Here is a Seminary Lesson Plan that draws connections between modern archaeological discoveries (such as the newly found ancient Maya city “Valeriana” in Campeche, MX) and Joseph Smith’s translation of the Book of Mormon. It’s designed for a 45–60 minute session, with flexibility for group discussion or personal reflection.

Seminary Lesson Plan: “Ancient Cities and Sacred Records: What the Earth is Revealing”

Grade Level: 9–12
Time: 45–60 minutes
Theme: God preserves records; the Book of Mormon is a testimony of ancient civilizations once hidden but now coming to light.

Objective

Students will explore how modern discoveries, like the ancient city of Valeriana, may reflect the complexity and truth of the civilizations described in the Book of Mormon. They will understand that the Lord works through both spiritual and temporal means to fulfill prophecy.

Materials Needed

  • Scriptures: Book of Mormon (especially 3 Nephi 8–10, Omni, and Title Page)
  • Photos/articles of recent finds (e.g., Valeriana city in Campeche, MX)
  • Whiteboard or poster board
  • Printouts of Book of Mormon city names and descriptions
  • Optional: Timeline chart of Book of Mormon events

Lesson Outline

1. Opening Hymn & Prayer (5 mins)

  • Hymn suggestion: “An Angel From on High”
  • Opening prayer by a student or teacher

2. Introduction Activity (5 mins)

Prompt Question: “If you found an ancient city with thousands of structures buried beneath the jungle, what story might it tell?”

  • Brief discussion
  • Show photo or video of the recently discovered Valeriana city
  • Teacher shares a short summary of how LiDAR revealed 6,000+ structures

3. Scripture Focus (20 mins)

Read together:

  • 3 Nephi 8:5–25 – The destruction of cities at the time of Christ’s crucifixion
  • 3 Nephi 9:1–12 – The voice of Christ recounts which cities were destroyed and why
  • Omni 1:20–22 – The story of the large stone with engravings discovered by the people of Zarahemla
  • Title Page of the Book of Mormon – Emphasizes that these records were hidden and brought forth “by the gift and power of God”

Discussion Points:

  • What kind of civilizations are described in these verses?
  • Are the records spiritual and historical?
  • How does modern archaeology support the idea of great ancient cities in the Americas?

4. Connecting Past to Present (15 mins)

Teacher Presentation/Group Discussion:

  • The Jaredite and Nephite cities included massive structures, highways, and towers (see Helaman 7:10, Ether 10:5–12)
  • Show comparisons to Mayan cities like Tikal, El Mirador, and the new site Valeriana
  • Invite students to consider how Joseph Smith, a 24-year-old farmer in 1829, could describe ancient civilizations before such cities were widely known

Quote for Reflection:

“The Book of Mormon is not only a religious text but a record of a real people who lived, built, worshiped, and recorded.” — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

5. Testimony and Challenge (10 mins)

Testimony (Teacher or Student Volunteer):

  • Share personal testimony of the Book of Mormon’s truthfulness
  • Bear witness that truth will continue to come forth “out of the dust” (Isaiah 29:4; 2 Nephi 26:16)

Challenge:

  • Invite students to find one story in the Book of Mormon this week that involves a city, a civilization, or a prophetic warning
  • Ask them to write or share how that relates to our day

Optional Enrichment Activities

  • Map the destroyed cities from 3 Nephi and place them beside known Mesoamerican sites
  • Write a journal entry imagining you’re one of the survivors hearing Christ’s voice in the aftermath
  • Research National Geographic’s article on Valeriana and bring it into class next week