The second of three lessons on Pre-Columbian era with a focus how the South American physical environment influenced human activities. Students apply the concept of relative location as they interpret and analyze a series of maps about the physical environment including topography, climate, and vegetation. Students identify possible challenges Pre-Columbian civilizations faced and make predictions about the civilization’s social, political and economic response to the environment. Key questions: What characteristics distinguished the physical environment of the Incan civilization?; How does location influence the development of a civilization?; How did the Incas overcome the limitations of their physical environment?

The third of three lessons on Pre-Columbia era with a focus on cultural landscapes. These reflect ideas and beliefs of a place’s inhabitants and include shelter, religious and government buildings, monuments, and more. Students develop and refine the skill of interpreting images to support hypotheses and uncover similarities and differences among the civilizations of the Americas. Key questions: How have different cultures shaped their cultural landscapes?; How does the cultural landscape provide evidence of human interaction with the environment?

Interactive Google Slides - Drag and drop venn diagram activities that can also print off as worksheets. Includes Answer Keys!Venn Diagrams Included:Paleolithic v. Neolithic ErasEgypt v. MesopotamiaHinduism v. BuddhismAthens v. SpartaMayans, Incas, & Aztecs matching