Learn on PengiIMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 7Chapter 7: The Americas

Lesson 2: Life in the Americas

In this Grade 7 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies Chapter 7, students explore how the ancient Maya built and governed complex city-states in the rain forests of Mesoamerica, including cities like Tikal and Palenque. Students examine Maya social structure, including the roles of God-kings, nobles, priests, and farmers, as well as how the Maya used sinkholes and underground water systems to sustain their civilization. The lesson also connects ancient Maya culture to the descendants who continue to live across Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize today.

Section 1

Maya Build Powerful City-States

Key Idea

The Maya civilization was not a single empire but a collection of powerful, independent city-states in Mesoamerica. Each city-state had its own king and government, but they all shared a common culture, language, and religious beliefs.

Maya society had a strict class system with kings and nobles at the top. This civilization made great advances in writing, astronomy, and mathematics. They created a complex writing system using hieroglyphic writing and developed highly accurate calendars.

Section 2

The Role of Religion in Maya Life

Key Idea

Religion guided every part of Maya life. The Maya were polytheistic, meaning they worshipped many gods connected to nature, such as the sun, rain, and corn. Priests were powerful figures who could interpret the will of these gods.

The Maya honored their gods through elaborate ceremonies, offerings, and even human sacrifice. To schedule these events, priests used a complex dual-calendar system. One calendar tracked religious festivals, while the other marked ideal times for planting and harvesting, linking their faith directly to their survival.

Section 3

Aztecs Rule Through Conquest and Tribute

Key Idea

The Aztec built a powerful empire in central Mexico. From their magnificent capital city, Tenochtitlán, this warrior society conquered many neighboring groups. The Aztec demanded tribute—payments of goods and people—from those they ruled, which made their empire wealthy and powerful.

Aztec society was organized into a strict hierarchy with an emperor at the top. Religion was central to daily life and government. Priests performed ceremonies, including human sacrifice, which the Aztec believed were necessary to honor their gods and keep the world in balance.

Section 4

The Inca Empire Masters the Andes

Key Idea

The Inca Empire flourished high in the Andes Mountains of South America, a challenging environment with steep slopes and limited flat land. To unite and manage their vast territory, the Inca demonstrated remarkable engineering and organizational skills, adapting their civilization to the difficult terrain.

To feed a large population, Inca farmers developed terrace farming. They cut steps, or terraces, into the sides of mountains to create level plots of land for growing crops like potatoes and maize. This method also prevented soil from washing away during heavy rains and allowed for complex irrigation systems.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

Maya Build Powerful City-States

Key Idea

The Maya civilization was not a single empire but a collection of powerful, independent city-states in Mesoamerica. Each city-state had its own king and government, but they all shared a common culture, language, and religious beliefs.

Maya society had a strict class system with kings and nobles at the top. This civilization made great advances in writing, astronomy, and mathematics. They created a complex writing system using hieroglyphic writing and developed highly accurate calendars.

Section 2

The Role of Religion in Maya Life

Key Idea

Religion guided every part of Maya life. The Maya were polytheistic, meaning they worshipped many gods connected to nature, such as the sun, rain, and corn. Priests were powerful figures who could interpret the will of these gods.

The Maya honored their gods through elaborate ceremonies, offerings, and even human sacrifice. To schedule these events, priests used a complex dual-calendar system. One calendar tracked religious festivals, while the other marked ideal times for planting and harvesting, linking their faith directly to their survival.

Section 3

Aztecs Rule Through Conquest and Tribute

Key Idea

The Aztec built a powerful empire in central Mexico. From their magnificent capital city, Tenochtitlán, this warrior society conquered many neighboring groups. The Aztec demanded tribute—payments of goods and people—from those they ruled, which made their empire wealthy and powerful.

Aztec society was organized into a strict hierarchy with an emperor at the top. Religion was central to daily life and government. Priests performed ceremonies, including human sacrifice, which the Aztec believed were necessary to honor their gods and keep the world in balance.

Section 4

The Inca Empire Masters the Andes

Key Idea

The Inca Empire flourished high in the Andes Mountains of South America, a challenging environment with steep slopes and limited flat land. To unite and manage their vast territory, the Inca demonstrated remarkable engineering and organizational skills, adapting their civilization to the difficult terrain.

To feed a large population, Inca farmers developed terrace farming. They cut steps, or terraces, into the sides of mountains to create level plots of land for growing crops like potatoes and maize. This method also prevented soil from washing away during heavy rains and allowed for complex irrigation systems.