Aztec Chinampas: “Floating Gardens”

Introduce learners to the innovative farming techniques of the Aztecs with this world history-inspired reading comprehension worksheet. The Aztec people created one of the most powerful and accomplished civilizations in Mesoamerica. One lasting contribution the Aztec people made to agriculture was a type of farming called chinampas. This worksheet allows students to explore how Aztec farmers on an island in Lake Texcoco, near present-day Mexico City, created chinampas, or “floating gardens.” After reviewing chinampas farming innovations, students will answer several comprehension questions as they seek to understand how floating gardens allowed Aztec farmers to overcome significant challenges. As a bonus question, students can take their learnning one step further by researching modern examples of chinampas farming and how it's been adapted do meet 21st-century needs.