Latin America
 

VIDEO: Ancient Americans: The Mayas and Aztecs
The voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492 united two worlds: one was the world of the European civilization and the other was an entirely new world, unknown to the Europeans. In easily understood language, this program explores the ancient Americans, including the sophisticated Maya civilization and the vibrant but bloody culture of the Aztecs. The first part traces the roots of human culture in the New World and explains the emergence of civilizations in Central and South America. Students will learn about the mysterious Olmec culture and the brilliant civilization of the Mayas. Students then explore the ancient peoples of Central Mexico, including the fabulous civilization at Teotihuaca, the Toltect Culture, and the Chichimec barbarians.
Grades: Gr. 5 - Gr. 8     Runtime: 34:44     ©1998    United Learning

VIDEO: Central America Today: Life in Central America
This video examines the various cultures, religions, and lifestyles of this diverse population. Thriving Native American cultures like the Maya and Cuna Indians are juxtaposed with more modern cultures in both rural and urban areas. The influence of the ancient Mayan culture is evident in northern and western areas, while the Spanish culture permeates the rest of the region. In addition, this video explores the animals native to both North and South America that have wandered into Central America over the ages.
Grades: Gr. 5 - Gr. 9     Runtime: 20:00     ©1998    United Learning

VIDEO: Cesar's Story: My Mountain Home in Guatemala
On-location video takes us in the mountains and valleys of Guatemala to the village of Chichicasternango, where Cesar and his family live. We observe a Mayan Indian family who live in the village. Fifteen-year-old Cesar and his sisters are clearly of the modern world. Their mother is a traditional Indian woman. We learn about his home life, hi school, his work, and his relationship to his mother and sisters. We also learn Cesar's future hopes for himself and his country.
Grades: Gr. 5 - Gr. 8     Runtime: 24:55     ©1992    United Learning

VIDEO: Suemi's Story: My Modern Mayan Home, Yucatan
This documentary tells the story of Suemi, a young girl who lives in the small village of Dzitya, located near the capital of the Yucatan state. Our cameras follow Suemi as she goes about her daily chores at home and as she attends school. Viewers will be fascinated by the sights and sounds of an outdoor market, a reenactment of a Mayan wedding and pageant, as well as a visit to Uxmal, an ancient Mayan site.
Grades: Gr. 5 - Gr. 8     Runtime: 22:23     ©1991    United Learning

VIDEO: Exploring the World: The Conquistadors and the Aztecs
This program filmed in Spain and Mexico, takes a look at how Spanish civilization was brought to the New World. It begins with a look at the tremendous differences that existed 500 years ago between the Aztec and Spanish cultures. Students find out how and why the Spanish came to the New World and learn some of the details of the conquest of Mexico. the program concludes with an examination of the long term consequences of the Spanish conquests in the New World.
Grades: Gr. 2 - Gr. 5     Runtime: 15:24     ©2000    United Learning