The first in a series of three books designed to aid teachers of grades 4-12 in the presentation of key aspects of the culture and history of Mexico addresses Mexico's Indian period, from the beginning of human life in Mexico to the final conquest of Mexico by the Spanish in 1521. The bilingual English and Spanish book, which lends itself to the Inquiry Method of teaching, includes text suitable for supplementary reading and activities regarding: Mexican geography; sites of major Indian ruins; the Olmecs; the Totonacs and their customs; the Toltecs and their leaders; Mayan art and science; the Aztecs and their daily life, markets, religion and sacrifices, science, legends, leaders, and games; and the arrival of Cortes and his final conquest of Moctezuma and the Aztecs. Each subject is accompanied by a black and white illustration which the student may color. Follow-up exercises include true-false quizzes, matching exercises, a time line, word games, map exercises, puzzles, a Spanish and Nahuatl pronunciation guide, and a glossary. Suggested activities, follow-up questions for each page of text, and a bibliography for teachers complete the book which may be reproduced for classroom use. (SB)