Cacao and maize
I can explain why cacao and maize were so important to the Maya.
Cacao and maize
I can explain why cacao and maize were so important to the Maya.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In the tombs of Maya rulers, archaeologists have found decorated pots that once contained a special drink.
- This hot chocolate drink was made from roasting and boiling the fruit of a plant called cacao.
- The Maya took care preparing hot chocolate, frothing it carefully, because they believed it was a gift from the gods.
- Another crop that the Maya thought was sacred was maize; it was used to make flat pancakes called tortillas.
- The Maya believed that the gods tried for a long time to make humans, and only succeeded when they used maize to do so.
Keywords
Cacao - the cacao plant is a South American tree with yellowish flowers and reddish brown seeds, which are used to make chocolate and cocoa
Maize - maize is another word for corn and is a tall-growing grain that produces yellow kernels on long ears
Common misconception
Cacao is the same as cocoa.
While they come from the same source, the cacao bean, there are differences in processing. Cacao generally refers to the raw or minimally processed form of the bean, while cocoa usually refers to the processed and roasted form.
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: Cacao and maize, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: Cacao and maize, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Maya: what made the Maya so distinctive? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
an ancient Maya city
a country in Mesoamerica
the belief in and worship of a god or gods
a religious ceremony where prescribed actions are performed
holy