What causes the Maya civilisation to disappear? - Teacher notes

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Mayan civilisation presents a complex challenge for students studying history. Teacher notes indicate that there is a lack of consensus among scholars regarding the precise reasons for the Mayans' decline. This topic demands that students engage critically with historical evidence, encouraging them to adopt the analytical mindset of historians. They are tasked with evaluating various pieces of evidence and theories, including that of Dick Gill, to discern potential truths about the collapse of this ancient civilisation.

Students are prompted to sift through the evidence presented to them, differentiating between what might have occurred, what did happen, and what likely did not occur in the context of the Mayan civilisation's demise. An essential learning outcome for the students is the understanding that historical theories are just that—theories—and not definitive explanations. The absence of concrete answers leaves much room for speculation and interpretation. This unit not only explores the enigma of the Mayans' disappearance but also reflects on the broader lessons we can learn from this civilisation and the importance of critical thinking in the study of history.