Remembering the Aztecs

The Aztec Historical Foundation is looking to create a memorial for the 497th
anniversary of the fall of the Aztec Empire in 1521. You have been given the task to
create a display for the celebration using artifacts that represent the Aztec culture. You
must create a visual representation using these artifacts to incorporate all the elements of
the Aztec worldview. Together, your artifacts will create a memorial that will be
displayed at the annual Aztec Legacy Event in Mexico City.

Your display must include artifacts that you think best represent the elements of
the Aztec worldview. These items will capture the history and culture of the Aztecs in a
way that reflects their way of life. To do so, you will conduct research into the elements
that define the Aztec worldview and determine an artifact that best represents each
element. The elements of worldview to consider are:
● View of human nature
● View of good life
● Responsibilities to others
● Relationship between the individual and the state
● Relationship of humans with nature
● Sources of ethical wisdom

What artifacts best represent the elements of the Aztec worldview?

An artifact is something made by a human that has been preserved over a period of
time. While you are conducting research about the elements of worldview you should
collect background information about each element. Next, consider the beliefs, traditions,
technologies and symbols that demonstrate the worldview. Use the chart included with
this assignment to determine an artifact that could be used today to represent the Aztec
way of life.
A powerful display will include artifacts that:
● Accurately represents Aztec society
● Clearly represents the particular element of worldview
● Provide information about the Aztec worldview
How will I display the elements of the Aztec worldview?
 In order to display your artifacts to the Aztec Historical Foundation, you must
create a visual display for the anniversary Aztec Legacy Event.
Possible Memorial Displays may include:
● A traditional Aztec Codex Book (pg. 160 of text)
● Diorama or scale model
● Statue or sculpture
● Website or PowerPoint
● Magazine editorial
You may create your own type of display, as long as it is approved by the teacher.

Why do these artifacts best represent each element of the Aztec worldview?
In order to select the best artifact for the elements of worldview, you must be able
to demonstrate why the item is relevant. When determining the artifacts you want to
include your display, give consideration to the aspects of the Aztec way of life that we
have studied in class:
● Physical Geography
● Religious Beliefs
● Social Hierarchy - Class and/or family structures
● Aspects of Citizenship - Education, War, Law

⇨⇨You are required to submit a rationale as to why you chose each this artifact to
represent a certain worldview for your memorial display. A rationale is a set of reasons
that explain how the artifact you select represents the worldview you have chosen. You
must explain the artifact and provide a convincing reason as to why this artifact is the
best representation and why it represents the Aztec culture. You will submit a written
submission with evidence to support your conclusions. The written description may be
part of your display.

You will hand in the following items:

❏ An Aztec artifact representing one element of worldview
❏ Written rationale for each artifact

Remembering The Aztecs Rubric Name:

 Level

4 3 2 1 Insufficient/
Blank *
Criteria Excellent Proficient Adequate Limited *

Knowledge &
Understanding Compelling Representative Acceptable Unrelated
8.3.4 What were artifacts artifacts artifacts artifacts
the key elements demonstrate key demonstrate demonstrate demonstrate
of the worldview elements of key elements of elements of aspects of
of the Aztec worldview that worldview that worldview that worldview that
civilization prior to accurately mostly generally irrelevantly
contact with represents the represents the represents the represents the No score is
the Spanish? Aztec culture Aztec culture Aztec culture Aztec culture awarded
because
Provides a Provides a Provides a there is
Provides a partial
broad analysis detailed general analysis insufficient
Historical analysis that is
that is analysis that is that is evidence of
Thinking underdeveloped
exceptional informed and ambiguous and student
8.S.2.3 analyzes and uncertain of
historical contexts and specific to relevant to the minimal to the performance
the influence on
the influence on influence on influence on
worldview based on the
worldview worldview worldview
requirements
of the
Creates an assessment
Creates a vague
Critical & insightful Creates a Creates a basic
presentation that task
Creative interpretation detailed presentation
Thinking through an presentation that provides a provides a
8.S.1.5 ability to elaborate with rational straightforward imprecise
evaluate & representation representations representation representation
generate creative and a and a clear and a general and a incomplete
ideas convincing explanation explanation
explanation.
explanation. Some errors. Several errors.
Very few errors.

Presents Presents Presents Presents

information in an information in a information in a information in an
Oral, written or
engaging and logical and applicable and ineffective and
visual literacy
purposeful way coherent way appropriate undeveloped
8.S.8.1 presents
that offers that is way that is way that is
in a way that is
details and intentional and generalized and unclear and
engaging and
insight thoughtful somewhat clear uncertain
purposeful

Total: _______________/16

Additional Comments: