Description
The Aztec Empire Puzzle Stations has students decode interesting facts about the Aztec Empire, Hernan Cortes, Aztec priests and gods.
This Puzzle Stations allow students to walk around the classroom decoding puzzles. The codes include ciphers, Morse code, cryptograms and a final 4 digit code based on the decoders/clues. This is a NO PREP, PRINT & GO activity!
What’s Included?
- 4 Reading Passages
- 4 Puzzle Phrases to Decode
- 4 Decoders
- 4 Differentiated Decoders
- 10 Multiple Choice Questions
- Teacher Instructions
- Answer Key
- Hint Guides – How To Decode
- Completion Signs
Watch the video or click on the preview button to take a closer look at everything included!
Skills Used:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Peer Collaboration
- Problem Solving
To prevent students from simply decoding the puzzles, ALL questions need to be answered correctly in order to solve the final code. This ensures understanding!
Benefits of Use:
- No Prep
- Print and Go
- Cross-Curricular
- Highly Engaging
- No Locks Needed
- No silly envelopes to stuff
- No fancy shapes to cut out
Give students a chance to decode puzzles, move around the room, and read passages, all while actively learning! Students will work in pairs (or individually) and race against the clock. A friendly competition always increases engagement. No prior knowledge is needed. Each code will reveal interesting facts about the topic.
Puzzle Types:
- Cryptogram
- Morse Code
- PigPen Cipher
- Polybius Square
Options for Use:
- Anticipatory Sets
- Unit Review
- Early Finishers
- Gallery Walk
- Stations
- Sub Plans
- Rewards
Click HERE to grab a F-R-E-E Color by Number Activity!
»»» Thinktivity™ Reading Passages : Click HERE
»»» Comprehension Challenge and CSI Spy Mystery: Click HERE
»»» Printable ESCAPE ROOMS: Click HERE
»»» Text Marking Detective: Click HERE
»»» Scavenger Hunts: Click HERE
»»» Digital Secret Message Activities: Click HERE
»»» Puzzle Breakouts: Click HERE
»»» Interactive Google Slides™: Click HERE
»»» Digital ESCAPE ROOMS: Click HERE
»»» Color by Number – Text Marking: Click HERE
»»» Digital Reading Passages: Click HERE
»»» Task Card Review Games: Click HERE
»»» Interactive Game Boards: Click HERE
»»» Reading Passages and Text Marking: Click HERE
»»» Back to School: Click HERE
»»» Collaborative Posters: Click HERE
»»» Digital Interactive Notebooks: Click HERE
»»» Grades 3 and 4 Escape Rooms: Click HERE
Copyright Information : © Think Tank Teacher LLC. Please note – all material included in this resource belongs to Think Tank Teacher LLC. By purchasing, you have a license to use the material but you do not own the material. You may not upload any portion of this resource to the internet in any format, including school/personal websites or network drives unless the site is password protected and can only be accessed by students, not other teachers or anyone else on the internet.
Megan M. –
I have all 3 puzzle stations and use them as centers. Students really like working together to solve the puzzles.
Stacey L. –
My 5th graders were fully engaged with the Aztec Empire puzzle stations! It was a fun and challenging way to reinforce reading comprehension and social studies content. Easy to prep and a great collaborative activity! I always appreciate how perfect Think Tank activities are for my fifth graders!
lll K. –
Excelente recurso, a los estudiantes le encanta cada vez que lo presento.
Jessica Barthel –
This was easy to use, my students found this engaging. It was easy to print as well.
Kelly Shetler –
I really enjoyed using this in class with my 5th graders. It was well written and engaging.
Tracey K. –
This is a great activity. It was a fun way of learning.
Abbey B. –
Great way for students to learn about the Aztecs while being engaged through puzzles and teamwork!
Erin L. –
My students really enjoy these puzzle stations. They are always engaging and touch on social studies standards
Lauren C. –
This was very engaging and great to do in pairs. My students got really into it, especially those that need extension in class, they loved the challenge!
Jaime Lewis –
Wonderful project! I love how organized it was and how easy it was to do. Thank you!
Emma B. –
This as an awesome way to learn more about the Aztec people. The information is great and the puzzles are a fun challenge!
Hilary S. –
Great & informative resource overall. This was an informative resource that helped students to learn the information in a fun and engaging way.
History with Mills –
Really loved this! My freshmen were so engaged and working hard to solve the puzzles!
Alisha B. –
This was a fantastic resource to use when I had to create an emergency sub plan. It kept my students on track and focused even when I couldn’t be there.
Sean V. –
This resource was fantastic! My 6th graders absolutely loved the activities!
Kimberly D. –
These escape rooms are great. Students love the ciphers and feel so accomplished once they’re able to crack the code and finish!
Totally Terrific in Third –
This was definitely challenging for my kids, but in a good way! They really enjoyed trying to solve the coded messages.
Class is now in session –
My students loved using this resource!
Ashley F. –
My students loved these stations. It helped build background knowledge, guided student discussion and kept them engaged during the learning process. I used this resource as a supplement to my unit but it could also stand alone.
Michelle L. –
I wasn’t sure how things would go with this activity, but the kids really enjoyed it! The puzzles were challenging, but the students were able to solve them. It was really fun to walk around the room and give them little clues if they were stuck, then see their eyes light up when they figured it out. It did take me some time to look at all the parts and figure out how everything worked, but it was well worth it! This was one of the best purchases I have made on TPT!