The document is a research paper about Mexican culture written by Ramona Atkins and Jessica Forgety for their ESLP 4100 Inquiry Research course. It discusses what they learned about Mexican history, government, education, transportation and traditions from researching sources like the children's book Off We Go to Mexico! and the encyclopedia CultureGrams. The paper explores various aspects of Mexican culture both past and present through these information sources.

1. ESLP 4100 Inquiry Research
by
Ramona Atkins and Jessica Forgety

2. Krebs, Laurie. (2006). Off We Go to Mexico!
An Adventure in the Sun. Cambridge, MA.
Barefoot Books, Inc.
Off We Go to Mexico! is a children’s book that briefly explores
places that might be interesting to visit in Mexico. The pages
are full of brightly colored pictures showcasing the traditions
and history. At the end of the book is a brief history of
Mexico, a map of Mexico, a facts page of Mexico today, and
several Spanish phrases with English translations.

3. Inform knowledge: Our research gave us deeper insight into what
Mexican culture was like in the past and what it is today. We are
now more informed about Mexico and can see how this country is
making progress in modern technology, education, and efficient
transportation. We gained knowledge on how a republic
government controls most of the decisions in education and how
it still favors the wealthy. We learned about the ancient
preservation of the pyramids and how South America was first
populated. It helped us to see the importance of culture and
heritage and how it affects the choices we make today and what
we will do tomorrow.
Culture: Mexico’s culture reflects the traditional past and is a
combination of native tribe, Spanish, German, and French
influences. We chose to learn more about Mexico’s present
government and education system. We also researched Mexico’s
transportation system, popular fiestas, and ancient pyramids.

4. Why we want to learn about Mexican culture . . .
We want to learn about Mexico’s culture because we are a part
of a global society. Within our region of the United States, the
Hispanic population is growing rapidly. We must know the
history, and customs of our potential students in order to be
effective teachers.
Click the picture above to see a
video on places you might see if you
were to visit Mexico.

5. What is the
main means of What is the
Does Mexico average size
transportation
require all of a Mexican
for the
children to family?
majority of
attend school?
Mexicans?
Is Mexico’s
government
similar to the
United States
government?
What is a
Mexican
Fiesta?
Are there
still
pyramids in
Mexico?

6. FIESTA
SCHOOL

7. BOOKS MAGAZINE
INTERNET
INTERVIEW
TRAVELER
ENCYCLOPEDIA

8. Reading about its
culture in Off We
Go to Mexico! An
Adventure in the
Sun by Laurie
Krebs.
Exploring an
Encyclopedia
like
CultureGrams

9. What is the main The Metro subway transports over 8
means of million passengers daily. The microbus
transportation for the or minibus transports people from the
majority of Mexicans? secondary roads to the Metro. Very few
own their own cars. (Krebs, 2006)
?
Yes. Compulsory Basic education is required
Does Mexico require for grades 1 – 9 or for the ages 6 -15. The
Does Mexico require all
all children to attend government decides on the entire
school?children to attend school?
curriculum. Only 37% of the children will
graduate high school. All children must wear
a school uniform. (Krebs, 2006)

10. Mexican families typically
What is the average size include three children or more.
of a Mexican family? A household will often include
aunts, uncles, parents, and
grandparents. Mexican people
hold their family members of
high importance and take
respect and responsibility for
Is Mexico’s government similar to the
them seriously. (Brigam Young
United States government?
University, 2010)
What is Mexico’s Government Mexico is a federal republic. It
like? has 31 states and one federal
district. They have a president
that leads the country. He can
only lead one six-year term.
Voting is considered a duty, but
it is not enforced. (Brigam
Young University, 2010)

11. Mexican fiestas are festivals full of dancing,
What is a Mexican music, and mariachi bands. Similar to a
fiesta? parade in the United States, dancers will
stroll down the streets in full traditional
Mexican bright colored dresses. There is
plenty of good food. Three of the most
popular celebrations or fiestas are Semana
Santa, Guelaguetza, and Dia de la
Independencia. (Krebs, 2006)
Traditional Dance

12. Yes, there are still pyramids in
Are there still pyramids in Mexico. The Aztecs and
Mexico? Mayans built the pyramids.
The Aztec civilization was
advanced. They had a
government, business, and
agriculture. Many of today’s
Mexican citizens are
decedents of the Aztecs.
The pyramids were built as
government centers and
places of worship. There are
many pyramids that you can
visit if you go to Mexico.
(Amanda Belzer)

13. This pyramid is called
Palenque, and is Mayan.
It is reminiscent of the
structure of Asian
pyramids.
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/pyramids/palenque.html
This pyramid is called El
Castillo , which means castle
in Spanish. It has 365 steps. It
is Mayan, and the Mayan’s are
credited for our modern
calendar and time system.
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/pyramids/chichenitza
.html
This pyramid is called Avenue
of the Dead. It was created by
the Toltec people. It was one
of the largest cities in the
world.
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/pyramids/teotihuacan.html

14. •What kind of dancing would I find in Mexico?
•What languages do most Mexicans speak?
•What do people from Mexico prefer to be
called?
•What kind of food does the typical family
eat?
•What kind of economic disparity is there in
Mexico?

16.  Amanda Belzer, K. C. (n.d.). Native Webs.
Retrieved 2010 8-Febuary from Welcome to
The Pyramids of Mexico:
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/pyramids/
chichenitza.html
 Brigam Young University. (2010).
CultureGrams World Edition (Vol. 1).
Provo, Utah, United States: ProQuest LLC.
 Krebs, L. (2006). Off We Go to Mexico.
Cambridge, MA, United States: Barefoot
Books.

17. Allison. Missionary. (n.d.) “ Education in Mexico.” Mexican school children. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 2, 2012 from:
http://chief-cities.org/Culture_Education.html
Al Sidra Media LLC. Photographer. (2011). “Drug Cartel, Mexico.” Mexican government palace. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 3,2012
from: http://www.7days.ae/article/news/global/web-threat-mexican-cartel-29638
Belzer, Amanda. Publisher. (n.d.). “Palenque.” “Chichenitza.”.“Teotihuacan.” Pyramids. [images]. Retrieved Feb. 9, 2012
from: http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/pyramids/palenque.html
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/pyramids/chichenitza.html
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/pyramids/teotihuacan.html
Cash, Kerry. Photographer. (2007). “Mexican Bus Stop.” Bus stop. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 2, 2012 from:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kerrycash/525071508/
Dutta, Vishal. Photographer. (2009). “Minibus.” Mexican transportion. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 2, 2012 from:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39809462@N05/3719031793/
Khachatoorian, Travis. Blogger. (2007). “Mexican Family.” Mexican family generations. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 2,2012 from:
http://tkhachatoorian.blogspot.com/2011/04/mexican-familygovernment-manifestation.html
Kane, Kristen. Travel Guide. (2012). “Mariachi at a Mexican Fiesta.” Mexican entertainers. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 3, 2012
from: http://gomexico.about.com/od/beachesandresorts/ig/Los-Cabos- Photos/Mexican-Fiesta-Mariachi.htm
Martinez, Zarela. Chef. (2012). “Fiestas and why Mexicans Love to Party.” Mexican paraders. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 3, 2012
from: http://www.zarela.com/2010/fiestas-and-why-mexicans-love-to-party/
Mexico map. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 3, 2101 from: http://www.pageinsider.com/map
“National Geographic.” (2007). [image]. Retrieved Feb. 4, 2012 from:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thinkfeelgrow/3588692609/
Ortiz, Laura. President and Artistic Director. (2005). “Jalisco.” Mexican dancers. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 3, 2012 from:
http://www.quetzales.org/html/repertorie.html
Rafael. Author. (2010). “It’s Just a Simple Life.” Mexican welcome. [image]. Retrieved Feb. 2, 2012 from:
http://rafaelsos.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/15-de-septiembre/