Description
The Maya Empire Puzzle Stations activity has students decode interesting facts about the ancient civilization of the Maya Empire, Chichen Itza, Mayan gods, calendars and hieroglyphics.
This Maya Empire activity allows 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.
Amanda C. –
I used this resource with a group of jr high homeschool students and they had a lot of fun. It took them about 40 minutes to complete. I purchased a four-digit lock and container that was filled with candy. As each group completed the puzzle, one person from the group was able to enter the code and they received their completion reward. I will definitely use this again. Thanks!
Nikki W. –
I used this as one resource in a larger unit. Very creative.
Megan M. –
I have all 3 puzzle stations and use them as centers. Students really like working together to solve the puzzles.
Barbara K. –
These puzzles were challenging for my ML/IEP 6th graders but advanced kids liked the challenge.
Shawn C. –
This resource is great and is something my students loved to use!
Maria Unger –
They had a bit of a hard time with the puzzles but with some guidance they still had fun.
InteractiveDesignTPT –
This resource is well-organized, engaging, and easy to implement, making it a valuable addition to any teacher’s toolkit.
Ashlyn C. –
My students loved this resource! It was the perfect mix of challenge and fun, keeping them fully engaged from start to finish. I was so impressed with how well it reinforced our content while encouraging teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Even my more reluctant learners were excited and participating with enthusiasm.
I highly recommend this resource to any teacher looking to bring learning to life in a creative and meaningful way. We’ll definitely be doing more like this in the future!
Chase E. –
Great resource for my students to use. Thank you so much !!
Johana Avila –
I loved using this resource. It was quick to use and easy to follow. Thank you!
Tracey K. –
This is a great activity. It is a fun way of learning.
Liz P. –
My 6th graders loved the puzzles. The readings have good information and in a format for all students to be successful. However, the multiple choice questions were a little too easy for students to scan and skip reading the entire passages.
History in a Snap –
great product! my students found it very engaging. thank you!
Jacob I. –
My students found this to be really engaging. This activity helped them understand the content a lot more.
Kaleigh K. –
My students love these puzzle stations and the escape rooms. They love being able to move around the room and solve riddles while reading about different topics. Thank you for these!
Elementary STEM with Em –
My students LOVED this escape room! It was too challenging for a few of my fifth graders but once they got the hang of it they really enjoyed it.
Courtney Bazen –
I enjoyed using this tool to get the students involved in their learning. It was a huge success!
Sunny Infants –
This is a really well-put-together and engaging resource. Some of my class found it a bit challenging, but most really enjoyed it!
Mary B. –
This was a great resource. Lots of engaging activities.
The Owl Spot –
These were great to use as a review of our ancient civilizations unit. Students loved working on these with partners. My sub was also able to use part of this while I had to be out.