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Aztec Terrace Farming

Students will learn about terraced crops in Aztec agriculture and create a diorama of a terraced farm.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Recycled Cardboard Box

Steps

  • Step 1

    The Aztec civilization flourished in central Mexico from the 13th century until 1521. Have students research the origin and history of the Aztecs. When did they arrive in Mesoamerica (whose modern region comprises northern Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, and central to southern Mexico)? What was the capital city? Who were its leaders? What was the dominant language? What were their major crops? What happened to the Aztecs when Hernán Cortés of Spain came to the region in 1519?

  • Step 2

    The Aztecs were known for their remarkable farming practices. The major form of agriculture consisted of chinampas, which were essentially artificial islands created in shallow waters for growing crops. Another major type involved cutting into the hilly land and building a retaining wall and steps to create terraces. Have students look at images of these terraced crops.

  • Step 3

    Ask students to create a diorama of Aztec terrace farming. They can turn a recycled box, such as a shoe box, on its side, then decorate the background with images of the land. For the terraced crops they can accordion fold construction paper and glue it into the box. Crops can be designed and cut out of additional paper, and they can use Model Magic to create other embellishments such as people, tools, or produce.

  • Step 4

    When the dioramas are complete, have students present them to the class and describe the Aztec crops they depicted.

Standards

SS: People, Places, and Environments: Use data to analyze human behavior in relation to its physical and cultural environment. 

SS: People, Places, and Environments: Use maps, globes, and other geographic tools. Demonstrate understanding of the use and misuse of the environment and the relationship between human populations and the physical world. 

Adaptations

Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec Empire. Have students investigate this region, which is now Mexico City. What have archaeologists been able to excavate from the site? What is the significance of Teotihuacan, a city in ruins under Tenochtitlan that predated the Aztecs by several hundred years? What was the city of Texcoco known for?

Have students research other farming practices. Suggestions include silvopasture farming, an agroforestry practice that integrates trees, forage, and livestock on the same site and has several environmental protection benefits; vertical farming, which is often used in urban areas with limited land or green space; aquaponics, in which plants are grown in water without soil; or any others.