Project: Building Cultures - A Journey to the Native Peoples of the Americas

Contextualization

In this project, we will immerse ourselves in the world of the native peoples of the Americas. Before the arrival of Europeans to the American continent, the diversity and complexity of the societies present here were extraordinary. Each of these unique civilizations had its own social structures, belief systems, ways of communicating, and of relating to the environment around them.

From the study of these cultures, we are able not only to understand historical facts and the development of our society, but also to value cultural diversity and richness. We will enter the universe of indigenous peoples such as the Maya, Incas, Aztecs, and many others who inhabited different parts of the vast Americas.

Theoretical Introduction

First, it is vital to understand the concept of "native peoples." These are the first inhabitants of a region. They were present before the arrival of colonizers and maintain, to this day, ways of life that reflect their ancestral traditions.

In the American context, native peoples are a vast and multifaceted universe. They developed different ways of life, social organization, religion, and language. Many of them built complex and urban societies, such as the Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs. Others, such as the peoples of the Arctic and the desert Southwest, shaped their cultures and technologies to thrive in extreme environments.

The third conceptual key is the impact of the arrival of Europeans. This led not only to violent conquest and colonization, but also to cultural exchange, resilience, and resistance of these peoples. Despite oppression and marginalization, many of these groups survived and maintain significant parts of their cultural traditions.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Building Cultures - A Journey to the Native Peoples of the Americas

Project Objective

The final task consists of creating a three-dimensional model of a monument or structure representative of a selected native people, accompanied by a multimedia presentation and a detailed written report.

The intention is that you, working in groups of 3 to 5 members, delve into historical research, learn about the culture and daily life of the chosen native people, and produce a practical work that symbolizes a significant part of that learning.

Detailed Project Description

Step 1: Research and Planning

In this step, the group must choose one of the native peoples of the Americas (for example, the Mayans, Incas, Aztecs, etc.). Once the choice is made, the group must carry out in-depth research on the culture, history, and society of that people, using different sources, such as books, websites, documentaries, among others.

Step 2: Design and Construction of the Model

Based on the research, the group must choose a monument or structure representative of that people (such as a Mayan pyramid, an Inca temple, etc.) and plan the construction of a three-dimensional model. Various materials can be used for this construction, such as paper, cardboard, clay, among others.

Step 3: Multimedia Presentation

In addition to the model, the group must prepare a multimedia presentation that explains the chosen structure, its purpose and importance to the native people, and the process of constructing their model.

Necessary Materials

• Internet access for research.
• Materials for building the model (paper, cardboard, clay, paints, etc., as needed).
• Presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.).

Detailed Step-by-Step Activity

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Choose one of the Native American peoples to study.
3. Research the history, culture, society, and architecture of that people.
4. Select a monument or structure representative of that people to be recreated as a three-dimensional model.
5. Develop a plan for building the model, identifying the necessary materials and the steps of the construction process.
6. Build the model according to the plan.
7. Prepare a multimedia presentation describing the structure, the construction process, and what was learned.
8. Finally, write a report, which includes the topics: introduction, development, conclusions, and bibliography used.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group must submit the following:

1. The three-dimensional model of the structure representative of the selected native people.
2. A multimedia presentation explaining the structure, the construction process, and the lessons learned.
3. A written report containing:
   • Introduction: Should contextualize the theme, its relevance, and the objective of the project.
   • Development: Should explain the theory behind the central theme of the project, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and finally, present and discuss the results obtained.
   • Conclusion: Should conclude the work by restating its main points, explaining the lessons learned, and the conclusions drawn about the project.
   • Bibliography: Should indicate the sources used to carry out the project.

The submission of the project tends to complement the practical work carried out, allowing students to document the learning process and reflect on their experiences and discoveries.