Virtual Field Trip: National Museum of Anthropology
2 mins read

Virtual Field Trip: National Museum of Anthropology

Ready to travel? To virtually explore the world? Join us on a virtual field trip to the National Museum of Anthropology!

Located in Mexico City, Mexico, the museum has 23 permanent exhibits and houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art. A few highlights in the museum include the Sun Stone or Aztec Calendar, a recreation of Pakal’s tomb in the Mayan exhibit room, and a jade mask of the Zapotec Bat God in the Oaxaca exhibit room.

See our video tutorial on using Google to explore the National Museum of Anthropology. Below is the process step-by-step, with additional activities and library resources.



Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Google National Museum of Anthropology.  Click on the Map view.

2. Zoom in close to the Museum and pick up the street view tool and select a location to drop.

3. Explore by clicking on the arrows and x’s to virtually explore the Museum. Use the back arrow at top left to go back to the map and drop street view tool again in another part of the Museum.


Guided Activities

1. What is the history and meaning behind the Stone of the Sun? Use the library’s databases, including Credo, to learn more about ancient Aztec, Olmec, and Mayan civilizations. Where did they live? What did they believe? Write out a “who, what, when, and where” report about these three civilizations.

2. Create a picture dictionary like the Aztecs, and use it to tell a story. For each letter of the alphabet, draw a simple nature picture – perhaps a crescent moon can represent the letter A and a star can stand for the letter B. Once you have your alphabet in place, write a brief story. Then, give it to a family member to decipher.

3. Frida Kahlo was a famous Mexican artist from the 1900s. She is best known for her self-portraits. A self-portrait is a drawing, painting, or sculpture of oneself. Using the template below and a mirror, create your own self-portrait. Then, share with your friends and family.


Continue Learning

Your library has a plethora of books and databases for you to use to learn more about ancient Mexican culture and history. You will need a Plano Public Library card to use these resources:

Quest for Aztec Gold by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

Mystery in Mayan Mexico by Marcia Wells

Jaguar Stones series by J&P Voelkel

Princess and the Warrior by Duncan Tonatiuh

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