Lesson Plan: Exploring Machu Picchu
Subject: Spanish
Duration: 30 Minutes
Grade Level: Middle School / High School
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Describe the historical significance of Machu Picchu.
- Identify key vocabulary related to Machu Picchu in Spanish.
- Discuss the cultural importance of Machu Picchu in the context of Peruvian heritage.
Materials Needed
- Projector for presentation slides
- Printed handouts with vocabulary and questions
- Markers or whiteboard
- Spanish-English dictionaries (optional)
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Begin the lesson by asking students if they have heard of Machu Picchu. Engage them in a brief discussion about what they know.
- Introduce the topic and explain that today they will learn about Machu Picchu, an iconic symbol of Incan civilization.
Presentation (10 Minutes)
-
Present a brief history of Machu Picchu, including:
- Its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
- Its significance as an Incan citadel.
- Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
-
Include key vocabulary in Spanish related to Machu Picchu, such as:
- Ciudadela (citadel)
- Incas (Incas)
- Montaña (mountain)
- Historia (history)
- Cultura (culture)
-
Use images of Machu Picchu to enhance engagement and understanding.
Guided Practice (10 Minutes)
-
Divide students into small groups and give each group a handout that includes the following:
- A list of key vocabulary terms (Spanish and English).
- Questions about the presentation. For example:
- ¿Dónde se encuentra Machu Picchu? (Where is Machu Picchu located?)
- ¿Quién descubrió Machu Picchu? (Who discovered Machu Picchu?)
- ¿Por qué es importante Machu Picchu? (Why is Machu Picchu important?)
-
Allow groups time to discuss and answer the questions, promoting collaboration and use of the Spanish language.
Closure (5 Minutes)
- Bring students back together for a class discussion on their findings.
- Ask a representative from each group to share their answers and any interesting points they discussed.
- Reinforce the importance of Machu Picchu in Peruvian history and culture.
Homework
Assignment
Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) in Spanish about what you learned about Machu Picchu. Include at least three vocabulary words from today’s lesson.
Example Answers
-
Machu Picchu es una ciudadela de los Incas localizada en Perú.
(Machu Picchu is a citadel of the Incas located in Peru.)
-
Fue descubierta por Hiram Bingham en 1911.
(It was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.)
-
Machu Picchu es importante porque muestra la cultura y la historia de los Incas.
(Machu Picchu is important because it showcases the culture and history of the Incas.)
Assessment
- Students will be assessed on their participation in group activities and accuracy in their homework paragraph.
- Encourage creativity and personal reflection in their writing.
By promoting interaction and teamwork, this lesson is designed to cultivate a deeper understanding of Machu Picchu and its relevance within the Spanish-speaking world, all while enhancing students' language skills.