Chocolate Vessels at Chaco Canyon Design Thinking Activity

This design thinking activity introduces students to the famous chocolate (cacao) vessels found at Pueblo Bonito at Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. It asks students to describe the black-on-white vessels and get them looking closely at their designs. Then, it asks them to compare the chocolate vessels to examples from Mesa Verde and further south in Mesoamerica. Finally, students use a worksheet to design their own black-on-white vessel similar to what they have been looking at.

This can be taken a step further and ask students to transfer their two-dimensional design to three dimensions using quick-drying clay.

This is a fun way to get students to develop better design thinking and close looking skills.

Plus, this engaging activity makes material culture about the Ancestral Puebloans come alive!

Teacher guide and slideshow included.

This activity was created by an expert in Indigenous art history. It is compatible with our informational text / reading about the ancient southwestern United States.

Includes:

1. A teacher guide with a link to a slideshow (to project or print)

2. The activity sheets (3 pages)

Ways you can use this:

• As a standalone activity related to the Ancestral Puebloans at Chaco Canyon or helping students learn the value of art and material culture as primary sources and design thinking

• As a companion to our informational text / reading about the ancient southwestern United States.

• Independent learning

• Homeschooling