Students will recognize and describe Mexican architecture and how the Spaniards influenced it. Students will recognize specific characteristics of Mexican architecture in order to have a complete understanding of Mexico and its culture. While reading, ask the students specific questions about the architecture featured to identify entry behavior. Make a list of the characteristics on the board.
Procedure Use the list of characteristics developed by the students in the lesson introduction.
Also, show many pictures of Mexican architecture as you discuss the characteristics. The specific information that you use to discuss with the students should include details of rural and urban architecture, Spanish influence, and ancient ruins in Mexico. There are many Aztec ruins in Mexico, and these include temples, pyramids, and palaces. The Spaniards destroyed many Aztec cities and architecture, and Mexico City was built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan. The Spaniards built hundreds of Catholic churches, and these were decorated with gold.