Graphic Novel - Greenwood Lakes Social Studies

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Graphic Novel
The Mayan Ballgame
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Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce this page for classroom use.
The Mayan Ballgame
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The Mayan Ballgame
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Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce this page for classroom use.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce this page for classroom use.
The Mayan Ballgame
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The Mayan Ballgame
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Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce this page for classroom use.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce this page for classroom use.
The Mayan Ballgame
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The Mayan Ballgame
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Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce this page for classroom use.
The Mayan Ballgame
GRAPHIC NOVEL
Background Summary
Many Mesoamerican cultures played a variation of the ball game called pok-a-tok. The Mayan
version of the ball game was rooted in their religion. While historians know some information about
the game, the exact rules are not entirely clear. For example, it is unclear what would happen to
the losing team. Some historians believe they were all executed, while others argue that only
the coach of the losing team was killed in ritual sacrifice. Some historians believe that the winning
team was executed, as it was considered an honor and a privilege to be sacrificed to the gods.
Have your students visit the website www.ballgame.org. This resource provides further background
about the game, including rules, uniforms, and equipment. The site also contains pictures of artifacts, as well as interactive simulations of the ball game.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce this page for classroom use.
Activities
Illustrating
After reading the graphic novel, tell students that while waiting for Zinna to feel better the
students on the field trip were able to see more of the Mayan civilization. Refer students to the first
panel of the graphic novel where the teacher describes the Mayan as “artists, astronomers,
warriors, and states-men.” Ask students to illustrate 2-3 panels of what they think the students
might see that would represent these traits.
Making Connections
Refer students to the panel in the novel where the priest hurls the ball into the court to signify
the start of the game. Ask students why they think the priest would be responsible for starting
the ball game. What significance did the ball game have to the Mayans? What role did religion have
in the Mayan culture?