Introduction

This lesson was developed as part of the Web Institute
for Teachers, 2003.

This lesson is designed to teach the history of the conquest of Perú during the 16th century by the Spanish forces under the command of Francisco Pizarro.

Learners

This lesson is designed for high school Spanish students.

The learners will need to know prior to beginning this lesson basic computer
and internet skills.

Curriculum Standards

USING TECHNOLOGY
Use appropriate instruments, electronic equipment, computers and networks to access information, process ideas and communicate results.

Illinois Foreign Language Learning Standards

29D. Understand history of areas where the target language is spoken

29.D.1 Recognize important people and events (e.g., special celebrations) in the history of areas where the target language is spoken

29.D.2 Use simple history vocabulary to identify historical concepts and trends (e.g., rise and fall of the Roman Empire, French Revolution

29.D.3 Identify key historical figures (e.g., scientists, mathematicians, inventors, business leaders) and events associated with areas where the target language is spoken and explain their influence

29.D.4 Compare and contrast the influences of historical figures and events and their impact on the development of their countries

29.D.5 Analyze different perspectives of historical events using a variety of media and technology tools

Process

Time Allocation

This project will take eight weeks for the students to complete. One 45 minute class period per week will be dedicated to this project.

During the first two sessions, the students will view the two 40 minute films "The Incas Remembered" and "Conquistador" in order to get an overview of the topic.

The third session, the students will be assigned to their groups, choose their
role and begin searching the internet for information they can use for their presentations.

The forth and fifth sessions will be when the character and his reporter prepare their presentations and visual aids.

The students will videotape their presentations during the sixth and seventh sessions.

During the eighth session the students' projects will be evaluated.

The Project

    1. First the student will be assigned to a team of 8 students.
   
    2. Each team will have 4 reporters and 4 characters to be interviewed,
         a. Francisco Pizarro, the leader of the Spanish Conqiustadores
         b. Sebastián de Benalcázar, a Spanish soldier
         c. Atahualpa, the Emperor of the Inca empire
         d. Rumiñahui, an Inca Indian

    3. A reporter will be assigned to each of the characters.

    4. The reporter and his assigned character will research and gather 
        information about various stages of the conquest according to the
        character's point of view at that time.

    5. A good reporter always researches his topic and knows as much about
        the topic as the person being interviewed. The job of the reporter is
        to use his questions to bring out the truth. The job of the character
        is to present his point of view about the events that occurred.

    6. The reporter and his character will produce a videotaped interview and
        a written report documenting the events. Since you are producing a
        video, the more visuals, (maps, posters, music, etc.), that you use in         your presentation - the better.

    7. The reporter and the character are required to use at least three 
        internet sources when they are gathering information for their 
        interview. Three sources are listed below. Remember, you are not
        limited to just these three sources.

http://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/hst/southamerican
           /HistoryoftheConquestofPeru/chap1.html

     Order of Interviews

       * Sebastián de Benalcázar
         Its 1531 and you, Sebastián, have just arrived in Tumbes with                  Pizarro's group of soldiers. Give a little background about where you're          from, what you have seen so far in South America, how you feel about          your leader, Pizarro, and what you hope to gain by being in this                  campaign with Pizarro.

       * Rumiñahui
          Its 1531 and Atahualpa has defeated his brother, Huascar, in a civil
          war to gain control of the Inca Empire. Give background about Inca
          society, how the average person lives, and the civil war.

       * Francisco Pizarro
          You have just captured Atahualpa during the battle of Cajamarca.
          Tell how you planned the battle, and how you feel about the                       outcome. Atahualpa has also offered a ransom for his freedom. Tell
          what you think you will have to do if the ransom is met.

        * Atahualpa
           You are the Emperor of the Inca Empire and you have been captured
           by Pizarro during the battle of Cajamarca. Tell why you allowed                    the Spanish to get to Cajamarca when they easily could have                    been destroyed on their journey from Tumbes. Tell your version of                what happened during the battle. You have offered a ransom for                your freedom; tell your plans for when you are free. 

        * Rumiñahui
             Atahualpa has been killed, and the Inca Empire is being destroyed.
           Tell what is happening to your people and your society. Tell what
           you think the future for your people will be.

        * Sebastián de Benalcázar 
           Pizarro has been killed by Almagro's followers. Tell why. Also tell
           about the changes that you consider positive that the Spanish have
           made for the Inca society. Also tell how the indian culture has
           changed the Spanish and European cultures.     

Resources Needed

• At least four computers that are connected to the internet, or access to the school's computer lab.
• A video camera.
• A VCR
• A television
  
• Large map of South America
• Various posters depicting Inca and indian scenes
  

Conclusion

When the students have completed this activity, they will have learned who the Incas were, how they organized their society and how and why their civilization was changed after they encountered the Spanish.
 

Credits & References

I used the following web sites as information sources.

http://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/hst/southamerican/HistoryoftheConquestofPeru/chap1.html

Implementation

Click here to view the Implementation Plan.