As a reference, you will need a detailed photograph of an Aztec temple. From here, you will need four flat cardboard boxes as well as a small cardboard box for the top of the temple. You will also need glue, posterboard, foam core, a box cutter, tan and gray paint, and paintbrushes. You might also want to place a tarp under your project to avoid making a mess.
To assemble your pyramid, start by cutting out four squares of foam core. The base piece should be your largest piece, getting smaller until you get to the fourth piece. While the particular measurements will vary depending on personal preference, it is important that the pyramid angles are acute. After cutting four squares of foam core, cut four pieces of cardboard in the exact same size. Glue these pieces to the bottoms of the foam core to reinforce the board. From here, you must decide how much space you want between each of your four layers of board. Leaving an inch or more between each board will give your pyramid ample height. Cut out two smaller slabs of foam core for each level of the pyramid, gluing them at near perpendicular angles to prop up each level of the pyramid. Use your box cutter to trim any excess board that protrudes from the pyramid. Once this board is glued down, cut two smaller pieces of foam core for each level to seal off each level of the pyramid. Trim any excess foam core on these sides as well.
Once you have solidified your base, cut a rectangular piece of foam core that will extend from the top of the pyramid to the bottom. Glue it to the top of the pyramid at a 45-degree angle, fashioning another piece of foam core to extend from the base of the pyramid to where the other end of the rectangular board hits the ground. Cut two smaller pieces of foam core to fit on the sides of the staircase. Using a box cutter, strip off the top layer of the foam core on the staircase. Use a pencil to draw straight lines on the staircase, tracing these lines with your box cutter to create the stairs.
The color of your Aztec pyramid will depend on which era you are working in. If you are looking to make a contemporary Aztec ruin, you will need lighter paint to highlight the fading of the rocks as well as the detailed wear and tear on all sides of the pyramid. This can be created by diluting the tan paint color you have. If you are making a Aztec pyramid that existed in the 12th to 16th century, make the color either gray or tan.
If you are making an Aztec pyramid with your kids, it is important to use proper safety precautions. Do not allow young children to use box cutters. If your children demand to cut their own boxes, give them child-friendly scissors to use. If you are using a hot glue gun to adhere small details and designs to the pyramid, it is important that you keep it on a piece of cardboard at all times. Once you have finished with it, turn it off.