DBQ: What was the purpose and role of human sacrifice in Aztec society?

Purpose of Lesson

This DBQ reinforces the document analysis and writing process; this DBQ also introduces a new component: finding historical research to support their original thesis. Students will have to find a level 2 (secondary source) or level 3 (primary source) as evidence and explain how it can be used to answer the DBQ Question.

What is Included?

1. Lesson Plan: Complete with Big Idea, essential questions, student objective, sequence of lesson and optional activities.

2. DBQ Student Handout: Introduction paragraph, timeline on the Aztec Empire and three secondary sources with 10 comprehension questions (historical analysis questions); and one student research task (finding a primary or secondary source on the Aztec Empire).

3. Essay Outline: A guided essay template to help students write a five paragraph essay.

4. Rubric: a detailed rubric that helps guide students writing and can be used for grading.