Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas!: With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids

Gr 3-5–Cartoon guides take readers on a historical tour: a look at daily life, government, education, religion, technology, and other facts. Questions are included to guide the reader, in addition to a good study practices page with an engineering design worksheet and scientific method worksheet. Back matter features a glossary, an index, video links, and resources. Each chapter is followed by related projects, ranging from educational (create an aqueduct) to ineffectual (make a round journal). Project supplies are sometimes items that can be found around the house and other times are fairly specific, such as plaster gauze and brown duct tape. Not all projects include illustrations or photographs, like the Roman mosaic or counterweight project. The institution of slavery is mentioned only a few times and is most often in reference to the value of people sold or the tasks they might do. It’s hard to follow information about one culture here, as they are all intertwined throughout, which undermines learning. In a failed attempt to make history fun and accessible, too many facts and details are glossed over, ultimately creating more confusion than comprehension.