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To Cultural Analysis Profile Notes]
Latin American Studies
Unit 2: Indigenous Peoples
INCA!
Introduction: Join the “Inca Inquest!” Uncover the secrets
of a people who created a complex and vast empire in adverse geographic and climatic
conditions! Join our Team of experts as we travel to this barren land. Prepare
to visit a people whose empire flourished from 1200 until the arrival of the Spanish
conquistadors in 1535.
As a result of completing this assignment, you will:
 | Understand the importance of archaeological investigation in studying past
cultures; |
| Analyze cultural remains to determine if the Inca possessed the 5 key traits of
civilizations |
| Explain how the Inca expanded their empire through the Andes mountains, |
| Explain the significance of Inca burial sacrifice and burial practices; |
| Understand how new evidence continues to reveal the mystery of the Inca. |
The Task: Become a cultural investigator!!! The Inca developed a
complex civilization in the Andes Mountains of South America, but since they left no
written records, we must gather clues to learn about their world. Using information found
on the internet sites listed, uncover facts about the Inca empire as it existed at its
peak. Become an expedition team member and complete your information sheet for your
team role.
Team Members: You will be assigned to a team of 4 members with distinct
responsibilities. You will study the ruins of the Ancient Inca from the perspective of
your team role. Your team will collect and collate information to guide a team of
Andes explorers in their quest for a lost civilization. Use the following definitions to
guide you. Answer each question related to your role.
Archaeologist: Studies early cultures by examining cultural remains, such
as artifacts, fossils, and bones in an attempt to rebuild a culture’s past.
Record evidence of artifacts, fossils, bones, and other products to determine their use
and value. Attempts to explain the use of collected artifacts.
| What human products are found with the Inca burials? |
| What is the specific condition of the mummies? Why? |
| What evidence suggests that the burial is disturbed or intact? |
| Describe the decorations and adornments found on the bodies. |
| What new cultural clues are apparent after this discovery? |
Expedition Manager: Identifies, plans and prepares the materials necessary to
complete a successful archaeological excavation. Collects geographic, climatic, and
cultural information to help expedition members survive in an unfamiliar
environment.
| How does an expedition team select an excavation site? |
| How does the team prepare for the journey? |
| What other “experts” would insure the success of our team over those
noted? |
| What adaptations to weather and geography must our team anticipate to insure the success
of the expedition? |
| What does climatic and geographic evidence suggest about the Inca and their adaptation
to their physical environment? |
Museum Curator: Collects, dates, and examines cultural remains to prepare
a public exhibition for viewing by students in grades 9 - 12. All artifacts and
collected materials must be catalogued, defined, and cleaned for exhibition.
Determine which materials will help students understand how the Inca expanded their
culture and what values were important to them.
| Which aspects of this culture would be most appealing to high school students? |
| How will you handle and clean the discoveries? |
| How should these discoveries be exhibited in a museum setting? |
| How will you explain the information in the Inca language and English? |
| What defining information would you include with each artifact to explain its
significance in the culture? |
Anthropologist: Studies early human beings and the ways cultures and
societies originate and organize to meet human needs. Studies the physical features, human
development, and human behavior and interaction to reconstruct patterns of social
relationships. Collects evidence of social relationships, group living, government,
family life, and religious rituals.
| How will you explain the social importance of each mummy before death? |
| Which foods were important to the Inca and how were they prepared? |
| What do you learn about religious ritual and beliefs after uncovering the mummy? |
| What new information can you offer about the culture and social organization of the
Inca? |
| From which community did these people come, and where were their communities
located? |
The Process:
Determine if the Inca possessed the 5 key traits of civilization by reading about recent
discoveries of Inca remains.
- Type the following web address into your search site: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/events/99/mummies/index.html
- Read one or more articles listed on the site. You MUST read the full release of
the articles, not the brief synthesis.
- Decide which information meets the task of your team role.
- Keep notes on your original and uniquely designed “Archives” Record
Sheet.
- Record the source of all information you collect and report.
- Prepare an “Advice Bulletin” for your team members revealing your data.
- Your “Advice Bulletin” MUST be typed and obtain answers to each
question.
- Study your notes for your quiz.
Resources:
You may use your textbook, or other written resources.
If you visit other Internet sites, record the web address on your information sheet.
Evaluation:
| You will report your findings to your group on your “Advice Bulletin” handout
that you create. Each group member will record the information you collect. |
| Your responses must be in narrative form. |
| Answer the question: How will knowing and teaching this information increase my
understanding of the Inca civilization? |
Conclusion:
After preparing your team for this Andean expedition, you will be able to:
| Determine if the Inca possessed the 5 key traits of civilization |
| Explain how the Inca expanded their empire through the Andes mountains, |
| Explain which traits of civilization the Inca possessed; |
| Explain the significance of Inca burial sacrifice and burial practices; |
| Understand how new evidence continues to reveal the mystery of the Inca. |
Grading Rubric:
| Grade A |
Grade B |
Grade C |
Grade D |
Creative Bulletin:
Original Idea, Errors Present than required Neat Presentation
Evidence of Analysis
Good Use of Lab
Cooperative with team, exhibits leadership
3 or more Internet Sites documented
Answers all OutCome Questions Knowledgeably |
Creative Bulletin:
Includes all Facts
Errors Present
Evidence of Analysis
Good Use of Lab
Cooperative with team
2 Internet Sites documented
Answers All Questions |
Teacher Bulletin:
Most facts Included
Errors Present
Analysis Missing
Good Use of Lab
Cooperative
1 Internet Site documented
Answers Most Questions |
Teacher Bulletin:
Some facts Shown
Hastily Written
No Analysis
Good Use of Lab
Non-cooperative
1 Brief Internet Site documented
Answers Some Questions |
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