Indiana Social Studies 6.H.2
The Standard
Describe and compare the beliefs, the spread, and the influence of religions throughout Europe and Mesoamerica.
2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare beliefs held by Christians, Jews, and Muslims in Europe with distinct Maya and Aztec traditions in Mesoamerica. They trace how religions spread and explain how beliefs shaped buildings, rulers, and daily life.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can explain how Christianity spread through Europe and reached Mesoamerica through Spanish conquest and missions. They can compare a Christian belief with a Maya or Aztec belief and link each to a building or practice.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think everyone in Europe was Christian or that Maya and Aztec religious practices were identical. They may assume Indigenous worship ended as soon as Spanish rule began.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Compare one Christian belief with one Maya or Aztec belief, explain how Christianity reached Mesoamerica, and name one way religion shaped life in each region.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
On a blank map, mark Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Maya, and Aztec communities; draw an arrow tracing Christianity’s arrival in Mesoamerica.
Display short descriptions of Christian and Maya worship; ask, 'How did each belief shape a place of worship?'
Sort cards labeled 'one God,' 'Spanish missions,' and 'Maya temple' into belief, spread, or influence columns; justify each choice.
Compare a photo of Mexico City’s cathedral with a map of the former Aztec ceremonial center; discuss how conquest changed public worship.
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Printable 6.H.2 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 6.H.5
Identify trade routes and discuss their impact on the rise of cultural centers and trade cities in Europe and Mesoamerica.
- 6.H.1
Summarize the rise, decline, and cultural achievements of ancient civilizations in Europe and Mesoamerica.
- 6.G.2
Describe and compare major cultural characteristics of regions in Europe and the Western Hemisphere.
- 7.H.2
Describe, compare, and contrast the historical origins, central beliefs and features, and spread of major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Chri...
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