot.com/writing/mayan.htm

The Popul Vuh:  http://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/pvuheng.htm

Palenque:  http://www.utexas.edu/cofa/a_ah/dir/precol/maya_palenque.html
Digging for Truth video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6iBbGc0G_A

Discussion Tips

• Speak so that all can hear you
• Listen closely
• Speak without raising hands
• Refer to the text
• Talk to each other and the middle of the circle, not just the leader
• Ask others for clarification. Don’t stay confused
• Invite and allow others to speak
• Consider all viewpoints and ideas
• Know that you are responsible for the quality of the seminar

Discussion Grade

 1. Student notes will be collected and checked for completeness but will not be graded

2. Students will be graded using the following rubric: 

Seminar grading rubric