Mayan Calendar Clocks

Second graders made interdisciplinary connections in their creation of a clock inspired by ancient Mayan culture.

Materials: Manilla paper, black crayons, pencils, circle template, scissors, brass fasteners (1 per student)

Time: 2-3 50 minute classes

In the second grade class's first introduction to Mayan culture, we created a jaguar mural and learned about the cultural importance of the jaguar. They had seen images of Mayan jaguar artwork and images of the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá.

We then began to look at the round design of Mayan calendars and the numerical system. We discussed the importance of astronomy by looking at El Caracol -The Observatory of Chichén Itzá.

For our "bell ringers/do now/etc.," we practiced telling time and solving math problems using Mayan number symbols. For our art making, students traced circle template with pencil onto manilla paper. Next we compared our circle to the classroom clock and placed Mayan numerals in the place of the Latin numbers to create our own clocks. On the screen were images of Mayan jaguars, the Mayan Calendar, and the pyramid of Kukulkan. Students were asked to draw the center of their circles with one of these images or a similar design. We then went over our designs in black crayon to give it a stone-like texture and appearance.

We studied this Mayan number system. Students solved math problems with the symbols for additional practice and to reinforce learning.

Evaluation:

Students challenged to adjust their clocks to show various times.

Students able to solve mathematical problems using Mayan numerals.

Students are able to describe ancient Mayan artwork and culture.