Create your own curriculum

A trip to Peru offers rich inspiration for creating an interdisciplinary educational curriculum. This may include hands-on activities designed based on the ages and main interests of the kids. For example, activities for a small group with younger kids may include simple crafts and matching games, while activities for a larger group with older kids may include trivia competitions or more complex cards or board games, role playing, etc.

Worldschooling families and groups who want to explore the area on their own but are looking for a way to keep learning about the region may use the following themes/sub-themes as study units for building a fun and interactive curriculum:

History and Archaeology:

• “The pre-Inca civilizations of ancient Peru”

Participants will learn about the most notable pre-Inca cultures which left a rich legacy in art, architecture, agriculture, and social organization; that made possible for the Inca Empire to emerge.

First, they will have the opportunity to learn about pre-Inca cultures from the north and center of Peru, such as Caral, the oldest known civilization in the Americas, Chavín, Moche, Chimú and others. In the second half of this unit, participants will learn about the pre-Inca cultures from the south of Peru, such as Paracas, Nazca, Tiahuanaco and Wari.

• “The Majestic Inca Empire”

Through this unit, participants will dive into the Inca Empire or Tahuantinsuyo, which became the largest empire in the world at the time—today, it’s still the largest empire to ever exist in pre-Columbian America. Stretching from modern-day southern Colombia to southern Chile, they ruled over western South America from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean.

First, the focus will be on the legends about the founding of the Inca Empire and the chronology of major events. And then, participants will discuss some of the most amazing aspects about the Incas, such as their outstanding advances in architecture, civil engineering, agriculture, medicine, etc.

• “Colonial and Republican Peru”

This unit explores the intricacies of the historical periods that came after the Inca times in Peru.

It focuses first on the Colonial period in Peru, spanning from the Spanish conquest in the 16th century to Peru’s independence in the 19th century, which marked a significant transformation for the region. Then participants will gain some perspective regarding the current situation of the country, where the legacy of Spanish colonialism is still as present as some of its ancient traditions.

Natural Environment:

• “The role of nature (Pachamama) in the Andean cosmovision”

The purpose of this unit is for participants to gain knowledge about the complex but fascinating Andean cosmovision, which more than a set of beliefs, is a way of perceiving and interacting with reality. 

First, there will be an introduction to the overall Andean cosmovision, highlighting the importance that living in harmony with nature and the cosmos plays within it. Then, the focus will be on the Pachamama or mother Earth as a crucial element in the Andean cosmovision.

• “The local flora: orchids, molles, cedars and others”

The Andes Mountains are a biodiversity hotspot, particularly known for their high number of endemic plant species, meaning plants found nowhere else on Earth. This unit focuses on the region’s unique trees and diverse flowering plants.

In the first part of the unit, participants will review important facts of the local flora through space and time, including the major threats to Andean flora diversity, like deforestation and overgrazing. Then, participants will learn more about some of the main species of Andean flora.

• “The local fauna: mammals, birds and others”

The Andes Mountains’ diverse ecosystems makes them home to a wide array of mammals, birds, reptiles and other animals.

In the first part of this unit, the discussion will be centered around the evolution of the local fauna through space and time. Then, participants will gain knowledge about the most notable species of local fauna.

Cultural Immersion – Art and Traditions:

• “Pre-columbian art”

Whether it is textile arts, pottery, metalwork, stone carvings, wood carvings, basketry, featherwork, or jewelry; Andean art encompasses a vibrant and multifaceted array of artistic manifestations which reflect the deep cultural heritage and spiritual connection to the environment that define the Andes region.

In this unit, participants will first learn about those art manifestations that have their roots in pre-Inca cultures, as well as those from Inca times. Modern Andean art will also be discussed as artists continue to draw inspiration from their rich cultural heritage, while showing adaptability to contemporary expressions.

• “Cultural syncretism in popular art and festivities”

Cultural syncretism in the Andes refers to the blending of indigenous Andean beliefs and practices with European influences.

This unit begins with a general introduction to the cultural syncretism concept given that understanding syncretism is crucial for appreciating the complexity and resilience of Andean culture. Then, participants will review some unique religious, artistic, and social expressions that are evidence of cultural syncretism, still today.

• “Traditional musical instruments, outfits and others”

This unit further explores Andean folklore manifestations that embody cultural history and identity.

First, the focus will be in the Andean musical expressions and melodies which often reflect the rhythms of nature and communal life in the highlands, featuring traditional instruments like the pan flute (zampoña), charango, and quena. Then, participants will explore the complexities of the traditional Andes clothing, the symbolic meaning it carries and the stories that each piece tells.

Cultural Immersion – Food and Agriculture:

• “Agricultural rituals and ceremonies from the Incas times”

The Inca calendar included many agricultural rituals that honored Pachamama (Mother Earth), Inti (the Sun God) and other deities to ensure fertile harvests while maintaining harmony and reciprocity between the people and the natural world.

Participants will first reflect on the importance of the agricultural activities during Inca times. Then, they will discuss some of the most important agricultural special seasonal ceremonies as well as the daily offerings and rituals involving coca leaves, chicha, and prayers to local huacas (sacred places).

• “Farming terracing, canals, and irrigation networks”

In Inca times, agriculture was highly advanced, with terracing, irrigation canals, and crop storage systems sustaining millions across diverse climates.

Through this unit, participants will learn about the secrets of Inca agricultural success. They will also discuss how these advances continue to influence sustainable farming in mountainous regions today. Their techniques inspire modern soil conservation, water management, and resilience to climate change.

• “Traditional crops: potatoes, quinoa, corn and more”